Hawaii is set to host the 28th Annual U.S. Open Mini Golf Championship for the first time, marking a unique milestone for sports and destination travel in the islands. The three-day event will take place from May 16 to 18 at Anaina Hou Community Park, located on the island of Kauai.
The championship is expected to draw approximately 150 amateur and professional mini golf competitors from across the United States, turning the event into a niche sports tourism attraction for Hawaii. The program includes a Pro-Am tournament, the main U.S. Open Mini Golf Championship competition, and a closing awards ceremony.
Beyond the competitive element, the event is positioned as a community-driven initiative. Proceeds will benefit Anaina Hou, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting families, youth programs, and educational initiatives on Kauai. Hosting the championship is expected to generate both economic and social impact, combining visitor spending with long-term community support.
Local organizers say the event offers Kauai national exposure while reinforcing the island’s appeal beyond traditional beach tourism. By attracting visitors for a specialized sporting event, the championship adds another layer to Hawaii’s growing portfolio of experiential and event-based travel.
According to Anaina Hou Community Park CEO Ben Karon, the championship places Kauai on a national stage while directly contributing to youth programming and the park’s future development. The event reflects a broader trend in travel where destinations leverage smaller-scale sporting and cultural events to drive visitation, diversify tourism offerings, and support local causes.