Outstanding Kauai Golf Courses With its Complete Analysis
Kauai golf courses are the most breathtaking and excellently designed by maintaining the world class standard, located in the most beautiful part of the Hawaiian Island. These courses are economical and offer a great experience to golf lovers. From scenic oceanfront cliffs to lush tropical landscapes, Kauai ensures a remarkable vacation for all golf lovers.
“Golfing in Kauai isn’t just about the game—it’s about the breathtaking views, the ocean breeze, and the challenge of playing in one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. Kauai courses elevate every swing.”
Tom Watson
Key Takeaways
- World-Class Scenic Golfing Paradise: Kauai offers some of the most breathtaking golf courses on Kauai, where every swing offers stunning ocean views and lush landscapes that offer beauty and top-tier playing conditions.
- Unmatched Tropical Atmosphere: Playing golf in Kauai means enjoying the perfect combination of tropical weather, refreshing ocean breezes, and peaceful island vibes, which make it a dream destination for golfers seeking an unforgettable experience.
- Unique Challenges for Every Golfer: From beginner-friendly greens to challenging courses, Kauai’s golf courses cater to all skill levels, making each game a memorable experience.
Discover the best golf courses on Kauaʻi, from Princeville to Poipu, that cater to your every golfing dream. Whether you prefer resort courses or standalone ones that are more budget-friendly, Kauai has it all.
Kauai Golf Courses: Important Facts
There are golf courses at seven locations on Kauai, offering something for everyone, from the challenging Princeville on the north shore to the more leisurely Kiahuna golf club. The rocky landscape of these courses is decorated with lava rocks and vibrant mountain ranges with sea views framing the greens.
Kauai Golf Courses: Detail and Location
There are many excellently managed world class golf courses on Kauai, their names, locations and number of holes are listed below;
| Names | Location | No. of Holes |
| Princeville Makai Golf Club | North Shore | 18 |
| Poipu Bay Golf Course | South Shore | 18 |
| The Ocean Course at Hokuala | Līhuʻe | 18 |
| Puakea Golf Course | Līhuʻe | 18 |
| Kiahuna Golf Club | South Shore | 18 |
| Wailua Golf Course | East Side | 18 |
| Kukuiolono Golf Course | South Shore | 9 |
| The Club at Kukuiula | South Shore | 18 |
Top 8 Dreamed Best Golf Courses in Kauai Hawaii
If you have played golf around the globe, just taste Kauai golf that cater to different tastes. The beauty of the playing golf at Kauai motivates you to try one more round. Whether from a string of fairways roosting at the top of an oceanside cliff or from a green rolling expanse.
If you are looking for majestic mountains, rugged ocean cliff sides, or waterfalls, these courses cover all the faculty of nature in Kauai. Each course has unique selling points, from the beautiful views at Princeville Makai Golf Club to the challenging Kukuiolono Golf Course.
1. Princeville Makai Golf Club
Golf Digest named Princeville Makai Golf Club1 as one of the top 100 public golf courses in America due to its beautiful downhill par-3 on the third hole. Robert Trent Jones Jr. modified the Makai Golf Club’s latest architectural design. The course has a challenging, memorable, yet enjoyable layout, with wisely placed bunkers and water hazards that will test your skills.
Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designed this course in 1971 and later upgraded it in 2010. Seashore Paspalum provides excellent playing surfaces on all tees, fairways, and greens. It has five clifftop holes, white silica sand imported from Vietnam, and seashore paspalum turf species that cover the courses. This club gives a three-day pass for those who want to play the course over and over for three days.
The practice facility comprises seven target greens and a Callaway Golf Club rental, allowing golfers to practice irrespective of their skills. Players can now luxuriate in the opportunity to take on the spectacle of surrounding water hazards, woodlands, and ocean-front bluffs. The main loop is an 18-hole, 7,233-yard, classic par 72 course with beautiful views from the seventh, thirteenth, and eighteenth holes. For Makai Golf Club, you can book tee times online.
