A Guide to Golfing on Oahu: Best Courses for All Skill Levels
Oahu, the most populous and vibrant of the Hawaiian Islands, is well-known for its stunning landscapes, lush greenery, and beautiful beaches. While many travelers visit Oahu for its cultural attractions, sun-drenched beaches, and scenic hiking trails, the island is also a haven for golf enthusiasts. With a range of courses nestled along coastal cliffs, in tropical valleys, and across pristine landscapes, Oahu offers an ideal golfing destination for players of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a friendly, accessible course or a seasoned golfer seeking a challenging round with breathtaking views, Oahu has something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best golf courses on Oahu, categorized by difficulty, location, and the type of experience they offer. From luxurious resorts to public gems, these courses promise a golfing adventure like no other.
1. Ko Olina Golf Club (West Oahu)
Overview:
Ko Olina Golf Club is one of Oahu’s premier golfing destinations and a must-visit for golfers of all skill levels. Located on the island’s west side in the exclusive Ko Olina Resort, this 18-hole championship course was designed by renowned architect Ted Robinson. The course features multi-tiered greens, water features, and rolling fairways, making it both challenging and visually stunning.
Highlights:
Skill Level: Suitable for intermediate to advanced players, but welcoming to beginners due to the wide fairways and generous landing areas.
Course Features: The course spans 6,867 yards with a par 72. Water comes into play on several holes, adding to the challenge while enhancing the beauty of the course.
Notable Hole: The 12th hole is famous for its scenic water features and demanding par 3 setup, where golfers must navigate over water to reach the green.
Amenities: The Ko Olina Golf Club offers state-of-the-art facilities, including a well-stocked pro shop, driving range, and professional instruction. Its on-site restaurant, Roy’s Ko Olina, is an excellent spot to unwind after your round.
Why Play Here:
Ko Olina is a well-rounded course with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the lush Ko Olina Lagoons. Golfers will find the course offers both relaxation and challenge, with an abundance of amenities to make the day truly memorable.
2. Turtle Bay Resort (North Shore Oahu)
Overview:
Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore is home to two world-class golf courses: the Palmer Course and the Fazio Course. Both courses offer picturesque ocean views and serene surroundings, providing a relaxing escape from the busier areas of the island.
Palmer Course:
Skill Level: Designed by Arnold Palmer, this course is ideal for experienced players seeking a challenging and scenic round. The Palmer Course is known for its difficult par 4s, tight fairways, and strategically placed bunkers.
Course Features: Spanning 7,218 yards with a par of 72, the course features dramatic oceanfront holes, wind-swept dunes, and numerous water hazards.
Notable Hole: The signature 17th hole is a par 4 that hugs the coastline, offering breathtaking ocean views but requiring precise shots to avoid the water.
Fazio Course:
Skill Level: The Fazio Course is more forgiving, making it perfect for beginners and intermediate golfers. The fairways are wide, and the hazards are less punitive than on the Palmer Course.
Course Features: The Fazio Course is 6,628 yards with a par 72, characterized by lush greenery, gentle slopes, and relatively straightforward holes.
Notable Hole: The 11th hole is a par 5 with a scenic dogleg, offering golfers a chance to play strategically while enjoying views of the Hawaiian landscape.
Why Play Here:
Turtle Bay offers two distinct golfing experiences, making it suitable for players of all levels. Whether you choose the more challenging Palmer Course or the friendly Fazio Course, you’ll be treated to sweeping ocean views, a peaceful environment, and excellent service.
3. Royal Hawaiian Golf Club (Windward Oahu)
Overview:
Nestled in the Ko’olau Mountain Range, Royal Hawaiian Golf Club is one of the most scenic and dramatic courses on Oahu. Formerly known as Luana Hills, this 18-hole course is surrounded by tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and towering peaks, offering a unique and immersive golfing experience.
Highlights:
Skill Level: The Royal Hawaiian Golf Club is best suited for intermediate and advanced players due to its narrow fairways, elevation changes, and dense jungle surroundings.
Course Features: The course plays 6,609 yards from the championship tees with a par 72. It is known for its tight fairways, well-protected greens, and significant elevation changes.
Notable Hole: The 2nd hole is a short but challenging par 4, where golfers tee off from an elevated position with stunning views of the mountains and a deep ravine.
Scenic Beauty: The natural beauty of this course is unparalleled, with tropical rainforests and mountain views at every turn. It’s not uncommon to spot native birds or waterfalls during your round.
