The supply of top tier golf destinations in America shrinks dramatically once the winter months arrive. As many golfers seek refuge in warm southern climates, destinations like Florida and California are overrun with snowbirds searching for the perfect winter golf weather. While these locations are great, the pros know that the very best golf destinations require a little extra travel. One of my favorite places to enjoy in the winter months is the Hawaiian island of Kauai. This is a pro level, 100% public golf trip curated especially for those with exquisite tastes. Please enjoy.
Princeville Makai
After a sub 6 hour flight from Arizona, we landed safely in Kauai. The modest airport was a pleasure to navigate and we were in the rental van headed towards our first destination in a matter of moments. There is something special about landing in Hawaii and taking that first breath of tropic air. The breaths would only get fresher as we were headed to Princeville to play the fantastic Makai course.
Arriving in paradise never gets old and paradise would be on full display at the brand new 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. With their $300 million renovation complete, the resort opened in February of 2024. That’s nearly $2.1 million per room and the results made the previous hotel barely recognizable. Welcome to transformative wellness to one of the most stunning spots on earth.
The renovation at 1 Hotel is spectacular and not a detail has been overlooked. I could have stayed at this hotel all week long. However, Kauai was able to lure me away with copious amount of premier Hawaiian golf.
The Makai course at Princeville is one of the premier spots for golf on the island of Kauai. Makai is a Hawaiian word that means means “toward the sea” and the Makai course does exactly that. Both nines head out to the ocean and provide an exceptional ebb and flow to the round of golf. Just as you start to miss the ocean, Makai delivers another breathtaking set of ocean side holes.
Wailua Golf Course
When it comes to municipal golf courses, Wailua should be in every golfer’s top 5. There is a distinct vibe at Wailua that sets it apart from every other course on this list. From the golf shop to the starter shack everything feels familiar and friendly. The judgemental attitudes of country clubs have no place here. The ever increasing greens fees of the world have barely moved an inch at Wailua. Local juniors can play the golf course for just $1. It might be right next to the ocean, but it’s still a reminder of where we learned to play the game and why we love golf so much. You can ask any golfer on the island, the soul of golf on Kauai lives at Wailua.
Puakea Golf Course
What was once a sugar cane plantation is now the site for some of Kauai’s most dramatic golf holes. Puakea routes through ravines, lakes and over undulating terrain giving the golfer a fun round of golf with plenty of scenic views. The 6th hole is an especially dramatic par 3 with set against the lush Hawaiian jungle. Everyone in the group will pull out their camera before they attempt to find the green on this iconic par 3.
As a note of historic significance, I am required by local Hawaiian law to mention that I holed out for an eagle on the par 5 11th hole from approximately 60 yards. It was playing into the wind, otherwise I would have obviously reached the green in 2 shots and then just tapped in for my eagle.
Poipu Bay Golf Course
With a Hawaiian itinerary packed with top notch golf, excitement levels will always be at peak magnitudes. Somehow the Grand Hyatt at Kauai and Poipu Bay Golf Club managed to elevate those excitement levels even further. The resort is over a quarter mile long and features just about everything that someone could desire in this world. There is a beachfront pool, a spa, shopping, and a bunch of glorious places to eat. Perched amongst the hotel’s lagoons, Tidepools restaurant was my favorite.
Even from the furthest distance at the hotel, it’s only a 12 minute walk to some championship golf at Poipu Bay Golf Club. Set right up against the ocean, this beauty hosted the Grand Slam of Golf from 1994-2006. I was mostly interested in slamming some birdie putts into the back of the hole. A brief tour of the clubhouse will reveal that some guy named Tiger won a lot here.
Poipu Bay starts off steady but rises to a boiling point on the 9th hole as it heads into the most interesting land on the golf course. The course switches gears again on the 14th hole when it reaches the far end of the property. After an exciting par 5 14th hole, the golfer stands on one of the coolest tee boxes at Poipu and prepares for an exciting finish down the coastline.
The Ocean Course at Hokuala
It is fitting that one of the most memorable trips to Hawaii ends with one of the most memorable courses on Kauai. Navigating its way through mango and guava groves, this Jack Nicklaus design eventually makes it way to the sea for Hawaii’s longest continuous stretch of oceanfront golf.
The 16th hole at Hokuala is a short and very drivable par 4 and it is my favorite hole on the golf course. Spilling down the coast line, the golf hole measures around 290 yards but only requires a 240 yard carry to bring the ball down the hill and onto the putting surface. As you can tell from the picture below, only the most precise ball strikers will be able to achieve true glory. A watery yet beautiful fate awaits those without precision. The 16th hole inspires hope and dares us to achieve greatness. It is a striking example of just how fun and beautiful golf can be.
With the final putt falling on the Ocean Course it was time to take the redeye back to reality. For those considering a trip to Kauai, these 5 golf courses are the courses that you need to play.
For a more immersive experience check out the video from the Fire Pit visit and my other previous visits to Kauai. For the most immersive experience visit Go Golf Kauai.