Golfing on Kauai (North and East sides)

I thought it would be a good idea to give a brief rundown of the courses to help you narrow down which courses to play.  Or if you have the time and money and a really cool wife, play them all.

Makai Golf Club

Starting from the northernmost course is the Makai Golf Club, (808) 826-1912.  This Troon Golf course recently underwent a major renovation and is now open for play.  The Makai course cost is $210 for a morning tee time and $140 after 1:00 P.M.  There is also a 9-Hole course called the Woods (not included in recent renovation) and the tee time is $50.  In Hawaii’s tradition of catering to the Keiki (children), Keiki ages 6-15 play free with a paying adult on both the Makai and Woods course.

Prince Course

Only a couple miles south is the Prince course, (808) 826-5001. It is a links style course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.  The course closed In January 2011 to undergo renovations and at this time I am not sure what the rates will be or exactly when they plan to reopen.  However, don’t be sad because even though the Prince course gets a lot of press a lot of golfers have told me they prefer the Makai course anyway.

Wailua Golf Course

About 15 miles further south, and just south of the town of Kapaa, is the Wailua Golf Course.  This is a municipal course but I have been told by many avid golfers it is a fun course and a great value.  Also, there is a good chance you will be pared up with some locals if you don’t have a 4 some.  Tee time reservations for 2 or more golfers may be made up to 7 days in advance (808) 241-6666.  Non-resident rates are $48 Midweek and $60 weekend. Carts are not included and are $18.  Bring cash!! They do not take credit cards.  Oh yeah they do not take reservations for twilight play which starts at 2:00 P.M. and the green fee is half the full fee.

Kauai Lagoons Golf Club

A few miles further south, in the town of Lihue, lays the Kauai Lagoons Golf Club, (808) 241-6000.  The course is open but is going through renovations while open.  When renovations are complete there will be 27 holes available for play.  Green fees are currently $195 and  $125 after Noon for the full 18 hole course.  Keiki age 6 – 17 play for $60 or free after 3:00 P.M. with a paying adult.  The good news is the green fee includes a cart, two bottles of water, a cooler and a bucket of range balls to warm up.  A little tip is if you might play the course twice, ask for the Hana Hou (to do again) discount. This will entitle you to a $95 round your second time you play the course during your stay on Kauai.

Puakea

Lets head further south again a couple more miles, still in Lihue and near the Costco, is Puakea, (808) 245-8756.  I do not personally know much about this course but give it a shot and let me know what you think.  Visitors ask for the Ho’Okipa special which is a $79 green fee and $25 club rental fee.  Keiki 7 – 17 are only $18.  During summer months they are free with a paying adult.

Golfing On Kauai (South and West Side)

Poipu Bay Golf Course

Heading south out of Lihue will put you on the way to the next golf course destination of Poipu (poy-poo).  Here we will start with Poipu Bay Golf Course, (800) 858-6300.  Poipu Bay hosted the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from 1994-2006.  Tee times can be made up to 30 days in advance and this course will set you back $240.  If you like the course you can play a second round within ten days for only $115.

Kiahuna Golf Club

Also located in the Poipu area is Kiahuna Golf Club, (808) 742-7445.  Green fees here are $103 and include the cart.  You can reserve tee times online or just give them a call.  They do have a men’s club and host events so better to call before you just show up.

Kukuiolono Golf Course

Further south near the town of Kalaheo (about 15 miles from Poipu) is the 9-Hole course which goes by the name Kukuiolono Golf Course, (808) 332-9151.  This course is the 8^th oldest course on Hawaii and has some interesting history as well as Japanese gardens on the course.  The course plays easy but winds can add a challenge.  This course will set you back a whopping $7! That is not a typo….it is only seven dollars!  Oh yeah…..on weekends they have the nerve to charge $9!

Oh yeah cuz, and remember if you want a special deal…..Just look at the guy in the pro shop give a little wink and smile and say you are friends with Chico.  They will give you a little discount, look at you funny or just kick you out of the clubhouse.

FORE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!