Hawaii is proud host of the U.S. Open Mini Golf Championship for 2026

Kauai welcomes 150 competitors in May

The 2026 U.S. Open Mini Golf Championship will take place May 16-18 on Kauai, marking the first time in the tournament’s nearly 30-year history it will be held in Hawaii.

Anaina Hou Community Park in Kilauea on the North Shore will host the event after the U.S. Pro Minigolf Association partnered with the nonprofit park.

About 150 professional and amateur competitors are expected from across the country and around the world.

Competitive mini golf is real sport

Mini golf has a professional circuit, and it’s been around longer than you might think.

The U.S. Pro Minigolf Association has organized tournaments since 1997 and serves as the American affiliate of the World Minigolf Sport Federation. The sport includes divisions for pros, seniors, women, juniors, and amateurs.

Players compete for cash prizes and national rankings, and the organization sanctions events across the country each year.

Three days of putting in paradise

The tournament runs three days. Friday kicks off with a Pro-Am, where amateurs play alongside the pros.

Saturday and Sunday bring the main championship rounds, with an awards ceremony to close it out. Hundreds of spectators are expected on-site throughout the weekend.

Can’t make the trip? The whole event streams online for a national audience.

Myrtle Beach holds mini golf crown

The U.S. Open has traditionally rotated among mainland courses, with Myrtle Beach serving as the sport’s unofficial capital.

The area boasts over 30 courses and hosts the annual Masters tournament every October at Hawaiian Rumble, a course built around a 40-foot volcano with tropical theming. Moving the U.S. Open to actual Hawaii brings that fantasy setting to life.

Kauai course challenges skilled players

This isn’t your average mini golf course. The 18 holes at Anaina Hou wind through a botanical garden, with each hole representing a different era of Kauai’s history.

Water hazards, clever sand traps, and tricky angles challenge even skilled players. The course showcases native Hawaiian plants and Polynesian-introduced species throughout the grounds.

Visitors describe it as one of the toughest courses they have ever played.

Nonprofit park serves island community

Anaina Hou Community Park operates as a nonprofit organization.

Bill and Joan Porter, founders of E-Trade, donated the land and funded development of the 30-acre campus. The park includes a playground, hiking trails, farmers market, and event pavilion.

Programs serve families from keiki to kupuna through education, arts, and recreation. Proceeds from the championship will support youth programming on the island.

Event may bring million-dollar boost

The tournament could pump about $1 million into Kauai’s economy.

May hits a sweet spot for the island, falling between the winter holiday rush and summer tourism uptick. Hotels, restaurants, and local shops across the island stand to benefit from the influx of competitors and fans.

Tourism already drives about a third of Kauai’s economy, so the timing works well.

Mayor Kawakami praises championship partnership

Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami praised the event in a statement, noting it brings positive national attention to the island. The mayor highlighted the support for local businesses and youth programs the tournament provides.

He thanked organizers for creating an experience that reflects Kauai’s values of community and aloha. Kawakami has served as mayor since 2018, and his term ends in 2026.

North Shore offers stunning backdrop

Kilauea sits on Kauai’s lush North Shore near Hanalei, an area known for dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and tropical greenery. Nearby attractions include Secret Beach and Kilauea Lighthouse.

The setting offers competitors and spectators a true Hawaiian backdrop for the tournament. Visitors can combine the championship with exploring what locals call the Garden Isle.

Registration open for all skill levels

Registration information is available through Anaina Hou and the U.S. Pro Minigolf Association. Both professional and amateur divisions welcome competitors of all skill levels.

Spectators can attend in person at the park throughout the weekend. Online streaming will be available for those who cannot travel to Kauai.

Sponsorship opportunities are also open for businesses wanting to support the event.

Mini golf draws millions of Americans

More than half of Americans play mini golf at least once a year, but most have never seen it played competitively. That’s starting to change.

Sanctioned tournaments and media coverage are bringing the sport’s competitive side into the spotlight. Family-friendly courses are expanding across the country as interest grows.

Hosting a major championship in Hawaii may introduce new fans to this beloved pastime.

Championship supports island mission

The event reinforces Anaina Hou’s mission of recreation, education, and environmental care. Funds raised will help preserve the botanical garden and native plant collection on the grounds.

Youth programs and community enrichment initiatives receive direct support from tournament proceeds. The partnership shows how local nonprofits can create island-wide benefits while putting Kauai on the national stage.

Plan your visit to Anaina Hou

If you want to try the course yourself, Anaina Hou Community Park sits at 5-2723 Kuhio Highway in Kilauea on Kauai’s North Shore. The park opens daily, with mini golf hours running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. most days.

Admission costs about $18. 50 for adults and $15 for children ages 4-12.

The 30-acre campus also features a large playground, hiking and biking trails, and a weekly farmers market.

This article was created with AI assistance and human editing.

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