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Golf instructorAbout the Club
Discover the joy of golf with Ben Hongo, a distinguished PGA Professional boasting over 30 years of expertise in golf instruction. Renowned for his ability to enhance players' skills and passion, Ben is dedicated to tailoring a personalized path to help you thrive on the course.
Accolades speak volumes of Ben's commitment to excellence. He was honored as the 2023 Golf Professional of the Year by the Aloha Section, and his skills have earned him the Teacher of the Year award twice. Recognized for his impactful work in youth development, Ben has twice secured the Youth Development of the Year accolade. Additionally, his teaching prowess earned him a spot among the Best Teachers in Hawaii, as voted by Golf Diest.
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Reviews
Greg Culbert
★ 5
I took a lesson from Ben a few months ago. I usually score in the mid 80’s and had been stuck there now for a few years. We decided to focus on my short game, chipping and pitching in particular. Wow, total game changer. I now seldom 3-putt. I broke 80 twice this year and my golf handicap dropped by almost 3. I cannot recommend Ben highly enough.
Source: Google
Mishkin Derakhshan
★ 5
Ben fixed my slice. I'd give him 6 stars if I could.
In my opinion he's the best golf swing technician on the island. He's also not afraid to use cameras and launch monitors too so it's nice that there are numbers backing up what he is teaching. I took lessons when I was trying to break 90, and I saw him even after after I broke par. He knows what he is doing. He is an asset to the community as well, especially with everything he has done for the Junior golf programs on the island over the years. If you get the chance, take a lesson or have your junior see him. You won't regret it.
Source: Google
Zach LaPrade
★ 5
Ben is an excellent coach for both a quick tune up or long term swing development. If you're traveling to Maui, or if you are a local, set up a lesson with Ben and you don't be disappointed. Aloha
Source: Google
JoAnn Lee
★ 5
My introduction to golf began with a lesson from Ben during a vacation 10 years ago, and it’s become something I genuinely look forward to every year. I absolutely love the game, even though I’m a self proclaimed vacation golfer - and Ben totally gets that. Each time, we revisit the fundamentals, he helps me hit farther and straighter, and we spend time sharpening my short game. Golf can be incredibly frustrating, but Ben’s passion and the way he teaches with such enthusiasm makes me fall in love with the sport all over again, year after year.
Source: Google
Kathy Vicars
★ 5
I am a new student with Ben and have been very impressed. A long time golfer, I am looking to change up a few things. Ben is talented at “ diagnosing “ the issue. He has sent me before and after videos of each lesson and given me homework and drills to work on. So far, I am really happy with the results and like his simple break down of a complicated game.
Source: Google
J Laitue
★ 5
Great time with Ben….Ive been playing for a long time and it was great to get back to the basics that we all need to re learn from time to time. He has a really good eye for swing flaws.
Source: Google
Mike Rubin
★ 5
Thank you for all the help with my game over the last three years! It's been so fun to watch my index fall every year (now a 3.0) and your short game instruction has saved me over and over and over. I just want a little piece of your bunker skills!! Maybe one day! Mahalo Hongo!!
Source: Google
Brandon Arnds
★ 5
Our family has had an awesome experience with Coach Ben Hongo over the last three years. My two daughters and I have all taken lessons from Ben, and his knowledge of the game and the swing is incredible. He stays up to date with the latest tech, has a great coaching eye, and really helps with everything from swing fundamentals to course management and tournament prep. Ben’s also been an amazing guide for my daughters through junior golf. Couldn’t recommend him more!
Source: Google
Jerry Jorge
★ 5
I have known and used Ben Hongo as a PGA golf instructor for about 30 years. When my two sons were 8 & 12, I asked Ben to teach them and develop their golf game. They are both now “0” handicap players. Ben has been their instructor, as well as mine, the entire time. Ben has superior technical expertise. His ability to quickly identify a swing issue and suggest practice drills makes each lesson satisfying. I think that As a golf instructor, Ben is as good as it gets.
Source: Google
Owen Hegrenes
★ 5
I have had Ben Hongo as my swing coach for the past 3 years and he has transformed my game. His knowledge, patience, and dedication has helped me become the golfer I am today. He always pushed me to improve while believing in my potential, and I wouldn’t have reached this level without his guidance.
Source: Google
Jason Hegrenes
★ 5
My son has taken golf lessons from Ben for a few years and we could not be happier! Ben has been a great coach and our son has a swing that he can use for the rest of his life. Ben has even offered to caddy on a few occasions which has been great!
Source: Google
Glenn Ely
★ 5
I met Ben through my dad after his lessons 20
years ago? Ben improved his game tremendously… so my brother and I started to get lessons from him. Not only could Ben diagnose our issues (many!) he fixed them immediately. Ben is not only a great golf couch but even more he is a guy you want to talk to and be a friend with. He is a genuine person and a great friend. I can’t recommend any golf teacher more.
Source: Google
Lynn Foster
★ 5
Ben is an excellent and knowledgeable instructor! He is my go to when I need a tweak or ready to step it up a notch. He has helped my short game with some easy to understand strategies and practice routines. He also helped me improve my distance with some valuable suggestions and made it easy to understand and implement!! Thank You Ben!!
