Looking at Kauai’s terrain from a high vantage point you would think flat, level golf courses wouldn’t be a fixture of this part of Hawaii, but in fact, Kauai is very popular for lovers of hitting a little white ball around a large, immaculately kept field.
Between the mountains and the ocean lies a golfers’ paradise. There are nine courses in seven locations around the Island of Kauai to ensure your golfing fix is met…and then some.
Regardless of which course you chose, they all offer something quite special. Why not try them all?
The Garden Isle awaits you and your lucky putter. Four!
Here are seven great places to enjoy golfing on Kauai Hawaii.
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Ocean Course at Hokuala
A Timbers Resort course, the grounds are exquisite, but the experiences here are on par (yes. There it is.) with the finest choices for dining, spa days, and activities in the entire state.
Known as one of the world’s most stunning golf courses, it’s no wonder visitors and golfing locals prefer this over others. The landscape alone is worth the visit.
Come to play…then stay and stay some more.
Location and Contact Information
Where: 3351 Ho’olaule’a Way Kauai
Contact: (808)-720-6817
Kaihuna Golf Club
There’s something magical about this course. It could be the building off the 15th fairway which once housed a Portuguese immigrant who managed the irrigation system for the surrounding agricultural lands. Maybe it is simply that this course and the surroundings are so much more than a mere sporting drawcard.
This course is in fact a sanctuary and thriving environment for some of Hawaii's most endangered birdlife. Drawn to the waterways throughout the range, golfers have been known to spot several species fishing and foraging along with their young. It’s a great sign that these birds are flourishing and a representation of the owner’s commitment to Hawaii’s most vulnerable native animals.
Golf to your heart’s content and take part in all the course has to offer but take the time to look around and learn a bit about the area.
Location and Contact Information
Where: 2545 Kiahuna Plantation Dr, Koloa
Contact: (808)-742-9595
Kukuiolono Golf Club
Go off the well-trodden paths and you will find a course hidden happily among soft breezes and palm trees.
Walking paths, stunning gardens, and lava rocks welcome you to spend the day here. Test your group’s skill levels and improve your own swing.
Try out the course, but if it appears too much like hard work, there’s always the mini-golf range. Ahhh…thank heavens for mini golf.
Location and Contact Information
Where: 854 Puu Rd, Kalaheo, Kauai.
Contact: (808)-332-9151
Princeville Makai Golf Club
Makai translates to Toward the Ocean, and that’s exactly what you will find. Immersive views from a high vantage point will leave you with much more than expected.
A 6-million-dollar renovation resulting in a course designed by pro golfer Robert Trent Jones Jr. is understandably a well-respected and sought-after playing field of dreams.
Sure, golf away on the pristine grounds, but don’t forget your camera.
If you are new to the area it may just become your favorite place on Kauai.
It offers so much more than simply golf.
Location and Contact Information
Where: 4080 Lei O Papa Rd, Princeville, Kauai
Contact: (808)-826-1912
Po’ipu Bay Golf Course
A visit to Po’ipu means two things for golfers – Sun and fun.
Actually, it’s more than that. With oceanfront vistas, and expansive grounds adjacent to the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, there’s more than one reason to venture here.
Witness the native Nene Geese in their natural environment, and be careful; your golf swing may suffer in favor of other distractions in the form of humpback whales and casual relaxation of the come-what-may monk seals.
Technology is not forgone at this golf retreat due to the carts being equipped with satellite navigation allowing golfers to pinpoint exactly the whereabouts of the next hole.
Come for the golf, stay for everything else.
Location and Contact Information
Where: 2250 Ainako St, Koloa, Kauai
Contact: (808)-742-8711
Paukea Golf Course
Uphill and down dale are how this course has been described. Rolling hills watch over players while the ocean cools them off with its sea breezes.
This is a fun course with every hole offering the keen golfer a different and new challenge. This is a course for beginners and more seasoned aficionados, so don’t worry if you’re new at this.
This course also houses a dedicated practice area, so there’s no excuse not to get better.
If you want something different, this course is for you.
Location and Contact Information
Where: 4150 Nuhou St, Lihue, Kauai
Contact: (808)-977-3777
Wailua Golf Course
Originally a 9-hole golf course in the 1930’s it is now a fully functioning 18-hole masterpiece.
Watch the waves rolling in from a distance while getting your daily fill of driving range, putting greens, and a chipping green. There is a shop and player amenities available with twilight rounds starting at 2:00 PM
Do you dream of becoming a pro golfer? This may be the perfect place to start.
Their Mission? To provide the best golfing experience for visitors.
We think you’ll agree.
Location and Contact Information
Where: 3-5350 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue Kauai
Contact: (808)-241-6666
Why Golf on Kauai?
Have you seen Kauai lately?
Golfers in particular today come to Kauai for a few reasons, but they form a consensus with all visitors. Let’s name a few.
Expansive and distracting Ocean (Makai) Views
- Go on. We dare you to look away.
Mountain (Mauka) Views
- Equally as enticing and a perfect Hawaiian combination of Earth and Sea.
Diversity of Courses
- There is a lot to see for the golf lover. The courses are designed differently for a reason – to seduce.
Feel Like You’re on Another Planet
- Kauai still has that feeling like you’re in another world. Perfect for those who want to really feel like they are away.
Range of Accommodation
- Kauai has it all. From resort style accommodation with no reason to leave (ever) and local hotels to suit everyone.
Free Range Chickens
- They own the place and are happy to make sure you realize that truth.
Things to Know About Kauai and Golfing Here
Here are some interesting facts:
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Kauai is Hawaii’s oldest island at over 5 million years old.
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Moanalua Gold Club is the oldest and first golf course, built in 1898.
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There are no snakes on Kauai, or in fact within Hawaii at all.
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Do you need to be a professional to golf on Kauai?
- Definitely not. The courses are designed for everyone, although you may find some more challenging than others.
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Kauai prides itself on trying to curb its building development with the aim of keeping it below the other islands where possible.
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You may see some professional golfers when visiting the golf courses. PGA super-legend Jack Nicklaus and fellow sportsman Robert Trent Jones Jr. have designed signature courses
Do you think nature, relaxation and sport could never exist together in harmony?
Kauai golf courses will change your mind.
Join those who have discovered golfing here. There’s a lot to see and even more to do if golfing is your main game.
