Are you looking for the perfect golf course to test your skills while on vacation in Honolulu, Hawaii, this summer? Look no further! This blog post will provide detailed information about the best golf courses in Honolulu, Hawaii, for 2023. Besides, we included other best golf courses around this area to give you more options. From breathtaking views and challenging layouts to unique experiences at each location, these courses have it all! Whether you are an experienced golfer or just starting, there is sure to be a perfect course amongst this list that can fulfill your expectations and more. So don’t wait any longer; read on and discover some of the best places to play golf in Honolulu in grand style!
Ala Wai Golf Course
Ala Wai Golf Course is a popular destination in the heart of Honolulu, just steps from Waikiki. With a convenient location and stunning views of the city skyline, Diamond Head, and the dark Koolau Mountains, this course is a go-to for many locals and tourists. The par-70, relatively flat course boasts 5861 yards, with three sets of tees available for various skill levels. Golfers will appreciate the wide fairways, forgiving greens, and putting green, driving range, starter’s office, café, and pro shop.
Despite Ala Wai’s lack of elevation changes, the course presents golfers with challenges unique to its metropolitan location. Tall buildings surround the course, creating a distinctive environment in which to play golf. These buildings, combined with the convenient location, make Ala Wai one of the busiest courses in the State, hosting approximately 145,000 rounds a year. Despite being one of the busiest courses, Ala Wai offers a beautiful, well-maintained green space for all golf enthusiasts. Its Bermuda grass greens and fairways make it an excellent course for year-round play, perfect for those looking to maintain their skills or just have a fun day out on the greens.
Location: 404 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Royal Hawaiian Golf Club
The Royal Hawaiian Golf Club offers golfers a unique and challenging experience amidst the tropical beauty of Hawaii. This par 72, 18-hole course is nestled at the foot of the Ko’olau Mountains, approximately 25 minutes from Honolulu and boasts GPS-equipped carts that provide players with an extra level of convenience and accuracy to enhance their game.
The course itself is both tranquil and treacherous, with challenging and narrow fairways lined by thick tropical jungle, tumbling terrain, and dramatic elevation changes. Golfers will be fully immersed in the Hawaiian rainforest, playing among native palm, banana, and koa trees and over many meandering streams full of native Hawaiian fish. Some of the holes are particularly scenic, lined by ancient trees and featuring strategic bunkers throughout. In addition, the club’s staff members are known for their hospitality, with friendly and helpful service that is sure to make any golfer feel welcome.
Location: 2259 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Waialae Country Club
Waialae Country Club in Oahu is a private golf course known for its sumptuous layout and lush landscaping. It boasts of a picturesque oceanfront setting, wide fairways accented with coconut, monkey pod and kiawe trees and a signature hole par three 8th – creating an indelible impression.
Not only is Waialae Country Club an ideal place for golf enthusiasts to tee off, but plenty of other amenities make it a memorable experience. They provide professional instruction, have a chipping and putting green, a full-service snack bar, a practice range of up to 250 yards. The palm trees behind the 18th green, angled in the shape of a ‘W’, add a touch of distinction that sets Waialae Country Club apart from other courses. With 18 holes rated at 72 par and over 7000 yards of breathtaking landscape to play and well-maintained 83 bunkers, it is no wonder that it is the host of the PGA Tour’s Sony Open in Hawaii.
Location: 4997 Kahala Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
Moanalua Golf Club
Moanalua Golf Club, the oldest golf course in Hawaii, offers a challenging and fun 9-hole course with crowned greens suited for players of all skill levels. With well-groomed fairways and greens, it is well-maintained and offers a pleasant playing experience.
The golf course is not just about playing golf but about the experience. The friendly people and perfect food at the restaurant make it a great place for socialization among golfers. The golf course has plenty of character and is memorable, with many unique holes that can be explored thoroughly. Overall, Moanalua Golf Club is a must-visit destination for golfers of all skill levels.
Location: 1250 Ala Aolani St, Honolulu, HI 96819
Hawaii Kai Golf Course
Hawaiʻi Kai Golf Course, situated just 13 miles east of Waikiki, offers an 18-hole public course that spans 6500 yards, with a 72 par and 124 slope rating. The course presents a challenging layout, featuring elevation changes and skilled dogleg holes that put golfers’ abilities to the test. Additionally, the Bermuda grass on the course contributes to the allure of the stunning scenery, complemented by the breathtaking views of Molokai.