Why Play Here:
If you’re looking for an unforgettable, visually stunning round of golf, the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club is a must. The combination of challenging holes and breathtaking scenery makes it a favorite among golf enthusiasts who want more than just a game—they want an experience.
4. Hawaii Prince Golf Club (Ewa Beach)
Overview:
Located in Ewa Beach on Oahu’s southwest side, Hawaii Prince Golf Club is a 27-hole course designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay. It offers three 9-hole courses that can be played in various combinations, making it an excellent choice for golfers seeking variety and challenge.
Highlights:
Skill Level: Suitable for golfers of all skill levels, the course offers wide fairways, manageable bunkers, and generous greens, making it a great option for beginners and intermediate players.
Course Features: Each of the three 9-hole courses (A, B, and C) presents a different set of challenges. The courses feature water hazards on 10 of the 27 holes, with well-manicured fairways and greens throughout.
Notable Hole: The 9th hole on Course C is a memorable par 4, where players must carefully avoid water hazards that run along both sides of the fairway.
Why Play Here:
Hawaii Prince Golf Club offers flexibility with its 27 holes, allowing golfers to mix and match courses for a different experience each time they play. The flat terrain and straightforward layout make it accessible for beginners while still providing enough challenge for more experienced golfers.
5. Ewa Beach Golf Club (Ewa Beach)
Overview:
Ewa Beach Golf Club is a semi-private course located near Pearl Harbor, known for its traditional Hawaiian design and challenging layout. The course is set in a lush, tropical environment, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city of Honolulu.
Highlights:
Skill Level: Best suited for intermediate and advanced players, the course’s tight fairways, water hazards, and numerous bunkers demand accuracy and strategic shot-making.
Course Features: The course plays 6,711 yards from the championship tees with a par 72. Water comes into play on several holes, and the trade winds add an extra layer of difficulty.
Notable Hole: The 18th hole is a challenging par 5 that requires precise shots to avoid water hazards on both sides of the fairway, making for an exciting finish to the round.
Why Play Here:
Ewa Beach Golf Club is ideal for golfers seeking a challenging and rewarding round. Its traditional Hawaiian setting, combined with a demanding course layout, makes it one of Oahu’s top choices for serious golfers.
6. Ala Wai Golf Course (Honolulu)
Overview:
Ala Wai Golf Course, located just minutes from Waikiki, is one of the busiest public golf courses in the world. While it may not be as scenic as some of Oahu’s resort courses, it offers an affordable and accessible option for golfers of all levels.
Highlights:
Skill Level: Ala Wai is beginner-friendly, with wide fairways, flat terrain, and minimal hazards. However, advanced players will also enjoy the challenge of navigating the trade winds and strategically placed bunkers.
Course Features: The course is 6,208 yards with a par 70. Its location near the Ala Wai Canal provides some scenic views of Diamond Head and the Honolulu skyline.
Notable Hole: The 9th hole is a short par 4 with an elevated tee box that offers a great view of the course and the surrounding cityscape.
Why Play Here:
Ala Wai Golf Course is perfect for those looking for a casual round without breaking the bank. Its central location in Honolulu makes it a convenient option for tourists and locals alike.
7. Kahuku Golf Course (North Shore Oahu)
Overview:
Kahuku Golf Course is a hidden gem located on Oahu’s North Shore. This 9-hole public course is one of the most affordable options on the island and is known for its laid-back atmosphere and oceanfront views.
Highlights:
Skill Level: Kahuku is ideal for beginners and casual golfers. Its straightforward layout and lack of hazards make it a perfect choice for those looking to enjoy a relaxed round of golf.
Course Features: The course plays 2,699 yards from the back tees with a par 35. While it’s not particularly challenging, the coastal views and gentle breezes make for a pleasant and enjoyable round. The course offers simple, walkable terrain, making it accessible to golfers of all ages and skill levels.
Notable Hole:
Hole 5: This short par 3 hole runs directly along the ocean, offering panoramic views of the Pacific. While the hole itself is straightforward, the scenery more than makes up for its simplicity.
Why Play Here:
Kahuku Golf Course is perfect for golfers seeking a low-pressure, scenic round without the hustle and bustle of larger, more crowded courses. The relaxed atmosphere, coupled with the stunning ocean views, makes it a unique and charming experience for players looking to enjoy a slice of Hawaiian paradise at an affordable price.
Tips:
Because Kahuku is a simple, unpretentious course, don’t expect the high-end amenities of other resort courses. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and perhaps a light snack, as the facilities are limited. If you’re visiting Oahu’s North Shore for a day of beach fun or sightseeing, this is a great spot to fit in a quick round of golf.
