Kauai offers some of the most spectacular golf you will have ever played. These seven golf courses are located across the island. So, wherever you are staying, you won’t have to travel too far to enjoy some of the best golf in the world. There are resort courses, private courses and public courses, all with views over the mountains, lush landscapes and out to the ocean. This article is correct at the time of publication (March 2019), but please check directly with the golf courses to check availability and arrange tee times.
North Shore
Princeville Makai Golf Club and Princeville Makai Golf Club – Woods Course
Based at the Princeville Resort, these courses sit on a rolling plateau high above the Pacific Ocean and beautiful Hanalei Bay. Ranked as one of America’s Top 100 Public Golf Courses and “Top 5 Most scenic golf settings”, it is a must-play while on Kauai. Princeville Makai Golf Club is also home to nightly sunset golf cart tours, the Mauka disc golf course, sunrise yoga and a popular tennis facility.
Par: 18 Hole Makai Course: Par 72 9 Hole Woods Course: Par 36
East Side
Wailua Golf Course
First built as a 9-hole golf course in the 1930s, the second nine holes were added in 1961 by course designer Toyo Shirai. Today, this award-winning municipal course offers classic ocean-side golf that flies under the radar for most golfers. It’s a shame as the course is easy to walk and the hole designs are excellent. They feature stunning mountain views along the Coconut Coast, and multiple ocean holes combine for a great golf experience.
Par: 72
South Shore
Kiahuna Golf Club
Surrounded by the lush, natural beauty of Kauai, the Kiahuna Golf Club is located in beautiful, sunny Poipu Beach. This public course was designed by world-renowned architect Robert Trent Jones II. He skillfully included many ancient remnants of an authentic Hawaiian village in his design. Players can experience the course’s beauty, fast greens, and rare island plants, birds, and wildlife.
Par 70
Kukuiolono Golf Course
The best value Kauai golf option might be for beginners and families, but it still packs a punch with great ocean views. The second oldest course on the island, Kukuiolono Golf Course, is popular with locals who can play the nine holes for just $7 during the week and $9 at weekends. The driving range is one of the most scenic on the island and has views over to Niihau.
Par: 36
Poipu Bay Golf Course
This 18-hole award-winning resort golf course is open to the public and situated on 210 oceanfront acres. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, Poipu Bay Golf Course is considered to be one of Hawaii’s most beautiful courses, with over 30 acres of tropical landscape. It’s said that the 16th hole at Poipu Bay is true golf heaven.
Par: 72
Lihue
The Ocean Course at Hokuala
The Ocean Course winds its way through a mango and guava tree forest down to the edge of the Pacific, with the finishing green in the midst of a 40-acre freshwater lagoon. Named one of the most beautiful courses in the world by MSN Travel, it culminates in the longest stretch of continuous oceanfront holes in all of Hawaii. That’s an amazing half-mile of breathtaking ocean vistas. As they say, Nicklaus + Oceanfront + Eighteen = Amen.
Par: 72
Puakea Golf Course
Kauai’s newest 18-hole course, Puakea Golf Course, is a spectacular experience. Opened in July 2003, the course is framed by the Pacific Ocean, Mount Haupu, and lush tropical landscape. You won’t be surprised that the area served as the set for Jurassic Park. Designed by prolific golf course designer Robin Nelson, Puakea treats golfers to magical Kauai golf.
Par: 72
Owners and guests at Ali’i Kai Resort can drop by the reception, where the team will be happy to arrange tee times at your chosen golf course and advise on club rentals.
Images
- Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
- Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Ron Garnett