Hawaiʻi Kai Golf Course also boasts impressive banquet facilities, providing a perfect venue for hosting events. The course staff adds to the experience with their warm hospitality, making every guest feel comfortable. Visitors can attest to the course’s reputation for smooth and well-maintained greens, ensuring an enjoyable round of golf with pleasant surroundings. Whether a novice or experienced golfer, Hawaiʻi Kai Golf Course is the perfect destination that will leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Location: 8902 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825
Ko Olina Golf Club
Ko Olina Golf Club, designed by renowned architect Ted Robinson, is a 640-acre oceanfront property on the island’s sunny west coast, known for its exceptional water features, multi-tiered greens, and vast landing areas. This 18-hole golf course has achieved significant recognition, being named one of Golf Digest’s “Top 75 Resort Courses in the U.S.” and hosting an LPGA Tour event.
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a challenging yet playable game with wide fairways and nicely elevated tee box greens while appreciating the picturesque scenery of unique ducks and geese swimming in the water features. After the game, Ko Olina Golf Club offers a great 19th-hole experience, including an award-winning restaurant by Chef Roy Yamaguchi. The clubhouse provides a comprehensive golf shop that was recently voted the top resort shop in Hawaii. Amenities like a free shuttle, group tournament play, caddies, forecaddies, men’s and ladies’ locker rooms, driving range, and putting greens are available to enhance the customer experience.
Location: 91-701 Farrington Hwy, Kapolei, HI 96707
Turtle Bay Golf
Turtle Bay Golf is one of the premier golf courses on the Fabled North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. The 900-acre oceanfront property features George Fazio and Palmer 18-hole golf courses, providing golfers with stunning ocean views, spacious fairways, and beautiful Hawaiian landscapes.
The Palmer course offers a tropical setting native to Honolulu, challenged in the front nine, while the back nine provides a memorable experience for golfers. Recently, it has played host to the PGA and LPGA SBS Open, making it one of the most sought-after courses by professionals. The five sets of starting tees, spacious fairways, moon crater bunkers, and nice greens make up this beautiful course. On the other hand, the George Fazio Course starts further inland and runs down to the ocean and white sand beach. It features natural wetlands unique to the North Shore, giving golfers a different experience as they navigate through lush fairways and stunning oceanfront holes. For a more immersive experience, special walking rates are available on the Fazio Course.
Location: TBG, 57-091 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI 96731
Hawaii Prince Golf Club
The Hawaii Prince Golf Club is a remarkable golfing experience that offers a wealth of exciting features to its visitors. The course, designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, covers a vast expanse of 270 acres and comprises three interchangeable nines, totaling 27 holes. The course layout provides stunning views of the Waianae Mountains, whose natural splendor is intensified by the luscious green fairways and undulating terrain.
One of the key features of the course is its strategically-placed water hazards which present golfers with a unique play experience. With 90 white sand bunkers lining the verdant fairways and 27 perfectly manicured greens, the course is a true test of skill and accuracy. Additionally, visitors have access to a well-equipped clubhouse, a grass driving range, and chipping greens to practice their game. Another notable aspect of the Hawaii Prince Golf Club is the wind that typically blows through the course, making club selection an exciting challenge. All in all, the Hawaii Prince Golf Club is a destination worth visiting for golfers looking for a top-notch golf experience amidst Hawaii’s breathtaking natural scenery.
Location: 91-1200 Fort Weaver Rd, Ewa Beach, HI 96706
Ewa Beach Golf Club
Ewa Beach Golf Club boasts great food, great views, and excellent customer service. It’s the perfect destination for golfers of all skill levels, offering 18 challenging holes on narrow fairways and tricky greens. The course is beautifully lined with oak trees and features heavenly views of the lakes and Waianae Mountains.
This links-style course has two different kinds of tees, which are equally challenging. The greens run true and very fast, and the course is in superb condition with lots of bunkers. Additionally, you’ll love the pretty tree-lined course and the native species of birds. If you’re looking for a great place for lunch, their nice pro shop has got you covered. Overall, Ewa Beach Golf Club is a great place to play, with something for everyone to enjoy!
Location: 91-050 Fort Weaver Road Ewa Beach, HI 96706
Waikele Country Club
Waikele Country Club is the signature par 72 Ted Robison course located on the dry west side of Hawaii. Golf enthusiasts can experience a unique playing experience as they enjoy picturesque views of Pearl Harbor and the Blue Pacific. The club features wide fairways and forgiving greens, ensuring an enjoyable round of golf for players of all skill levels.
The club not only offers stunning scenery, but also top-notch amenities, including a nice clubhouse and restaurant. The restaurant serves excellent American, Japanese and local-style food, providing a satisfying culinary experience. In addition, guests can browse the golf shop featuring logo apparel and merchandise, utilize the locker rooms, or take advantage of the full-service driving range and putting areas. The immaculate landscaping boasts plenty of tropical palms and colorful botanical plants, as well as a variety of birds. Water features and elevation changes contribute to the challenging yet fun nature of the course. Overall, Waikele Country Club provides the perfect balance of playability and natural beauty.
