Manakiki is rich in history. Its name is believed to be a Native American word for maple forest and was suggested by the predominance of maples along tree-lined fairways. The 200 acres were originally the summer estate of Howard Hanna, a prominent Cleveland industrialist. The property was then obtained by a group from the Willowick Club and converted into Manakiki Country Club.
The Hanna Mansion was expanded into a beautiful clubhouse. In 1963, the east wing of the original Hanna Mansion, which mirrored the existing west wing was torn down due to a small fire and deterioration. The west wing was recently renovated to preserve its structural integrity and history.
In 1944, the property owners, James and Fannie Brown, offered to donate the course to the city of Cleveland. The city graciously declined the offer and it was then sold to Cleveland Metroparks for one dollar, under the condition that it must forever remain a golf course. A plaque in honor of the former owners still stands near the18th green.