I've known Ben Hongo for over 25 years since we were PGA Apprentices together at Kapalua. Ben has done great work with both of my kids. My son Dillon worked with Ben as he pursued a professional career in professional golf, while my 14 year old daughter Ariya continues to work with Ben as she advances through the junior golf ranks. Ben has a quiet confidence and low key manner that makes his students feel at ease. He keeps his instruction simple and builds on strong fundamentals while allowing the student to swing their own swing. Ben does not have a cookie cutter one size fits all approach. Ben rather works with the unique strengths of each student. Ben finds a way to communicate with each student in a way that makes sense to them. Ben uses the latest technology but hasn't let that detract from his personal touch. Golfers who decide to work with Ben Hongo will no doubt get better and be happy they did. I cant recommend him higher.

I am fortunate enough to get to Maui (prior to Covid) on a regular basis. I try to take golf lessons from Ben 2-3 times a year. While the Kapalua Golf Academy has a fantastic practice facility including Trackman, beautiful practice greens, sand and rough, the real highlight is Ben Hongo, their lead instructor. Ben’s ability to cater the lesson toward the area of my game I need help with at that particular time is superb. He has a wonderful grasp of the physics of the golf swing and the communication skills to help me understand what is happening with my golf shots. While my game is a continued work in progress, Ben’s expertise allows an accumulation of knowledge that is applicable to me and my swing. This gives me a stronger understanding of what I’m doing right but also on what I’m doing wrong and how to fix it while on the course. Ultimately this allows me to enjoy the game of golf—which at times can be frustrating—so much more. If you are struggling with your golf game or want to fine tune or learn new shots, I cannot recommend Ben Hongo more.

I met Ben Hongo in the winter of 2003 when I took part in a 3-day Kapalua Golf Academy program. The Academy had been recommended by a friend who really liked the one-on-one teaching and the full game aspect of the lessons. My golf game was at a low point and while I enjoyed playing I was tired of my weak push right (slice) off of the tee and my inability to hit quality irons. I was at the point that I either was going to get better or I was done. 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 and so was the pain in my hands from changing my grip. I left the 3-day session being able to hit a 3 iron over 200 yards and while I could still regress I had a solid foundation to work on. Over the last 17 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. Now, I am 67 years old and I hit longer (by far) drives and more consistent irons. My handicap has gone down (and stayed down) and I am enjoying the game more than I ever have. I can go to a course and hookup with anyone and have a competitive round. 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 golfer. Thank you Ben! As soon as Covid is behind us I look forward to getting back to Maui and hitting some more balls. 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 if your guy. He made all the difference with my game.

Having Coach Ben work with my two daughters was one of the best things I did to help them with their golf game. With Ben's assistance and dedication, our daughters learned both the technical and mental aspects of the game. His guidance was instrumental to their improvement and was a key factor in allowing them the opportunity to play golf at the college level. Ben's knowledge of the swing, the game, and his ability to work well with his students is outstanding.