Set next to the Pacific along the island’s rugged north coast is PRINCEVILLE MAKAI GOLF COURSE. This award-winning has received much acclaim by golf enthusiasts for its scenic vistas. Makai is really two courses in one: OCEANS NINE ventures closest to the Pacific, while LAKES NINE winds its way around serene lakes. The nine-hole WOODS NINE course is a pleasant diversion through native woodlands. Named No. 3 on Golfweek ’s “Top Course You Can Play” in Hawai‘i, among the “Top 100 Golf Resorts” in Travel + Leisure , and taking the No. 65 spot on “America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses” in Golf Digest , the fairy tale fairway merits a tee-off . MAKAI GOLF CLUB also provides plenty of opportunity to pause, shop and refuel. Call 808-826-1912.
But don’t just stop at Princeville. The Garden Isle is a golfer’s nirvana brimming with lush courses and breathtaking scenery. So what are you waiting for? Peruse kauaigolfclubrentals.com, pick a course, and then perfect your par.
KIAHUNA GOLF CLUB , the first course on the south shoreline near Po‘ipū, touts 18 holes of aloha; Kiahuna Golf means golf surrounded by the lush, natural beauty of Kaua‘i in sunny Po‘ipū Beach. World-renowned architect Robert Trent Jones II skillfully included many ancient remnants of an authentic Hawaiian village into his design, where golfers experience the course’s beauty and a sense of history of the islands and Kaua‘i. Call 808-742-9595 or visit kiahunagolf.com
PO‘IPŪ BAY GOLF COURSE — 18 holes, challenging and stunning — is best known for hosting the PGA GRAND SLAM OF GOLF from 1994 to 2006. Players of all levels will admire the lush emerald mountains near the rolling plateau designed by Robert Trent Jones II. Throughout play, you’ll be in company of ancient heiau (places of worship), nēnē geese, Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles and the course’s luxurious amenities. Call 808-742-8711, or visit poipubaygolf.com.
OCEAN COURSE HOKUALA is an 18- hole dream. Renovated under course architect Jack Nicklaus, it boasts the longest stretch of oceanfront holes in Hawai‘i. Stroke through putting greens on a half-mile course of unparalleled oceanfront bliss. Located at 3351 Ho‘olaule‘a Way in Līhu‘e. Call 808- 241-6000, or go to oceancoursehokuala. com.
KUKUIOLONO GOLF COURSE is a nine-hole, par-36 local favorite. Perched on the hillside of Kalāheo, the course has south and west shoreline views. Fun fact: Sugar plantation owner Walter McBryde donated the green to Kaua‘i’s people in the early 1990s. Call 808-332-9151.
Site of three USGA National Amateur Public Links Championships, WAILUA GOLF COURSE is among the world’s premier municipal courses. Finish the 18-hole, par-72 run along the ocean next to Līhu‘e’s historic coconut palm groves. Plan your visit at kauai. gov/golf, or call 808-241-6666. KIAHUNA GOLF CLUB 808-742-9595 PRINCEVILLE MAKAI GOLF CLUB 808-826-1912