The Color of Money

Despite the economic climate, the islands’ finest private golf clubs continue to thrive as courses and communities offer enticing privileges and programs to draw new membership and please their established clientele.

Hoakalei Country Club
O‘ahu’s newest green gem, opened in January 2009, spans 248 acres along ‘Ewa Beach and represents world champion Ernie Els’ first golf project in Hawai‘i. According to Hoakalei Country Club general manager Mike Biscotti, “What’s truly exciting is that Hoakalei is the first private golf club built on the island in 30 years, and the very first one located in West O‘ahu.” 
   
Membership director Tulinh Luciano-DeSmith adds, “Our members are enthusiastic about being part of the growth and enlisting family and friends to join. Hoakalei Country Club is a non-equity club that partners with their members to ensure that membership is by invitation only.” In addition to receiving exclusive privileges throughout the Hoakalei Resort, members also enjoy the Palmer Privilege program, which provides access to selected clubs and hotels, along with complimentary green fees, at golf courses on the mainland. 808.853.4346, hoakaleicountryclub.com.

The King Kamehameha Golf Club
Originally designed by Ted Robinson Sr., Maui’s only private course offers sweeping views of Haleakalā and Mā‘alaea Bay. The club’s membership has grown significantly in the last year because of its flexible programs, including the popular Hoapili social membership. “We’re really excited about our newest offering,” explains Rick Castillo, director of golf. “We created this affordable new plan where you can join for $10,000 and play 15 free rounds of golf... it’s a perfect fit for recurring visitors who do not need a full membership.”  In addition, the King Kamehameha Golf Club smartly offers interested islanders and visitors a “Member for a Day” program for $180 that includes a round of golf and lunch in the architecturally significant clubhouse originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright as a residential house for Marilyn Monroe and husband Arthur Miller. 808.243.1025, kamehamehagolf.com.

Kūki‘o
From the tee box of the 17th hole of Tom Fazio’s epic championship course, golfers can breathe in the dramatic views of the Kohala Coast with a cloud-shrouded Maui lurking in the distance. Currently, Kūki‘o stands as the only private-equity golf and beach club on Hawai‘i Island. When it comes to membership incentives, Mark Sursely, director of golf, declares, “Honestly, the incentive is the product itself—it is unequaled in Hawai‘i as far as the condition of the course, the facilities and the level of service. Everywhere you turn it’s a heightened experience.” Well-stocked comfort stations dot the course offering gourmet treats like fresh fruit salad, homemade ice cream sandwiches, ice cold artisan beers and Mai Tais. While the purchase of real estate is required for membership (lots start at $1 million), Sursely adds, “People are blown away by the place and that’s the draw.” 808.325.4040, kukio.com.