The Complete Guide to Golf on Kauai
Everything you need to plan the perfect Kauai golf trip — all eight courses ranked and reviewed, seasonal timing, budgets, tee time tips, packing lists, and day-by-day itineraries from someone who lives on the fairway.
The 16th at Poipu Bay — where the PGA Grand Slam was decided, with ocean cliffs on one side and the Haupu Ridge rising behind you.
The Complete Guide to Golf on Kauai
Kauai is the smallest of Hawaii's four main islands and, for my money, the best one to plan a golf trip around. It has eight courses spread across 25 miles of coastline — from championship oceanfront layouts designed by Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones Jr. to a $15 hilltop nine-hole where wild chickens share the fairway with you. The scenery is unlike anything you'll find on the mainland. The weather on the south shore is almost absurdly consistent. And the whole island is small enough that you can play every course without ever driving more than an hour.
I've played all eight courses on Kauai multiple times. I live on one of them — my condo sits on the 9th hole green at Kiahuna Golf Club in Poipu. This guide is everything I know about golf on this island, organized so you can plan your trip, pick your courses, and make the most of every round.
The eight courses on Kauai, ranked
Here's my ranking of every course on the island, from best to last. Each one links to a full review with hole-by-hole detail, scoring breakdowns, and practical information.
1. Poipu Bay Golf Course — 9.4 The best course on Kauai. Robert Trent Jones Jr. design, former home of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf (Tiger Woods won here seven times), and a finishing stretch along ocean cliffs that rivals anything in Hawaii. Located in Poipu on the south shore, five minutes from our condo. Read the full review →
2. Princeville Makai — 9.2 The most visually stunning course on the island. Six oceanfront holes, dramatic cliffside par 3s, and a Robert Trent Jones Jr. renovation that turned a good course into a great one. Located on the north shore — a 60-minute drive from Poipu but worth every minute. Read the full review →
3. The Ocean Course at Hokuala — 9.0 Jack Nicklaus Signature design with a jungle-carved front nine and the longest stretch of oceanfront golf in Hawaii on the back nine. The par 3 over the ocean cove is unforgettable. Located near the airport in Lihue — a nice option for a first-round or last-round. Read the full review →
4. Kiahuna Golf Club — 8.8 The course in my backyard. A walkable Robert Trent Jones Jr. layout with lava features, ancient Hawaiian ruins, and the most relaxed vibe on the island. Not a championship test, but a genuinely fun round with real character at a great price. Located in Poipu, steps from our condo. Read the full review →
5. Wailua Golf Course — 8.4 The best municipal course in Hawaii. Beachfront holes, championship pedigree (three USGA events), and a $48 green fee that makes it the steal of any Kauai golf trip. Located on the east shore, about 35 minutes from Poipu. Read the full review →
6. Kukui'ula Golf Course — 8.4 Kauai's most exclusive course. A pristine Tom Weiskopf design with ocean views on nearly every hole, fruit orchards along the fairways, and private-club conditioning that's the best on the island. Access limited to members and Lodge guests. Located in Poipu, five minutes from our condo. Read the full review →
7. Puakea Golf Course — 7.6 The back nine plays through volcanic ravines at the base of the Jurassic Park mountains and is worth the green fee on its own. The front five holes through a housing development are forgettable, but the course dramatically improves from the 6th hole forward. Located near the airport in Lihue. Read the full review →
8. Kukuiolono Golf Course — 7.0 Nine holes on top of an extinct volcano for $15. Wild chickens on the tee boxes, a Japanese garden between the fairways, and 360-degree views of the south shore. The greens are rock-hard and the conditioning is rough, but the experience is unlike anything else in Hawaii. Located in Kalaheo, 15 minutes from Poipu. Read the full review →
When to go
Kauai is playable year-round, but the best time for a golf trip depends on what you're optimizing for.
December through March is peak season. The weather on the south shore is warm and sunny (mid-70s to low 80s), the trade winds keep things comfortable, and humpback whales are visible from several courses — including Poipu Bay and Kukuiolono. This is also when rates are highest for everything: flights, rental cars, accommodations, and green fees. Book tee times well in advance, especially at Poipu Bay and Princeville Makai.
April through May is the sweet spot. The winter crowds thin out, the weather stays excellent, rates drop, and tee times are easier to get. If I were planning a Kauai golf trip with flexibility on timing, this is when I'd go.
June through August is summer — warmer, more humid, and the south shore gets less of the cooling trade wind relief. It's still perfectly playable, but expect to sweat. Rates are at their lowest, which makes this a good time for budget-conscious golfers. Play early morning rounds before the heat builds.
September through November is shoulder season. Good weather, reasonable rates, and thin crowds. The north shore can get wetter starting in October, which affects Princeville Makai. The south shore stays dry and sunny.
