Golf: Greenest greens ever

Big hitters and fairway runners alike will enjoy the Hilo area’s 18- and 9-hole courses. Hilo’s municipal course does the city proud, with fun, long-running links and great views. Experienced golfers will want to experience the Volcano Course, on the slopes of the Mauna Loa.

These are not your overpriced Hawaiian resort courses. In general, the Big Island east’s greens fees are reasonable and the courses don’t skimp on those terrific island views.

Volcano Golf Course: Play 18 on the rim of the Kilauea crater — and forget about those balls lost to lava. The 6,500-yard course is located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, about a half hour away from Hilo down Route 11.

Expect a challenge, especially on the greens as the ball breaks in mysterious ways toward the gigantic Mauna Loa volcano. Greens fees run $70 for visitors. The carts included, and you’ll need it because the course is something like 4,000 feet above sea level. There’s a $15 break in the cost after noon. Rental clubs available. Give our regards to No. 15. (808) 967-8228. Pi’i Mauna Drive, Volcano, Hi.

Hilo Municipal Golf Course: “The Muni” serves up 18 holes across 6,325 yards. Views of Hilo Bay. Tee boxes look down on flat fairways on which balls tend to run. No bunkers. Good for long hitters and high handicappers. Greens fees about $45 with $5 off for weekdays. 340 Haihai St., Hilo (808) 959-7711 (Map to golf course)

Naniloa Country Club: Let’s play two! This nine-hole course in the Banyan Drive area features beautiful views of Hilo Bay. Greens fees are reasonable for the islands — $40-45, cart included. 120 Banyan Drive, Hilo. (808) 935-3000. (Map to golf course)

Waimea Country Club: Worth the hour-plus drive up the coast from Hilo. Outstanding fast greens and 6,600 yards to cover. Views of the ocean and the volcano Mauna Kea. Four par 5s await power hitters on this Scottish links-style course. Fees run upwards of $100 for non-residents wanting a cart. $20 discount after 1 p.m. Preview the Waimea golf course, hole by hole. (808) 885-8777. (Map to golf course)

Tee Time Hawaii handles the necessities for most golf courses and offers some discounts.