Location: 94-200 Paioa Pl, Waipahu, HI 96797
Kapolei Golf Club
Kapolei Golf Club is a first-rate golf course located on the warmer and dryer west side of Oahu. Spanning 190 acres of grass, this golf course is a golfer’s paradise, inviting visitors with its beautiful palm trees and strategically located bunkers. Golf enthusiasts are provided with modern facilities that include GPS-enabled golf carts and a spacious driving range. The large restaurant and bar can make visitors feel comfortable with delicious dishes and drinks. This golf course has hosted a range of premier golf tournaments on both the LPGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions, augmenting its reputation as one of the most pristine golf courses in the region.
Floral gardens surrounding Kapolei Golf Club showcase exotic flora that is breathtaking to golfers and non-golfers alike. The course’s five crystalline lakes provide a serene setting for golfers to unwind from the hustle and bustle of life. In 2010 and 2014, it won Honolulu Star Advertiser’s People’s Choice Award as “Best Course on Oahu,” affording a well-deserved accolade. The sugar cane plantation around the course is an excellent example to showcase the rich history of the island. With its magnificent beauty, serene lakes, and aesthetically pleasing manicured gardens, Kapolei Golf Club is an excellent choice for all golf enthusiasts looking to relax while improving their swings.
Location: 91-701 Farrington Hwy, Kapolei, HI 96707
Pearl Country Club
The Pearl Country Club is a gem of a golf course on O‘ahu, offering panoramic vistas and challenging play. This par-72 course is both challenging and fair, with elevated tee boxes and greens, blind dog legs, and breathtaking scenery including views of Pu‘uloa, also known as Pearl Harbor. With a lot of variation from hole to hole, players can expect undulating terrain and uneven lies, making the course perfect for golfers who take their game seriously.
Despite its challenging terrain, the Pearl Country Club welcomes golfers of all levels with a staff that is helpful and accommodating. The course is open to the public, and with 18 holes and a 136 slope spread over 6,787 yards, there is plenty of opportunity for a full day of play. In addition, the course offers a range of equipment and apparel to ensure that golfers are prepared for whatever the course may throw their way. Overall, for a truly unforgettable golfing experience in O‘ahu, look no further than the Pearl Country Club.
Location: 98-535 Kaonohi St, Aiea, HI 96701
Makaha Valley Country Club
Makaha Valley Country Club boasts an impressive location atop a hillside, offering stunning views of both the Pacific Ocean and the towering volcanic mountainside. This 6,350-yard, par 71 course weaves through rolling terrain framed by dense trees, ferns, and tropical plants. The course presents a variety of doglegs and elevation changes, with greens and fairways in fantastic shape. The fourth signature hole boasts breathtaking ocean views, making it one to remember.
In addition to the mesmerizing landscape, the people at Makaha Valley Country Club are incredibly friendly and accommodating. The course is only a 30-minute drive from Ko Olina Resorts and comes at a reasonable price. The experience of playing here is unmatched, with the natural beauty and character of the course setting it apart. Any golfer looking to enjoy their game in a serene environment should definitely tee off at Makaha Valley Country Club.
Location: 84-627 Makaha Valley Rd, Waianae, HI 96792
Bayview Golf Course
Bayview Golf Course is a charming, 18-hole public course with 4 sets of tees catering to diverse skill levels. The course spans across 3,400 yards with a par of 60, is lively with character, and offers good views on the back 9 that provide scenic views of the Bay and make the round more challenging, as the back nine is more hilly.
In addition to its scenic beauty, Bayview Golf Course offers a two-level driving range and expansive greens. Though tight fairways and small, sloping greens might be a test for some, hiring rental clubs is an easy option for those who prefer not to carry their own. Besides, it is easy to book a tee time at a reasonable price. The majority of holes measure between 100 to 140 yards, making the golf course enjoyable for novices and seasoned players alike. On the front nine, the course is flat and fun, while the back nine, with its spectacular views, makes for a more challenging game. Bayview Golf Course is a small but fun and affordable option for golf enthusiasts.
Location: 45-285 Kaneohe Bay Dr, Kaneohe, HI 96744
Conclusion
Honolulu, Hawaii, is home to some of the best golf courses in the world. This article has outlined some of the top 5 best golf courses located in Honolulu and other popular golf courses near Honolulu city for chosen. From Waikele Country Club’s full-service driving range and lush landscaping to Kapolei Golf Club’s serene lakes and exotic flora, there are plenty of options for any golf enthusiast. Whether you are a novice or an expert, the courses listed in this article have something for everyone. Get ready to experience some of the best golfing that Honolulu has to offer in 2023!
