Storied O‘ahu club secures seven major industry accolades
KALAUAO, O’ahu, Hawai’i – Pearl at Kalauao is celebrating a banner year of national, regional and community awards following the club’s 12-month modernization of its golf course, practice facilities, clubhouse and new short course.
Highlighting Pearl at Kalauao’s transformation into one of Hawaiʻi’s premier public golf destinations, the club earned seven notable accolades spanning golf course design, junior programming, food and beverage excellence, workplace culture and community impact.
Golf Inc.
2026 Golden Fork Awards – Second Place, Remodeled Public/Resort F&B Facility
- Golf Inc., a leading publication for golf course developers, owners and management companies, annually recognizes the top dining facilities (Golden Fork Awards) at public and private golf clubs.
- Fourteen golf venues were recognized in 2026 for introducing new dining facilities, improving existing spaces or crafting innovative food programming.
- Pearl at Kalauao’s culinary program was honored for substantially improving existing spaces, while also implementing a strong farm-to-table approach.
- The ‘Āina Pauahi menu highlights locally grown and produced ingredients sourced from lands owned by Kamehameha Schools, honoring the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop.
2025 Clubhouse of the Year – Third Place, Remodeled Public/Resort Facility
- Golf Inc., annually recognizes new and remodeled clubhouses at top public and private clubs. Judging of “Clubhouse of the Year” entries was based on efficiency, aesthetics, vision and sustainability. Winners were chosen through blind judging.
- Pearl at Kalauao was celebrated for its efficient use of space and cohesive design—where each area transitions seamlessly into the next—visually appealing architecture, modern sustainability practices and strong revenue performance.
2025 Renovation of the Year – Honorable Mention, Public Course/Resort
- Golf Inc., annually recognizes the top golf course renovations of the year. Judging for “Renovation of the Year” entries was based on achievement of goals, improved playability, maintainability and course aesthetics.
- Pearl at Kalauao was celebrated for their two-phased construction approach that directly confronted two critical issues: worsening agronomic conditions and deferred infrastructure.
- The successful renovation achieved four overarching goals: renewed local and guest interest, increased shot variety, understated luxury and maintenance that efficiently conserves resources.
Golf Digest
2025 Best Transformation – Honorable Mention
- Golf Digest recognizes clubs that have undertaken substantial architectural, structural or strategic alterations; a very competitive set of 14 candidate clubs were reviewed by panelists.
- Pearl at Kalauao was highlighted for its tactical approach to modernizing the course for the next generation, while carefully preserving the club’s character and natural beauty.
KITV 4 Island News
2025 Hawaiʻi’s Best Viewers’ Choice Awards – Winner
- The annual competition asks Hawaiʻi residents to vote for their favorite local businesses in various categories.
- Pearl at Kalauao is now a multi-time winner after being named “Best Golf Course” by residents.
Pacific Business News
2025 Hawaiʻi’s Best Workplaces – 1 of 26 organizations
- The respected news organization highlighted companies whose operations are changing the state’s business landscape for the better.
- Following the club’s recent transformation, consumer demographics have shifted toward next-generation and lifestyle-oriented players. The golf course and clubhouse renovations frequently garner positive reviews and foster a renewed sense of pride with the community.
American Junior Golf Association
First-ever AJGA tournament in Hawaiʻi
- AJGA represents the highest level of junior golf worldwide, with a legacy of world-class competition, iconic venues and alumni including many of today’s best professionals.
- This tournament marked a significant achievement for junior golf development in Hawaiʻi while reinforcing the club’s growing national profile.
- With incredibly talented fields featuring the best domestic and international players, Pearl has been distinguished as the only venue in Hawaiʻi to host this respected tournament series.
“I have played a lot of courses throughout my PGA TOUR career. Pearl at Kalauao’s renovation is just incredible,” explained seven-time PGA TOUR winner and current University of Hawaiʻi men’s golf coach, Scott Simpson. “It is still very playable for the average player, but the greens will test the strategy and precision of the best players. You have so many risk vs. reward choices. That makes rounds fun and challenging.
“I love the new greens with their shapes and contours. They remind me of the Alister MacKenzie greens that I have played at Augusta National and Pasatiempo. You really need to plan and think your way around Pearl to score your best.”
With momentum continuing into 2026, Pearl at Kalauao remains committed to providing exceptional experiences while serving as a leader in Hawaiʻi’s golf, hospitality and business communities.
“These awards are wonderful validations of the vision, effort and investment that went into revitalizing our historic club,” said Ed Kageyama, a Class A PGA Professional and General Manager of Pearl at Kalauao. “Everyone’s shared goal was to convert the course into a challenging test for the world’s best, while remaining approachable and enjoyable for all skill sets.
“We are humbled and encouraged by the continued positive feedback of our transformation.”
To learn more, book tee times, dining reservations, group inquiries and upcoming event information, visit www.pearlatkalauao.com.