Important Stats about makai golf course kauai
| Architect By | Robert Trent Jones Jr. |
| Holes | 18 |
| Par | 72 |
| Yardage (Gold) | 7223 Yd |
| Yardage (Blue) | 6476 Yd |
| Yardage (White) | 6134 Yd |
| Yardage (Red) | 5358 Yd |
Contact Information
Contact Makai golf course Kauai for detailed information about pricing and special reservations.
- Address: 4080 Lei O Papa Road, Princeville, HI 96722
- Phone: (808) 826 1912
2. poipu Bay Golf Course
Poipu bay golf course2 is next to the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa on Kauai’s sunny south coast. It winds between the beautiful Poipu Bay and the Haupu Mountain Range. This outstanding course is on a rolling plateau eight stories above the Pacific Ocean and behind lush emerald mountains. The course continues to make good impressions with recent improvements in greens and bunkers.
It offers a fantastic opportunity to see ancient heiau (Hawaiian places of worship) on gentle slopes surrounded by stone walls. Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed this course, and its final three-hole course looks over a 100-foot cliff, conveying the wealth of Kauai golf.
At Kauai’s golf courses, you’ll enjoy a great game of golf and the chance to see rare species like the green sea turtle, the Hawaiian monk seal, and the humpback whale. The area also has rare Nene Geese, which is endemic to Hawaii and seen nowhere else, adding an adventurous element to your golfing experience. No matter how determined a golfer is, he cannot ignore the magnificent scenery.
More Than an Award-Winning Course
Poipu Bay Golf Course is not just a place to play golf; it’s an experience of luxury and comfort. Whether you’re a member or a first-time visitor, you’ll appreciate the in-car navigation system, complimentary bottled water, and cool towels provided, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable golfing experience using the latest technologies.
This course is heaven for advancing your game. Take advantage of its pros, including clinic and private lessons experts. They will help you run group tournaments, customized events, and enjoyable youth programs for golfers of all levels.
Play where Champions Play
Nature and Mr. Robert Trent Jones Jr. worked together to build this excellent golf course for golfers of any level. For 12 years, the PGA Grand Slam of Golf was held at Poipu Bay Golf Course. The course is predominantly dry and sunny, making it an ideal destination for golfers looking to avoid rain during their game.
The course was played by leading golfers, including Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, and Phil Mickelson. You are waiting for a unique and unforgettable golf experience.
Important Stats about Poipu golf course Kauai
| Architect By | Robert Trent Jones Jr. |
| Holes | 18 |
| Par | 72 |
| Yardage (Gold) | 7123 Yd |
| Yardage (Blue) | 6612 Yd |
| Yardage (White) | 6127 Yd |
| Yardage (Red) | 5372 Yd |
Contact Information
For detailed information about pricing and special reservations, contact Poipu golf course Kauai.
- Address: 2250 Ainaku Street, Koloa, HI 96756
- Phone: (808) 742 8711
- Toll-Free: (800) 858-6300
3. The Ocean Course at Hokuala
The Ocean Course at Hokuala3 has been recognized as the course with the longest stretch of golf holes along the shoreline. Jack Nicklaus designed this course at the top of the volcanic cliffs. The 18-hole course was previously known as Kauai Lagoons.
The expansive ocean views and the challenging playing conditions make The Ocean Course at Hokuala one of the best golf courses on Kauai. The course has a professional teaching and learning center, which helps beginners from certified PGA instructors.
The course comprises holes over an ocean inlet overlooking the Kalapaki Bay lighthouse. It has evolved into a vocation with numerous honors, making Hokuala the best 18-hole golf resort on the Garden Isle of Hawaii.
Kiele Moana Nine offers new bunkers and shots from the cliffs. You’ll understand why MSN Travel proclaimed it one of the best 12 courses in the world. To sum up, during your stay, a half-mile oceanfront golfing experience awaits you in Kauai.
