Kauai Golf

The people’s Pebble Beach

By: Jim Bebbington

The problem with playing golf on the Hawaiian island of Kauai is the waterfalls.

As the western-most public island in the Hawaiian chain, Kauai’s lush landscape, beautiful beaches, and relatively pristine mountainsides are always within view.

It’s not unusual to be playing in the shadow of a mountain while waterfalls cascade down tropical green slopes nearby. Some appear only after rainfall high above; others flow constantly.

As local hazards go, there are certainly worse.

Because Kauai is a bit more remote than islands like Maui or Oahu, it offers something increasingly rare—a sense that you’ve discovered your own private escape. Even near resort developments, it’s easy to feel secluded while still having access to world-class golf.

And despite its size, Kauai packs a surprising amount of great golf into a compact area—especially along the eastern side of the island. Here are a few courses worth your time:

The Ocean Course at Hokuala

Located near Lihue Airport, the Ocean Course feels far more remote than its proximity suggests. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the course blends inland play on the front nine with dramatic oceanfront holes on the back.

The standout stretch runs from the 13th through 16th holes, offering some of the longest continuous ocean views in Hawaii. Perched on bluffs above the water, these holes demand both precision and nerve—especially on forced carries along the coastline.

The par-3 14th is the signature, delivering a postcard-worthy view that’s even been featured in Happy Madison Productions logos.

Puakea Golf Course

Tucked into a residential area in Lihue, Puakea surprises with its lush mountain backdrops and approachable layout. At just over 6,400 yards, it rewards precision over power and offers one of the best value rounds on the island.

The signature sixth hole—a downhill par 3 over water to a well-protected green—perfectly captures the course’s blend of beauty and challenge.

It’s also a favorite for another reason: the Puakea Grill. Led by Chef Kristin Yanagawa, it’s widely considered one of the best dining spots at any golf course in Hawaii.

Poipu Bay Golf Course

On Kauai’s sunny south shore, Poipu Bay delivers a classic resort golf experience with championship pedigree. The course famously hosted the PGA Grand Slam of Golf for over a decade, where Tiger Woods dominated the field.

Wide fairways and immaculate conditions make it playable for a range of skill levels, but strategic bunkering and coastal winds keep it challenging.

The closing stretch along the ocean—particularly holes 15 through 17—offers dramatic views and plenty of risk-reward opportunities before a demanding finishing par 5.

Princeville Makai Golf Club

On Kauai’s north shore, Princeville Makai is where scenery reaches another level entirely. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, the course showcases rolling terrain, cliffside holes, and constant views of Hanalei Bay.

This is waterfall central. After heavy rains, multiple cascades spill down the mountainsides across the bay, creating one of the most breathtaking backdrops in golf.

Signature holes like the par-3 7th—played over a ravine toward the ocean—deliver both beauty and intimidation in equal measure.

Wailua Municipal Golf Course

For a completely different experience, Wailua offers something refreshingly simple.

This municipal course is one of the most affordable rounds in Hawaii, but its value goes far beyond price. The front nine runs alongside the Pacific Ocean, while the back nine—originally built in 1931—introduces more elevation and character.

The vibe is relaxed, unpretentious, and unmistakably Kauai. It’s the kind of place where golf feels less like a performance and more like an experience.

Kauai may be smaller and quieter than its neighboring islands, but when it comes to golf, it delivers something special.

Between ocean cliffs, mountain views, and those ever-present waterfalls, it’s a place where even a bad round feels unforgettable.