One important note: the north shore (where Princeville Makai is located) gets significantly more rain than the south shore year-round. If you're planning a round at Makai, check the weather forecast for Princeville specifically — it can be raining in Princeville and sunny in Poipu on the same day.
Where to stay
Where you base yourself on Kauai matters more than on most islands because of the driving distances. Here's the case for each area.
Poipu (south shore) — my recommendation for golfers. This is where I live, so I'm biased, but the logic is sound. Poipu has the most consistent sunshine on the island — roughly 300 sunny days a year. It puts you within five minutes of three courses (Kiahuna, Poipu Bay, and Kukui'ula), 15 minutes of Kukuiolono, and 25 minutes of Hokuala and Puakea. The only course that requires a real drive is Princeville Makai at 60 minutes. You also get easy access to Poipu Beach, restaurants, and shopping without fighting traffic.
If you're staying in Poipu, our condo at Pili Mai sits directly on the 9th hole green at Kiahuna Golf Club. Walk off the course, grab a cold drink, and head back out for the back nine. Check availability →
Princeville (north shore) is beautiful but risky for a golf-focused trip. You'll be right next to Princeville Makai, which is a top-two course on the island. But you'll be 60 minutes from all the south shore courses, and the north shore gets more rain. If you're only planning to play Makai and spend the rest of your time hiking and sightseeing, Princeville is great. If you want to play three or more courses, Poipu is the better base.
Lihue (east shore) puts you near the airport, Hokuala, Puakea, and Wailua. But there's less to do off the course compared to Poipu or Princeville, and the accommodations aren't as strong. I'd only base here if you're doing a quick two-day trip focused on those three courses.
What it costs
Here's a realistic budget breakdown for a five-day Kauai golf trip for two people, playing four rounds.
Green fees: Expect to spend $700-1,200 per person depending on which courses you play. A mix of Poipu Bay ($295), Princeville Makai ($375), Kiahuna (~$105-150), and Wailua ($48) comes to roughly $825 per person. Swap Kiahuna for Hokuala ($299) and you're closer to $1,020.
Accommodations: A quality 2-bedroom condo in Poipu runs $300-450 per night depending on the season. For five nights, budget $1,500-2,250 total — split between 4 friends or two couples, that's $375-560 per person.
Rental car: Essential on Kauai — there's very limited rideshare service and the courses are spread across the island. Budget $50-80 per day for a midsize SUV, or $250-400 for five days.
Food: You can eat well on Kauai for $50-80 per person per day if you mix restaurant meals with cooking at your rental (having a full kitchen saves real money). Budget $250-400 per person for five days.
Club rental: If you don't bring your own clubs, rental sets are available at every course for $40-70 per round. Ship your clubs via Ship Sticks or Luggage Forward for about $70-100 each way — cheaper than renting if you're playing three or more rounds.
Total per person for five days: Roughly $1,600-2,600 depending on course selection, accommodation level, and how much you eat out. Not cheap, but you're playing four rounds of golf in Hawaii with ocean views, whale sightings, and trade winds — there's nothing comparable on the mainland at any price.
How to book tee times
Book directly with the course whenever possible. This avoids third-party booking fees and often gets you the best rate. Every course has a website with online booking or a pro shop phone number. However, booking online can get you a better rate at some courses compared to calling the booking in.
Book early for peak season. During December through March, popular tee times at Poipu Bay and Princeville Makai can fill up weeks in advance. Book as soon as you have your travel dates confirmed.
Morning tee times are best. The trade winds typically build through the afternoon, so early rounds are calmer. The light is also better for photos. Aim for a 7:00-8:30 AM start.
Consider multi-round packages. Hawaii Tee Times offers a Kauai Golf Challenge package that bundles Poipu Bay, Hokuala, and Princeville Makai at a discount — three rounds for $519-569 depending on the season. That's a significant savings over booking each course individually.
Ask about twilight and replay rates. Most courses offer reduced afternoon rates (typically after 1:00 or 2:00 PM). Some offer replay rates if you want to go around again. These are great options for getting extra rounds in without blowing your budget.
What to bring
Clubs: Bring your own if you can. Rental sets are fine in a pinch, but nothing beats playing with your own equipment, especially on courses you've never seen before. Ship them ahead via Ship Sticks for about $70-100 each way. Or just check your clubs in on your flight and count it as a carry on bag.
Balls: Bring more than you think you need. The ocean holes at Poipu Bay, Princeville Makai, and Hokuala eat balls. The jungle at Puakea eats balls. The rock-hard greens at Kukuiolono reject balls. A dozen extra balls will save you from buying pro shop sleeves at $6 each.
Sunscreen: SPF 50 or higher. Reapply at the turn. The Hawaiian sun is stronger than you expect, and you'll be in it for four to five hours per round. A sunburn on day one ruins the rest of your trip.
Hat and sunglasses: Non-negotiable. Polarized sunglasses help you read greens and track balls against the sky.
