The Private Kona Coast Club Implements the Award-Winning Autonomous Reel Mowing System, Setting a New Benchmark for Sustainable Golf Course Operations in the Hawaiian Islands
Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi – Kohanaiki, a private club community on the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, today announced the implementation of the FireFly Automatix AMP-L100 autonomous electric reel mower on its Rees Jones-designed championship golf course, making Kohanaiki the first club in the Hawaiian Islands to deploy the technology. The milestone positions Kohanaiki at the forefront of innovation and sustainable golf course operations in the Pacific.
The FireFly Automatix AMP-L100 is a fully autonomous, all-electric 100-inch, 5-gang reel mower purpose-built for large-scale golf course fairway management. Operating entirely without an operator, the machine navigates the course using precision guidance technology to deliver consistent, high-quality results across the entire playing surface, without the emissions or noise associated with conventional gas-powered equipment. The AMP-L100 was recognized with the 2026 Innovator Award from the Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) for its leadership in autonomous turf technology.
“At Kohanaiki, we are always looking for ways to elevate the experience we deliver to our members while honoring our responsibility to the land and to Hawaiʻi. The FireFly Automatix AMP-L100 allows us to do both, maintaining impeccable fairway conditions with greater efficiency and a significantly reduced environmental footprint. We are proud to bring this technology to the Hawaiian Islands for the first time,” said Luke Bennett, Director of Golf Course Maintenance and Grounds, Kohanaiki.
The deployment reflects Kohanaiki’s longstanding commitment to integrating thoughtful innovation across every aspect of club operations. The club’s golf course is an 18-hole, par-72 layout stretching roughly 7,400 yards along the Kona Coast, featuring wide fairways, large greens, and multiple tee options, with several holes playing directly along the ocean. Its adoption of autonomous mowing technology aligns with the same philosophy of excellence and environmental mindfulness that defines life at Kohanaiki.
A pillar of Kohanaiki’s course is its commitment to eco-friendly practices. This FireFly implementation news comes directly on the heels of the course’s recent Audubon International Gold Signature Sanctuary Certification, which is a title awarded to new developments, courses, and resorts that go above and beyond to implement high level sustainable design, construction, and long-term ecological management. This certification positions Kohanaiki as the first course in the state to earn this certification and one of 14 Gold Signature Sanctuary courses worldwide within Audubon’s network of over 2,000 certified courses globally.
Kohanaiki’s recognition is rooted in its stewardship efforts, which continue to expand across multiple ecological zones on the property, reflecting a comprehensive approach to environmental management. Ongoing work includes the maintenance and restoration of rare anchialine pond systems, dedicated habitat protection for the Hawaiian stilt (Aeʻo), implementing native and drought-tolerant landscaping, innovative water conservation methods, wildlife protection, ecological buffering, and low impact golf course maintenance.
“Kohanaiki represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking club that is driving the future of golf course management. Bringing the AMP-L100 to Hawaiʻi for the first time is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of, Kohanaiki’s commitment to excellence and environmental stewardship makes them an ideal partner as autonomous electric mowing continues to redefine what’s possible in turf management,” said Andrew Limpert, CEO, FireFly Automatix.
The AMP-L100’s fully autonomous operation affords the opportunity to reallocate labor requirements while enabling continuous, precision fairway maintenance without disruption to member play. Its all-electric drivetrain produces zero direct emissions and operates at significantly lower noise levels than traditional equipment, benefiting both Kohanaiki’s natural environment and the overall on-course experience. The system’s 100-inch, 5-gang reel configuration ensures consistent mowing patterns and exacting cut quality across the course’s fairways.
Spread across 450 spectacular acres of the Kona Coast, Kohanaiki offers its members an unrivaled lifestyle, from its Rees Jones-designed golf course and 67,000-square-foot clubhouse to its beach club, organic farm, spa, and world-class adventure programming. For more information, please visit: kohanaiki.com. For more information about FireFly Automatix and the AMP-L100, visit: fireflyautomatix.com.
About Kohanaiki
Kohanaiki is a 450-acre, private residential community located on the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawai`i. Kohanaiki represents an evolution of the private club experience, instilling a welcoming, relaxed, and comfortable lifestyle that is reflected in the warm and graceful attentiveness of the staff and the sense of genuine community among members. Kohanaiki Club members and their guests enjoy exclusive access to the 18-hole Rees Jones-designed golf course, members’ beach, a world-class spa and fitness center, and dining facilities ranging from casual poolside fare to exquisite fine dining. For more information, please visit: https://kohanaiki.com/
About FireFly Automatix
FireFly Automatix is a precision turf robotics company specializing in autonomous, all-electric mowing systems for golf courses, sports fields, and turf farms. Its flagship AMP-L100 reel mower — recipient of the 2026 SFMA Innovator Award — delivers autonomous fairway mowing with zero direct emissions and consistent, high-quality turf results. FireFly Automatix is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. For more information, please visit: https://fireflyautomatix.com/
Media Contacts
Murphy O’Brien Public Relations
Kohanaiki@murphyobrien.com
310.729.0558
