GOLFING

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 is a Troon Golf course.  The Makai course cost is $305 for a morning tee time and $149 after 12:00 P.M.  There is also a 9-Hole course called the Woods (not included in recent renovation) and the tee time is $69.  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.  TIP: If you are staying in Princeville be prepared to give your address and ask for the Princeville lodging rate which is $245.  www.makaigolf.com

Prince Course (Still Not Open)

Only a couple miles south is the Prince course, which is currently closed. It is a links style course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.  The course was closed in 2014 and has still not reopened.  The following is the rates before the course closed:  Tee times are $250. If you are a guest staying in Princeville the rate is $180 for morning tee times and $165 after 12 noon.  Want to do something fun with the kids then take them to the Mini Prince Par 3 course.  It is 6 holes ranging from 48 to 91 yards.  Adults are $15 and includes complimentary use of clubs.  Keike up to age 17 are free with a paying adult or $5 without paying adult and also get complimentary use of clubs.  The Mini Prince opens at 4:00 P.M. daily.

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 $20.   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.  www.kauai.gov/golf

The Ocean Course at Hokuala (FKA Kauai Lagoons Golf Club)

A few miles further south, in the town of Lihue, lays the Hokuala Golf Course, (808) 241-6000.  There are 27 holes available for play.  Green fees are currently $209 and  $179 after Noon for the full 18 hole course.  If you are staying at our house you can should be able to qualify for other resort guest rate of $165 for the morning and $125 after noon.  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.  www.hokualakauai.com/golf

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.  You can purchase a deal at Costco for 2 rounds for $99.  Kauai residents can ask for Haupu Club Program.  For visitors regular rates are $104 before 11:00 A.M. and $84 after 11:00 A.M.  Keiki 7 – 17 are only $18.  During summer months they are free with a paying adult.  www.puakeagolf.com

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 $225.  If you like the course you can play a second round within ten days for only $160.  www.poipubaygolf.com

Kiahuna Golf Club

Also located in the Poipu area is Kiahuna Golf Club, (808) 742-7445.  Green fees here are $105 (Juniors $50) 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. www.kiahunagolf.com/

Kukuiolono Golf Course (locals call it Kooks)

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 or Kooks, (808) 332-9151.  This course is the 8th 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 $10! That is not a typo….it is only ten dollars!  And if you want a cart you can shell out another $10 for the cart not per golfer! Don’t even bother calling for a tee time. Just show up.

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 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!