The Orchid, Hawaii  

- “One of the most breathtakingly beautiful seaside golf courses in the world,” is how Golf Magazine described the Francis H. I’I Brown Golf Course here on the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii. In doing so, it was comparing the course to Pebble Beach, Cypress Point and Turnberry in Scotland. The Orchid at Mauna Lani to which the golf course belongs, received the golf medal from Golf Magazine and is considered one of the US’s finest golf courses.

It is also consistently lauded as one of the world’s top golf courses by readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine. It has been ranked as number 1 overall on the island, and number 10 in the country. It has been ranked number 1 for other activities, food and accommodations. Mauna Lani means “Mountains Reaching Heaven” and the description couldn’t be more apt for this location on the Kohala Coast. The weather is excellent with 365 days of sunshine a year. Temperatures range from 88 during the day to 73 in the evening. What more could a golfer want?

Of course the main attraction for the golfer is the 7,015 yard par 72 South Course at Mauna Lani, the prestigious home of the Senior Skins Games (Together with the North Course, the award-winning Francis H. I’i Brown Course provides 36 holes of continuous play that is both beautiful and challenging for pros and amateurs alike.)

The emerald fairways of the south are situated on open, black forms of rough lava which offer great views of the blue Pacific and dramatic contrasts of color.

The south course features two striking ocean holes –7 and 15—both of which have become signature holes. Seven south is a picturesque par three framed by the ocean on the left, a salt-and-pepper sand dune on the right, and back-dropped by a feathery kiwi tree grove. On-shore wind comes into play on this charming downhill hole and blue tee shots must carry over 200 yards of shoreline lava cliff.

Fifteen is the ocean hole even non-golfers recognize as Mauna Lani’s signature hole. Here blue and white tee shots must carry crashing surf and strong cross-winds come into play. During the winter whale watching temptations can seriously distract the golfer.

The north course, with its smooth brown lava, has an emphasis on rolling fairways where trees come into play. Groves of twisted kiwi trees along the fairway edges and a more pronounced topography make the holes here seem quite a contrast from the south 18. And don’t be surprised to see feral goats roaming the course either.

It’s worth noting that on the north course trade winds can be strong and this is particularly true on the fourth hole where the shot must carry a gully designated as an archeological preserve. The approach shot to the green is further challenged by two large amorphous traps in front. On the long par four ninth hole the green is guarded by a tidal pond and sand on the right, with sand on the left. Here the scenery is spectacular with a blue ocean and a salt and pepper rock beach contrasting with lava, but be aware that if a Kona wind is blowing it will change the orientation of the narrow green.

Seventeen is the signature hole on this course. The short par three amphitheater appeals to the artists in everyone and the golfer looks down from elevated tees to the green in the bottom of a deep lava bowl. Club selection here depends on your personal distance and fitness. This hole is so picturesque it should be played with your camera as well as your clubs.

Water hazards come into play throughout and several holes are contiguous with the ocean. There are as many as five different tee positions on most of the holes to give golfers a wide range of options in meeting the challenging conditions.

Both courses will satisfy every level, however. Because they are designed with flexibility in mind and retain many of the natural features of the landscape, both courses appeal to the recreational golfer and can readily be tightened to meet the standards of tournament play.

Other activities in the area include visiting the 3,000 “petroglyphs”, those carvings that commemorate the day-to-day activities and beliefs of the people who etched them. The Hawaiian Islands themselves and the Mauna Lani Resort are built upon 10,000 year old lava flows from Mauna Loa, the most massive mountain in the world. The dormant volcanoes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are the two tallest on the island but if they were measured from their true base on the ocean’s floor, both summits would tower more than 32,000 feet, making them the tallest mountains in the world.

The flank of Mauna Loa is said to be where the goddess Pele resides. There’s no doubt that if she were a golfer she’d be pleased with the resort she overseas.

When not golfing, the visitor can enjoy day trips that include spectacular helicopter tours of the island including its active volcano and the lush Hamakua coastline; snow skiing on the slopes of Mauna Kea, snorkel cruises, submarine trips, visits to coffee plantations and whale-watching excursions.

Golf packages are available. The “Birdies” package includes one round of golf with cart, per person, per day at the Francis H. I’i Brown championship golf course; bag storage, shuttle to and from the course; overnight valet parking and unlimited use of the Fitness Center. After April 1, enjoy unlimited golf for two.

Website: http://www.fairmont.com/orchid