U.S. Open mini golf championship heading to Kaua‘i in May

Anaina Hou Community Park and the Professional Minigolf Association announced on Jan. 14, 2026 that the 28th annual U.S. Open Mini Golf Championship will be held at Anaina Hou in Kīlauea from May 16 to 18. The event marks the first time the national tournament will take place in Hawai‘i and is expected to draw roughly 150 professional and amateur competitors from across the United States and abroad.

The tournament will use Anaina Hou’s tournament-quality, custom-designed mini golf course and is projected to bring hundreds of on-site spectators and a national online audience. Organizers say the partnership aims to raise Kaua‘i’s profile as a visitor destination while creating a weekend of sport and community activity on the North Shore.

Local impact will be concentrated in hospitality, transportation, and small business markets. A mid-May influx of competitors, fans, and online viewers is likely to increase demand for lodging, restaurants, short-term rentals, and ground transportation. Event organizers have encouraged local volunteers and businesses to engage with event planning and hospitality, which could create temporary employment and vendor opportunities for Kaua‘i enterprises.

The announcement raises straightforward policy questions for county leaders and agencies charged with permitting, public safety, and infrastructure. Parks maintenance, traffic management, parking enforcement, and public sanitation will all see heightened pressure during the tournament weekend. County coordination with law enforcement, emergency services, and the parks department will be necessary to manage crowds and protect both residents’ access to public spaces and visitor experience.

There is also a governance opportunity to steer economic benefits toward local residents. County officials and event planners can prioritize local hiring, vendor selection, and community-led volunteer programs to keep revenue and visibility within Kaua‘i. Transparent permitting, clear communication about road closures or parking restrictions, and advance planning for waste and restroom services will be crucial to limiting disruptions to daily life.

For Kīlauea neighbors, the event offers both community engagement and civic responsibilities. Volunteers can support staging and hospitality, while local businesses can prepare for increased foot traffic. Residents should monitor county and park announcements for details on volunteer signups, traffic advisories, and any temporary changes to park access.

As May approaches, the U.S. Open Mini Golf Championship will serve as a test of Kaua‘i’s capacity to host a nationally visible sporting event while safeguarding everyday services for residents. The way county agencies, Anaina Hou, and local businesses coordinate in the coming months will determine whether the tournament delivers sustained economic and civic benefits to the island.