Important Stats about Ocean Course at Hokuala
| Architect By | Jack Nicklaus |
| Holes | 18 |
| Par | 72 |
| Yardage (Gold) | 7156 Yd |
| Yardage (Blue) | 6722 Yd |
| Yardage (White) | 6277 Yd |
| Yardage (Red) | 5377 Yd |
Contact Information
Please contact The Ocean Course at Hokuala for detailed pricing and information on particular reservations.
- Address: 3351 Hoolaulea Way, Lihue, HI 96766
- Phone: (808) 241 6000
- Toll-Free: (800) 634 6400
4. Puakea Golf Course
Sports Illustrated Magazine selected Puakea Golf Course4 as one of the top 10 nine-hole golf courses in the USA. In 1997, it opened with ten holes and was designed by Robin Nelson, the most prolific designer in Hawaii. It was later expanded to 18 holes.
The course was completed in 2003 after a hurricane stopped construction on the initial build in 1997. It is carefully embedded within the spectacular view of the Haupu Mountain Range in Jurassic Park.
It is located on former sugar cane plantation grounds and features a putting green, six target greens, and a short-game practice area with slopes. This 6,954-yard 18-hole course provides multiple par-3 holes with stunning variety, including lush jungle, cliffside, and deep valleys.
Every hole of the main course is different from another, so you will gain enough variety as you play it. Another exciting element of the course is the elevation changes. If you’re in the area, you must play a round at Puakea Academy in Lihue. You can book tee times for Puakea Golf Course online.
Important Stats about Puakea Golf Course
| Architect By | Robin Nelson |
| Holes | 18 |
| Par | 72 |
| Yardage (Gold) | 6954 Yd |
| Yardage (Blue) | 6471 Yd |
| Yardage (White) | 6061 Yd |
| Yardage (Red) | 5225 Yd |
Contact Information
Please contact Puakea Golf Course for detailed information about pricing and special reservations.
- Address: 4150 Nuhou Street, Lihue, HI 96766
- Phone: (808) 977 3777
5. Kiahuna Golf Club
The first golf course5, located in the sunny south shore resort area of Poipu, Kiahuna, is well-known for having one of the fastest greens on Kauai. Robert Trent Jones Jr. has created a model that threads around the site of an old Hawaiian community.
It offers challenging resort golf within a captivating area of ancient Polynesian archaeology. Here, you can enjoy your game embraced by the luxurious, untouched grace of Kauai and its traditional Hawaiian culture.
Important Stats about Kiahuna Golf Club
| Architect By | Robert Trent Jones Jr. |
| Holes | 18 |
| Par | 70 |
| Yardage (Gold) | 6925 Yd |
| Yardage (Blue) | 6214 Yd |
| Yardage (White) | 5560 Yd |
| Yardage (Red) | 4887 Yd |
Contact Information
Please contact Kiahuna Golf Club for detailed information about pricing and special reservations.
- Address: 2545 Kiahuna Plantation Drive, Poipu, HI 96756
- Phone: (808) 742 9595
6. Wailua golf course Kauai
Wailua golf course Kauai6 was originally a six-hole course designed in the 1920s, but it is now a seaside course with eighteen holes. Nine holes were added in 1961, completing the 18-hole course. The course instructor is Mr. Toyo Shirai.
It is one of the most excellent courses anywhere and has hosted three USGA National Amateur Public Links Championships. Golf writer Matt Ginella selected it as one of the four most valuable courses in Hawaiʻi, and The Golf Channel ranked it the No.3 course in Hawaii.
It starts and ends along the ocean and winds inland through historic coconut palms. It offers a golf shop, driving range, practice bunker, locker rooms with showers, chipping green, an ATM, and putting green.
Tee time reservations are compulsory for all players and can be made six days in advance by calling or going by yourself. All players must sign in at the registration office before playing. Intermediate and slow players are invited to join in the afternoon.
Afternoon Twilight Play starts at 2:00 daily, while Morning Twilight Play starts at that time with the first tee. For beginners, the pace of play should be started at 1:30, and slow players are welcome after noon.
