The Department of Parks and Recreation announced the start of the County’s West Hawai‘i Golf Subsidy program which begins on January 3 of 2022.

Under the program, Hawaiʻi County residents will be qualified for subsidized golf opportunities  at Waikoloa Village Golf Course and Makalei Golf Club through June 30, 2022.

Hawai‘i County residents can qualify to play an 18-hole round of golf, inclusive of golf cart usage, for $40; residents 60 years of age or older are eligible for the same privilege at $35 (“Senior” rate). Residents under the age of 18 will pay $20 (“Junior” rate). These rates apply to all tee times beginning at 7:00 a.m. up until 60 minutes before sunset, regardless of the time of day, day of the week, or holidays.

Through this program, the first 833 rounds of golf at Waikoloa Village Golf Course and the first 1,200 rounds of golf at Makalei Golf Club played by qualified Hawai‘i County residents in each calendar month will receive discounted rates. Once the number of discounted rounds is exhausted at each course in each calendar month, the respective golf course may revert to a rate schedule of their own determination until the count resets on the first of the following month.

To qualify for the Hawai‘i County Resident rate, individuals must present a valid Hawai‘i Driver’s License or Hawai‘i State Identification Card at the time of check-in for payment and play. In addition, all golfers must provide their full name and home address at the time of checkin to qualify for the reduced rates. To qualify for the junior rate (if the individual does not possess a Hawai‘i Driver’s License or Hawai‘i State ID card), he or she must provide the following at the time of check-in:

(1) a Student ID card and a document proving their date of birth, or

(2) a Student ID card and a document that includes their photo and date of birth, or

(3) be accompanied to the course by a parent of family member older than 18 years of age, and provide their birth certificate.

As a requirement of this program, Hawai‘i County residents shall be afforded the same opportunities, services, equipment, and enjoyment of the golf course and amenities as golfers who pay full or unsubsidized rates for rounds of golf.

There is no limitation on how many subsidized rounds any individual may play. Play at each course shall adhere to the rules established by the respective golf course’s management with the following exception: Hawai‘i resident golfers shall be allowed to bring onto the course their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages for personal consumption during play with restrictions on the type and size of containers. Coolers, however, are prohibited.

Residents can call 325-6625 with questions regarding tee time availability. For specific questions  regarding the subsidy program or for issues that arise during play that the respective golf course’s management cannot resolve, the Department of Parks and Recreation can be reached at 961-8311.