Golf in Kauai
It’s no wonder that Kauai’s exceptional beauty has inspired some exceptionally beautiful links. More surprising is the presence of two lovely, inexpensive public courses: the 9-hole Kukuiolono on the South Shore, and the even more impressive 18-hole Wailua Golf Course on the East Side; see details below. Note: Greens fees listed here include cart rentals unless stated otherwise.
Value-seekers who don’t mind occasionally playing next to a Costco and suburban homes—amid panoramas of several soaring green ridges—will appreciate Puakea (www.puakeagolf.com; 808/245-8756), part of AOL founder Steve Case’s portfolio. Greens fees for 18 holes are $85 before 11am, $65 after; it’s $45 for 9 holes anytime. The links are centrally located, at 4150 Nuhou St., off Nawiliwili Road, Lihue.
Value-seekers who don’t mind occasionally playing next to a Costco and suburban homes—amid panoramas of several soaring green ridges—will appreciate Puakea (www.puakeagolf.com; 808/245-8756), part of AOL founder Steve Case’s portfolio. Greens fees for 18 holes are $85 before 11am, $65 after; it’s $45 for 9 holes anytime. The links are centrally located, at 4150 Nuhou St., off Nawiliwili Road, Lihue.
To play the newest course on the Garden Island, you’ll need to be a guest in one of the Lodge at Kukuiula cottages, bungalows, or villas, starting at $750 a night (https://lodgeatkukuiula.com; 800/325-5701). Along with members of Kukuiula (www.kukuiula.com; 855/742-0234), Lodge guests have exclusive access to Tom Weiskopf’s 18-hole, rolling course through gardens, orchards, and grasslands, and a practice facility; greens fees are $210.
Wherever you play, money can’t buy your way out of dealing with trade winds, so start early for the best scores.