8. Pearl Country Club (Aiea)
Overview:
Located in Aiea, Pearl Country Club is a championship-level course that offers beautiful views of Pearl Harbor and the surrounding area. This 18-hole course is known for its well-maintained greens, mature trees, and strategically designed layout.
Highlights:
Skill Level: Pearl Country Club is ideal for intermediate to advanced golfers. The course features rolling fairways, elevation changes, and various water hazards that will challenge players while providing an enjoyable round.
Course Features: The course stretches 6,787 yards from the back tees with a par of 72. Each hole offers unique obstacles, including tree-lined fairways, sharp doglegs, and tricky greens. The wind can also be a factor, requiring players to adjust their strategy accordingly.
Notable Hole: The 12th hole is a picturesque par 3 that plays downhill, with a large pond guarding the front of the green. It’s a test of accuracy and nerve, especially if the wind is blowing.
Why Play Here:
Golfers who want to experience a high-quality course with competitive play will enjoy Pearl Country Club. The sweeping views of Pearl Harbor add to the allure, while the challenging layout provides a memorable round for those looking for a true test of their skills.
Tips:
Book your tee time in advance, as Pearl Country Club is a popular course, especially during peak travel seasons. Don’t forget to bring your camera— the views of Pearl Harbor are spectacular, especially around sunset.
9. Hoakalei Country Club (Ewa Beach)
Overview:
Hoakalei Country Club is one of Oahu’s newest and most prestigious private golf courses. Designed by professional golfer Ernie Els, this 18-hole championship course blends modern design with natural beauty, offering golfers a challenging yet enjoyable experience.
Highlights:
Skill Level: Hoakalei is a challenging course that caters to low-handicap and advanced golfers. With strategic bunkers, undulating greens, and water hazards, the course requires thoughtful shot planning and precision.
Course Features: The course measures 7,413 yards from the championship tees and plays to a par 72. Hoakalei is known for its links-style layout, with wide fairways and large greens. The ever-present trade winds add to the difficulty, making club selection critical.
Notable Hole: The 16th hole, a par 4, is one of the most challenging on the course. With water running along the entire left side of the fairway and green, accuracy off the tee is essential to avoid the hazard.
Why Play Here:
Hoakalei Country Club is a must-play for serious golfers seeking a world-class course on Oahu. The design by Ernie Els offers a rewarding challenge for experienced players, and the attention to detail in course maintenance makes it a top-tier golfing experience.
Tips:
As a private course, access is limited to members and their guests, so you may need an invitation to play. If you’re visiting Oahu and staying at a high-end resort, inquire about potential playing privileges or connections that could allow you to experience this exceptional course.
10. Waialae Country Club (East Honolulu)
Overview:
Waialae Country Club is one of the most prestigious and well-known golf courses in Hawaii, serving as the annual host of the PGA Tour’s Sony Open. Located in East Honolulu, this private, members-only club offers a luxurious golfing experience with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head.
Highlights:
Skill Level: Waialae is a challenging course best suited for experienced players. The course’s narrow fairways, fast greens, and strategically placed bunkers and hazards make it a true test of skill.
Course Features: The 7,125-yard, par 72 course features water hazards on several holes, including the signature 13th hole, which runs alongside the ocean. The course is meticulously maintained, and the conditions are consistently excellent.
Notable Hole: The 18th hole, a par 5, offers a memorable finish. With a dogleg left and a well-protected green, golfers must navigate several bunkers and avoid the water to close out their round successfully.
Why Play Here:
For golfers who want to play where the pros do, Waialae Country Club is a bucket-list destination. The course’s rich history, impeccable conditions, and challenging layout make it one of the top private clubs in the state.
Tips:
Since Waialae is a private club, access is limited to members or guests. However, during the Sony Open, spectators can walk the course and see the PGA Tour pros in action, making it a great time to experience the beauty of the course.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Golfing Experience on Oahu
Oahu is a paradise for golfers, offering a diverse range of courses that cater to all skill levels. From luxurious resort courses with ocean views to challenging private clubs and affordable public courses, Oahu has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your short game at a par-3 course like Blue Rock or test your skills at a world-class venue like Waialae Country Club, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your golfing desires.
No matter where you play, Oahu’s tropical landscapes, warm climate, and welcoming atmosphere make it a premier golfing destination. With a blend of coastal courses, mountain backdrops, and serene environments, each round promises not just a game but an experience. So pack your clubs, book your tee times, and get ready to enjoy the best golf that Oahu has to offer.
Happy golfing!