Source: Google
Caitlin Boyles Faulkner
★ 5
Ben is AMAZING! He is a staple of Kapalua! He is such an asset to the community that my husband’s family knew him when they lived on island. So, when I decided I wanted to pick up golf, there wasn’t even a question about who to call.
During our annual January trip to Maui, I would take lessons from Ben every week. He is so adaptable to each student to help him/her learn to the best of their abilities. I also want to point out he is incredibly patient. I have learned so much from him and I can’t wait to see him the next time we are there!
What makes the whole experience even sweeter is the view! We all know golf can be a fickle and frustrating game, however, even if I struggled I knew I could look out to the gorgeous ocean and still have a smile on my face.
If you’re ever on Maui and want to learn golf or improve your golf game he is the guy to see! In my opinion and I’m sure others would agree, Ben one of the absolute BEST golf instructors out there!
Source: Google
William Wachob
★ 5
I met Ben Hongo in early 2003 when I took part in a 3-day Kapalua Golf Academy program.
My golf game was at a low point and while I enjoyed playing I was tired of my weak push right (slice) off the tee and my inability to hit quality irons.
Ben immediately saw my problem, a wide-open face and an outside in golf swing. For three days I worked on a strong left-hand grip and a more inside out swing. The results were amazing. I left the 3-day session being able to hit a 3 iron over 200 yards and I had a solid foundation to work on.
Over the last 20 years I would see Ben every trip to Kapalua (3-4 times per year) for a lesson or a round of golf. I could see the progress.
What I liked about Ben was that we always came back to the basics. He was consistent in his instruction and ball after ball I could see and feel the difference. My handicap has gone down (barely able to break 100 to now in the low 80’s). Why? Ben Hongo! He took a somewhat athletic person with a terrible golf swing and bad fundamentals and with his eye made me a better ball striker and a more confident and consistent golfer.
If you are thinking about lessons and wondering if they can make a difference – just do it. And if you are looking for an instructor who can make it happen for you, Ben Hongo is your guy. He made all the difference with my game.
Professor UCSD / Political Media Consultant
Bill Wachob
Source: Google
Chris Kaiwi
★ 5
I’ve been very fortunate to call Ben a close friend BUT more importantly my Golf instructor for the past 3 decades.
He has seen my swing come from “way over the top to on plane”. His approach to his golf instruction is tailoring a teaching style that fits my goals. He identified my flaws, communicated clearly our direction and made changes that would best accomplish our goals and results.
A good instructor explains things clearly and listens. Some teachers like details and technical explanations, Ben kept things simple, direct and with reasons.
Our Westside community of Maui is very fortunate to have Ben as one of Maui’s Best Golf Instructors.
Give Ben a call and book your next golf lesson! Mahalo’s Ben! 😎
Source: Google
Susan Havens
★ 5
In addition to being a patient golf instructor, Ben is very knowledgeable and knows how to fix things quickly. His lessons are also fun!
Source: Google
David Ward
★ 5
I have known Ben both personally and professionally for over 25 years. I appreciate his approach to the game of golf. His advice is both thoughtful and most of all HELPFUL. He doesn't get overly technical (which could drive a novice crazy) when analyzing swing flaws. His recommendations have always been practical and on point.
He won't promise or attempt to turn you into a PGA professional in one setting, but I guarantee you will walk away from a lesson more knowledgeable and with useful tools to improve your game. HE'S THE BEST MAUI HAS TO OFFER (which is saying a lot)!
Source: Google
Samantha Stockwell
★ 5
Ben is a phenomenal teacher, very easy to work with and makes setting up lessons easy as can be. His lessons leave me with a whole new skill set and continues to build on my progress at each lesson.
Source: Google
Tony Young
★ 5
Ben is an exceptional golf instructor whose insight and attention to detail set him apart. He quickly identifies what holds your swing back and explains fixes in clear, simple terms. Every lesson feels personalized, with his focus always on helping you improve, not just getting through a session. He cares deeply about his students’ progress and goes out of his way to ensure you leave with real results. His calm, professional approach builds confidence and consistency. If you want to understand your game and see real improvement, Ben is the instructor to see in Maui.
Source: Google
Eiichiro Kuwana
★ 5
I have worked with Ben for close to three decades, and while I continue to be a work-in-progress, that is not Ben’s fault and is totally on me. Ben is my go-to person for lessons because his teaching style derives from and supplements both muscle memory and mental visualization, as the combination makes it easier for students to grasp what Ben teaches. I tell anyone who is a student of golf and visiting Maui to seek out Ben for lessons.
Source: Google
marc dagupion
★ 5
So I Finnaly broke 80 and wanted to be in the low 70s you know the self taught type
practice for hours and just hit the range every other day
So i went to see Ben Hongo
We mainly worked on putting
We worked on technique more you know do the hand grip
Do the Shoulder -the head should do this- non of that we worked with what I had the lesson was simple
They way he describe how putting, the stroke
Was easy to understand. I can’t say what was taught then it would be free 😂😂😂go see Ben
His short game and putting is the best
Shot 73 yesterday
Source: Google