Hole new level of fun — and competition — coming to mini but mighty stage this spring on Kaua‘i

There’s a hole new level of fun — with a competitive twist — coming to Kaua‘i this spring, and while some might call it mini, it will be more than mighty.

It might even tee up a few new putt stars in the making.

United States ProMiniGolf Association is bringing its U.S. Open to Hawai‘i for the first time.

Hitting the greens the weekend of May 15-17 at the island’s award-winning Kaua‘i Mini Golf & Botanical Gardens in Anaina Hou Community Park is the 28th installment of the association’s annual tournament.

Teams of 5 professionals and amateurs, randomly assigned, will take to the putt-putt links May 16 in Kīlauea for 10 rounds of the main United States ProMiniGolf Association U.S. Open tournament. Only those with the lowest scores will advance to the final rounds.

Saturday’s tournament is open to public viewing.

But before the weekend’s feature competition, you also can be part of the historic weekend.

Community members, businesses, tournament supporters and local clubs are invited to put together teams to participate Friday in a one-of-a-kind community-focused experience: United States ProMiniGolf Association U.S. Open Pro/Am Tournament.

The Pro/Am is open to the public and everyone is welcome, so your team can include family members, friends, co-workers, fellow church members — anyone you think will enjoy some mini golf, community service and all-around fun.

“Teams of 4 will be paired with a professional mini golfer, offering a rare opportunity to learn from the pros while enjoying friendly competition on our beautifully designed botanical garden course,” says the Pro/Am Tournament registration form. “This special event also raises funds for charity and provides an exceptional networking and entertainment opportunity for sponsors, guests and golf fans alike.”

There also are post-round pupus and a reception planned after the Friday fun tournament for everyone who participates.

“Join us for a memorable kickoff to U.S. Open weekend — uniting sport, community and the aloha spirit on the North Shore of Kaua‘i,” the registration form says.

Buy-in for the Pro/Am Tournament is a total of $600 for the entire team.

That buy-in — in addition to being paired with a professional mini golfer as the fifth team member and getting to play on Kaua‘i’s beautiful 18-hole botanical garden mini golf course — also gives teams access to tournament scoring and standings, on-site check-in support and event staff assistsance along with complimentary parking at Anaina Hou Community Park.

What to bring

• Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activity.
• Closed-toe or supportive footwear for walking the course.
• Sunscreen and sun protection (hat, sunglasses recommended).
• Light jacket or rain layer (Kaua’i’s weather can change quickly).
• Personal snacks if desired.

Plus one more must: Plenty of team spirit with a fun, competitive attitude.

An awards ceremony will be hosted May 17 at the Porter Pavilion in Anaina Hou Community Park.

The United States ProMiniGolf Association U.S. Open weekend finale will include a lunch buffet and live Hawaiian music, sponsor recognition and press photos, plus what everybody will be on the edge of the green waiting to hear — announcement of U.S. Open winners.

United States ProMiniGolf Association is the official governing body for professional miniature golf and recognized internationally by World Minigolf Sport Federation.

It has organized since 1995 national competitions and expanded pathways for American players to compete globally.

The US Open of Mini Golf is a flagship tournament of the association. It brings together professional and amateur mini golfers from throughout the country — now coming to Hawai‘i for the first time.

This is a fundraiser event. All sales are final. Should you not be able to attend, you will be provided options to convert your purchase into a donation.

Proceeds from the 2026 U.S. Open of Mini Golf weekend directly support:

• Improvements to the Kaua‘i mini golf course.
• Internship and youth program scholarship at Anaina Hou.
• Continued community recreation opportunities for Kaua‘i residents.

All professional and amateur players wanting to tee it up for the main 10-round tournament May 16 must be registered United States ProMiniGolf Association members. Their membership also must be active before tournament day.

Click here to register for a United States ProMiniGolf Association membership.

Cost to participate in the main tournament is a standard $190 for single-player registration.

Deadline to register for the Pro/Am Tournament on Friday and Saturday’s 10-round professional main tournament is April 30.

There’s no reason to kenow. Registration forms and additional details are available at the Anaina Hou Community Park website.

You also can find more information online about Kaua‘i’s 18-hole botanical garden mini golf course.