Play sessions are also available in the morning and afternoon twilight on nine holes at the Wailua Golf Course. The restaurants and coffee shops are mostly closed, so golfers should bring food, snacks, and nonalcoholic beverages. Golfing at Wailua Golf Course is breathtaking and magnificent; the greenery is vivid, and a limitless ocean creates a fantastic background.
Important Stats about Wailua Municipal Golf Course
| Architect By | Toyo Shirai |
| Holes | 18 |
| Par | 72 |
| Yardage (Gold) | 4996 Yd |
| Yardage (Blue) | 6961 Yd |
| Yardage (White) | 6554 Yd |
| Yardage (Red) | 5852 Yd |
Contact Information
Please contact Wailua golf course Kauai for detailed information about pricing and special reservations.
- Address: 3-5350 Kuhio Highway, Lihue, HI 96766
- Phone: (808) 241 6666
7. Kukuiolono Golf Course
This 9-hole golf course is on top of a hill in Kalaheo and offers breathtaking views of Kauai’s south and west coastlines. A real local spot, it was donated to the people of Kauai by Walter McBryde, a sugarcane plantation owner, in the early 1900s.
Unlike other golf courses, Kukuiolono Golf Course7 does not take tee times. If you want to play a shorter round of golf before you set out for other Kauai activities, plan a tee time at the nine-hole Kukuiolono Golf Course.
Kukuiolono Park in Kalaheo is also one of the famous Kauai courses. The park has paved and wooded paths, a Japanese garden, and a miniature golf course that caters to other activities. This golf course is popular among Kauai residents because of the modest green fees and breathtaking views.
Important Stats about Kukuiolono Golf Course
| Architect By | Toyo Shirai and Richard Brun |
| Holes | 9 |
| Par | 36 |
| Yardage (White) | 2981 Yd |
| Yardage (Blue) | 3173 Yd |
| Yardage (Red) | 1075 Yd |
| Yardage (Gold) | 2489 Yd |
Contact Information
Please contact Kukuiolono Golf Course for detailed information about pricing and special reservations.
- Address: 854 Puu Road, Kalaheo, HI 96741
- Phone: (808) 332 9151
8. The Club at Kukuiʻula
The Club at Kukui’ula represents a superb real estate development near Lihue in southwest Kauai. It is a private members club that opened in 2010 and was built on a former sugar cane plantation. This course8 (designed by Tom Weiskopf) has wide fairways and a gentle start, comprising the first four holes before a final big climax.
The 18-hole Private Club at Kukui’ula is thoughtfully designed to be a great playing course for players of all ages and skill levels. This challenging 18-hole course has been acclaimed as “one of the best courses in Hawaii” by Golf Digest.
The 216-acre par-72 course is made of paspalum grass, sand-plated fairways, and features an original landscape of natural flora. Although the Pacific Ocean is not on the course, it can be seen from every hole and thus gives astonishing views.
The Golf Clubhouse has a golf shop, locker rooms for men and women, a lanai seating area with a view, and an indoor lounging area. The fairways are broad, but the course always has numerous sand bunkers.
White bunker sand is imported from Cambodia, and occasionally, water hazards are threatened during the round. It provides golfing throughout the year, not only for the members but also for their guests.
Tee times are available for the members, giving them the advantage of organizing their rounds beforehand. The fairways and greens of the golf course are maintained with great care, guaranteeing an exceptional golfing adventure.
Important Stats about Club at Kukuiʻula
| Architect By | Tom Weiskopf |
| Holes | 18 |
| Par | 72 |
| Yardage (Gold) | 6658 Yd |
| Yardage (Blue) | 6239 Yd |
| Yardage (White) | 5758 Yd |
| Yardage (Red) | 4986 Yd |
Contact Information
Please contact us for detailed information about pricing and special reservations.
- Address: 2700 Ke Alaula St. #B, Koloa, HI 96756, USA
- Phone: (808) 742 8000
FAQ
Conclusion
Kauai golf courses are really for world class golf experience.