Rain jacket or windbreaker: The trade winds can feel cool, especially on morning rounds and at Princeville Makai on the north shore. A light layer takes up no space in your bag.
Camera or phone: You will regret not having one on the 16th at Poipu Bay, the 7th at Princeville Makai, and the 14th at Hokuala. These are once-in-a-lifetime golf holes.
Tips from a local
Play Poipu Bay first. It's the best course on the island and sets the standard for everything else. If you save it for last, you'll spend the whole trip comparing every other course to it — unfairly.
Book Princeville Makai as a full-day excursion. The 60-minute drive from Poipu is beautiful but long. Play an early morning round, eat lunch at the Makai Grill, then explore the north shore — Hanalei town, Tunnels Beach, the Napali Coast lookout at Ke'e Beach. Make it a day, not just a round.
Walk Kiahuna if you can. It's one of the few walkable courses on the island, and the experience is completely different on foot. The trade winds, the birdsong, the pace — it's the most Hawaiian way to play golf.
Don't skip the cheap rounds. Wailua at $48 and Kukuiolono at $15 are not throwaway courses. Wailua's beachfront holes are stunning and the back nine is a legitimate test. Kukuiolono's views are among the best on the island. Mixing in a budget round between the premium courses keeps your trip affordable and adds variety.
Eat at Paco’s Tacos after your Kiahuna round. It's at the clubhouse, the food is great, and the lanai overlooks the course. They also have live music in the evening.
Rent a car at the airport, not through a third-party. Kauai doesn't have Uber or Lyft in any reliable way, and you'll need a car to get between courses. Book directly with the major rental agencies (Costco Travel often has the best rates) and reserve early — rental cars on Kauai sell out during peak season.
Check aeration schedules before you book. Courses aerate their greens on set dates (Poipu Bay aerates in late April and late September, for example). Greens are bumpy and slow for up to three weeks after aeration. Call the pro shop or check the course website before locking in your tee time.
Bring a golf towel that you don't mind getting dirty. The red Kauai dirt stains everything. It'll get on your shoes, your grips, and your towel. Some courses have clay-heavy soil near bunkers that stains white shoes permanently.
Sample itineraries
The 5-day Kauai golf trip (play every public course)
Day 1: Arrive, pick up rental car, play Hokuala in the afternoon (it's five minutes from the airport). Day 2: Morning round at Poipu Bay. Afternoon at Poipu Beach. Day 3: Full day — morning round at Princeville Makai, lunch at Makai Grill, explore the north shore. Day 4: Morning round at Kiahuna (walk it). Afternoon round at Kukuiolono ($15 — why not?). Dinner at Paco's Tacos. Day 5: Morning round at Wailua. Afternoon round at Puakea (it's 10 minutes from the airport). Fly home.
That's six rounds in five days across all seven public courses on the island. It's very doable if you're committed.
The 3-day weekend trip (greatest hits only)
Day 1: Arrive, play Hokuala in the afternoon. Day 2: Morning round at Poipu Bay. Afternoon play Kiahuna Golf Club. Day 3: Morning round at Princeville Makai. Drive back to Lihue and fly home.
Three premium courses, three days, no filler.
The couples' trip (golf + beach balance)
Day 1: Arrive, settle in, sunset drinks on the lanai. Day 2: Morning round at Kiahuna together. Afternoon at Poipu Beach. Dinner in Koloa. Day 3: One partner plays Poipu Bay, the other goes to the spa or beach. Regroup for dinner. Day 4: Full day — Princeville Makai in the morning, explore the north shore together in the afternoon. Day 5: Morning at Kukuiolono together (it's short and fun for all skill levels). Afternoon at Spouting Horn and shopping. Depart.
The budget trip (maximum golf, minimum spend)
Day 1: Arrive, play Puakea in the afternoon (~$149 online). Day 2: Morning round at Wailua ($48). Afternoon round at Kukuiolono ($15). Day 3: Morning round at Kiahuna (~$105-150). Afternoon at the beach. Day 4: Splurge round at Poipu Bay ($295) or Hokuala ($299). Depart.
Four to five rounds for roughly $400-600 in green fees total. Cook most meals at your rental to keep the overall budget down.
The bottom line
Kauai has the best collection of golf courses per square mile of any Hawaiian island. In a single trip, you can play a course where Tiger Woods won seven times, a clifftop layout over the Pacific, a $48 beachfront muni, and a nine-hole where chickens outnumber golfers — and never drive more than an hour between any of them.
The south shore is the place to base yourself. The weather is reliable, the best courses are close, and the beaches and restaurants are right there when you're not on the course.
If you're planning a trip, start with the course reviews linked above, pick your rounds, and book your tee times early. And if you want to stay on the fairway — literally — our condo at Pili Mai is waiting for you on the 9th hole green.
Have a question about planning your Kauai golf trip? Reach out at aloha@kauaigolftrip.com — I'm happy to help with course recommendations, itinerary advice, or anything else.
