Cost of Golf Membership at Clubs in Hawaii

Kohanaiki in Kailua-Kona, HI - view of Clubhouse
The Club at Hokuli'a in Kealakekua, HI - view of Clubhouse
Nanea Golf Club in Kailua-Kona, HI - view of Clubhouse

Golf membership costs in Hawaii vary dramatically between traditional country clubs and ultra-exclusive resort clubs. Initiation fees can range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars. Waialae Country Club reports a $70,000 initiation fee and approximately $13,200 in annual dues. Oahu and Mid-Pacific Country Clubs represent other established private-club options, with costs varying by membership category. Members may also pay capital assessments, food minimums, cart charges, locker fees, and guest golf fees. Invitation requirements and waiting lists can make gaining membership more difficult than simply paying the required fees.

Hawaii’s luxury resort communities occupy the upper end of the membership-cost spectrum. Nanea Golf Club is exceptionally exclusive, with recent estimates placing its initiation fee as high as $1 million. Other Big Island clubs, including Kukio, Kohanaiki, Hualalai, and Hokuli’a, can require substantial initiation deposits and annual club dues. Some resort memberships are connected with purchasing qualifying real estate, making the total financial commitment considerably greater. These clubs typically provide championship golf alongside restaurants, fitness centers, pools, beaches, spas, and extensive recreational amenities. Annual ownership expenses, assessments, golf charges, and community fees can add substantially beyond the initial membership payment.

More traditional Hawaii clubs generally provide a less expensive alternative, although membership remains costly compared with public golf. Mid-Pacific Country Club charged proprietary members $896 monthly during its published 2023–2024 schedule, including operating and capital dues. That schedule also listed $22 for an 18-hole cart and $88 for a member guest round. Oahu Country Club’s published 2024 schedule listed an $20 cart fee and $100 guest rate, including the cart. Membership pricing frequently changes according to residency, age, membership category, golf privileges, and current club demand. Prospective members should therefore verify initiation fees, dues, assessments, and additional charges directly before comparing Hawaii golf clubs.

Estimated Membership Costs for Some Top Golf Clubs in Alabama

Golf Club City Initiation Fee Annual Dues
Nanea Golf Club Kailua-Kona $500,000–$1,000,000 $25,000–$50,000
Kukio Golf and Beach Club Kailua-Kona $500,000–$1,000,000+ $40,000–$75,000
Kohanaiki Kailua-Kona $400,000–$750,000 $40,000–$70,000
Hualalai Golf Course Kailua-Kona $300,000–$500,000 $35,000–$60,000
The Club at Hokuli’a Kealakekua $250,000–$400,000 $30,000–$50,000
Makena Golf & Beach Club Kihei / Makena $250,000–$500,000 $35,000–$60,000
Waialae Country Club Honolulu $50,000–$100,000+ $10,000–$30,000
Oahu Country Club Honolulu $25,000–$50,000 $10,000–$20,000
Mid-Pacific Country Club Kailua $15,000–$30,000 $8,000–$12,000
Hoakalei Country Club Ewa Beach $25,000–$50,000 $8,000–$15,000