22 Aug Best Golf Courses to Visit Near Honolulu
After spending the money to fly to Hawaii, playing a round of golf may not be high on the list of priorities. Many people come to Honolulu for romance, business trips, or family vacations.
Once you arrive here, you’ll discover a visit to Hawaii is incomplete without spending at least one morning out on a beautiful Oahu golf course.
You can find everything from luxurious public layouts to resort courses and private clubs offering the chance to break out some clubs.
If the urge to play through strikes you, these are the best golf courses to visit during your stay.
Ko Olina Golf Club
This stunning course is part of the over 640 acres of the Ko Olina Resort and Marina. It’s one of the premier ocean-front communities of its type on the island, with the championship course hosting an annual LPGA tour event. It takes about 45 minutes to reach it, depending on traffic, with the incredible design by Ted Robison. The multi-tiered greens, multiple water features, and plenty of sunshine to enjoy.
Palmer Course at Turtle Bay
The golfing on the North Shore is some of the best in the world. You can find incredible surfing just up the road at Sunset Beach and Pipeline. Still, the ocean only plays peek-a-boo on the course designed by Arnold Palmer. This set of 18 holes sends you through the island’s jungle and wetlands, providing more of a natural feel. It also is one of the few courses that aren’t heavily influenced by the winds that whip around Honolulu occasionally.
Ala Wai Golf Course
This municipal golf course is just down the road from where you’ll be staying in Honolulu. It provides a traditional layout that still gives you some views of the ocean and the mountains. It plays somewhat short, making it an excellent option for beginners, while experts can always find challenging moments. You can also take advantage of the free loaner clubs if you didn’t pack yours for your vacation.
Wai’alae Country Club
The professional golf course here dates to the 1920s. It borders the ocean, ensuring that you get spectacular views while taking a leisurely stroll through your 18 holes. It is more for someone with a low handicap by design, although anyone can have a good time because of its unique design. The course hosted the Sony Open in 2020, which was the largest charity golf event in the state for the year. It is only open to members and their guests, and rental sets are available for a small fee.
Ko’olau Golf Club
When this course opened in 1992, it immediately became the most challenging 18 holes in the United States. People used to say that you could beat the course record by shooting a 62 – with lost balls. The slope rating from the back tees is still 153, even with the property now under the ownership of the First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu. It is a memorable round!
Where are you going to visit first when the urge to go golfing strikes?
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