Golf Courses
1. Ala Wai Golf Course
The world’s busiest course is also one of the most loved in Hawai’i for its balance of challenge and playability – tradewinds may beat your ball back and slow play can test your patience, but the course is flat, there’s little water, and many friendly locals.
404 Kapahulu Ave., Waikīkī • 737 7387
2. Hawai’i Prince Golf Course
Affiliated with the Hawai’i Prince Hotel, and played frequently by visitors from Japan, this Arnold Palmer designed course offers 27 subtly challenging holes. The flattish terrain is bedeviled by winds, tight fairways, and lots of water.91-1200 Ft. Weaver Rd., 'Ewa Beach • 944 4567
3. ‘Ewa Beach Golf Club
This enjoyable semi-private course designed by Robin Nelson manages to retain the character of the historic dryland ‘Ewa Plain with its kiawe trees and preserved archaeological sites. The tight, manicured fairways and ubiquitous bunkers offer a fair challenge-to-reward ratio.91-050 Ft. Weaver Rd., 'Ewa Beach • 689 6565
4. Ko Olina Golf Course
This emerald oasis carved out of a dusty plain by designer Ted Robinson is considered one of O’ahu’s most beautiful and challenging courses. It is also equipped with gorgeous distractions, including waterfalls and black swans. Expensive, but lots of discounts available.92-1220 Ali’inui Dr., Kapolei • 676 5300 Ext. 1
5. Mākaha Resort Golf Club
This course in a historic valley overlooked by the island’s highest point, Mt. Ka’ala, is worth the drive. Eight water hazards, 107 bunkers and a treacherous wind call for strategic thinking. An easier sister course is next door.84-626 Mākaha Valley Rd., Wai’anae • 695 9544
6. The Golf Courses at Turtle Bay
Two courses are showcased on this 880-acre resort on O’ahu’s remote North Shore. The George Fazio Course has wide fairways and deep bunkers; the Palmer Course (by Arnie, of course) incorporates a “tropical links” of sun, wind, and sand on the front nine and a forested upland nine on the back.57-091 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku • 293 8574
7. Ko’olau Golf Club
Golfers travel a long and winding road at this course, nestled among the foothills of the dramatic Ko’olau mountain range. It has been rated among the top 100 courses by Golf Magazine and named O’ahu’s best by Golf Digest. Bring lots of extra golf balls and prepare for long holes, water hazards, and a difficult layout.45-550 Kiona’ole Rd, Kāne’ohe • 247 7088
8. Pali Golf Course
In the absence of water hazards and bunkers, the challenge of this undulating landscape is wet and often windy weather. But even duffers can enjoy meandering down swale and up hillside on sunny days.45-050 Kamehameha Hwy • 266 7612
9. Olomana Golf Links
Though it’s called a links, this much-played windward side course is in view of, but not right by, the ocean. It’s pretty, with the mountains as a backdrop and a network of ponds, but keep your eye on the ball and watch out for those little lakes.41-1801 Kalaniana’ole Hwy, Waimānalo, • 259 7926
10. Hawai’i Kai Championship Golf Course
This coastal course is a windswept beauty, with narrow fairways, lots of sand, and an ocean view from every tee. Be sure to sign your name on the leaves of the milo or “message” tree. A shorter Executive Course is also available.8902 Kalaniana’ole Hwy, Maunalua • 395 2358
