Which of the Kauai golf courses should I choose?This is a tough question. There are a variety of Kauai golf courses to choose from. I suppose itdepends on how much you want to spend and how challenging a course you’re looking for. Check out this overview of the Kauai golf courses to help you narrow down your choices. You can find a more detailed description of each course below.
There are three sets of nine holes (Ocean, Lakes, and Woods) and you get to choose which two you play for an 18-hole game. The Ocean is the most interesting, longest, and challenging of the three. The sixth and seventh holes provide amazing views of the coastline from the edge of a cliff. Better yet, at hole 7 you have to shoot across an unbelievable gorge! Lakes has some outstanding views. And Woods has a reputation for wind! The Ocean + Lakes combo is the most popular (because of the windy Woods??). The Prince Course (808-826-5070) was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and has been open since 1990. It is located off Highway 56 just before Princeville. Fees are $195 unless you are staying in Princeville ($155) or at the Princeville Hotel ($135). Of the Kauai golf courses this one is usually rated as the best in the state and considered one of the most challenging and rewarding courses you can play. There is a lot of rain here so the grass doesn’t look as manicured as you might expect but the clubhouse is spectacular and the scenery is unforgettable. Wailua Municipal Course (808-241-6666) rates as a pretty good municipal course despite falling into disrepair back in the 1990s. Fees are $32 on week days, $44 on weekends or $135 for a five-round pass. This course is along the beach on Kauai’s Coconut Coast. You constantly hear the roar of the ocean and smell the salt air. Oh yes, and there is a constant cross wind!! Weekends are busy while Tuesdays and Thursdays are less crowded. The course is long but has very few hazards. At the 17th hole you can easily drive your ball into the sand (beach) or surf for that matter. This course is not as challenging as its cousin, the Kiele Course and may not be maintained quite as well. It is a pleasant course but not as spectacular as some of the others. The Kiele Course (808-241-6000 or 800-634-6400) was designed by Jack Nicklaus and has been open since 1988. It is located at the Marriott. Take the Rice Street entrance and keep going past the hotel. Fees are $195. You may receive a discount if you stay at one of the nearby resorts. The price is only $120 after noon. This course is the tougher of the two at Kauai Lagoon and perhaps one of the tougher Kauai golf courses. It is often rated in the top 100 courses. Many of the holes are challenging and rewarding. There is a lush wooded area and spectacular ocean views. At hole 16 you’ll see the ocean slowly carving away the land. Po’ipu Bay Resort-Hyatt (808-742-8711) was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. It is located off Po’ipu Road (520). Fees are $200 or $135 for Hyatt guests. The price drops to $120 at noon. Here you will find spectacular scenery and impeccable grooming. There are amazing views from holes 15-17. You may be able to see turtles in the water when you are near the heiau on 16. During the winter you may see whales off the coast! Kukuiolono Golf Course (808-332-9151) was donated to the people of Kauai in 1919 by sugar magnate Walter McBryde. This was his personal 9-hole golf course. The course is 8/10 of a mile from Highway 50 on Papalina Road. Look for a magnificent metal gate with lava stone pillars on your right. There aren’t many hazards here. It has a very pleasant personal feel. Near the 8th tee you will find Mr. McBryde buried in the middle of his lovely Japanese garden. Local weddings take place here most weekends. Puakea Golf Course (808-245-8756) is located behind Kukui Grove Shopping Center. Fees are $135. This is the newest course on Kauai. It can be pretty windy and there aren’t many ocean views. Instead you have the Ha’upu Mountain view. This is a moderately difficult well cared for course. Return from Kauai golf courses to Hawaii golf courses
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