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Top Ten Golf Courses On Oahu Offers A Delightful Variety of Venues

Jeff Berzolla
Nalia Kevenora Travel Editor
Oct 5, 2009 9 Min Read

Planning a golf trip and looking for the best golf courses in Oahu? The island has options for every budget, from affordable public layouts to premium resort courses with ocean views. With around 37 courses across the island, choosing where to play depends on your budget, skill level, and where you’re staying.

Some of the best golf courses on Oahu, Hawaii, include Turtle Bay’s Arnold Palmer Course for a challenging round and Ko Olina Golf Club for a premium resort experience. If you’re staying in Waikiki, Ala Wai Golf Course offers a convenient option, while Pali Golf Course is worth considering for its mountain scenery and lower visitor green fee.

This guide compares 10 Oahu golf courses by location, visitor rates, facilities, and booking details to help you choose the right course for your trip.

Best Golf Courses on Oahu At a Glance

If you are not sure about where to start, here are some quick picks to help you narrow down your options:

  • Best for a challenging round: Turtle Bay – Arnold Palmer Course
  • Best resort experience: Ko Olina Golf Club
  • Most convenient from Waikiki: Ala Wai Golf Course
  • Best for mountain scenery on a budget: Pali Golf Course
  • Best for beginners and short rounds: Hawaii Kai’s executive course
  • Best local favorite: Olomana Golf Links
  • Best for tournament spectators: Waialae Country Club

Top 10 Oahu Golf Courses Compared

Course Area Access Typical visitor rate (18 holes)
Turtle Bay – Arnold Palmer Course North Shore Resort, public From $279, cart and range balls included
Ko Olina Golf Club Kapolei (west) Resort, public $245–$275, cart included 
Waialae Country Club Kahala, Honolulu Private Members and guests only
360° Ewa Beach Country Club Ewa Beach Semi-private, visitors welcome About $195
Hawaii Prince Golf Club Ewa Beach Resort, public About $179, cart included
Pali Golf Course Kaneohe (windward) City-run $86 + $26 cart
Olomana Golf Links Waimanalo (windward) Public About $95–$105
Ala Wai Golf Course Honolulu, by Waikiki City-run $86 + $26 cart
Hawaii Kai Golf Course East Honolulu Public About $160–$170 (championship course)
Makaha Valley Country Club Waianae coast Public About $49–$97

Prices vary by course, date, tee time, and visitor eligibility. Some resort courses use dynamic pricing, while others charge separately for carts, rental clubs, and taxes. Afternoon rates may be cheaper, but twilight discounts and availability differ by course. Confirm the total price and booking conditions before you reserve.

10 Best Golf Courses on Oahu

Oahu offers golf courses for every budget and skill level, from scenic public layouts to premium resort courses. Here are 10 top options, with rates, locations, and key features to help you choose.

1. Turtle Bay – Arnold Palmer Course (North Shore)

Detail Info
Address 57-049 Kuilima Dr, Kahuku, HI 96731
Phone (808) 293-8574
Course Par 72, up to about 7,200 yards, five sets of tees
Visitor rate From $279 for 18 holes and from $150 for 9, including cart and range balls
Booking Online or by phone.

If you want a challenging resort round, Turtle Bay’s Arnold Palmer Course is worth considering. It is a good option for golfers who want to make a day of their round. However, it’s a longer drive from Waikiki, so plan your transportation and allow enough time for the game. Haleiwa is a nearby stop for lunch or a walk around town.

2. Ko Olina Golf Club (Kapolei)

Detail Info
Address 92-1220 Ali’inui Dr, Kapolei, HI 96707
Phone (808) 676-5300
Course Par 72, 6,815 yards, four sets of tees
Visitor rate $245 for Ko Olina resort guests; $275 for other visitors
Booking Online. Cancel at least 24 hours ahead to avoid charges.

Ko Olina is a good choice for golfers looking for a premium resort course with water features, landscaped playing areas, and a structured pace of play. Designed by Ted Robinson in 1990, the course features ponds and waterfalls throughout the layout.

The visitor rates are relatively high, so compare the total cost before booking. If you’re staying at a qualifying Ko Olina resort property, you may be eligible for a lower rate. The club also advertises transportation options, but schedules and availability should be confirmed directly.

3. Waialae Country Club (Kahala)

Detail Info
Address 4997 Kahala Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
Phone (808) 734-2151
Course Par 72, 7,020 yards from the back tees
Visitor rate None, it is a private club
Access Guests may play only when hosted by a member

Waialae Country Club is different from most other courses on this list because it’s a private club. Visitors generally cannot book a tee time independently and can play only when hosted by a member.

Waialae is worth knowing about if you’re interested in professional golf. The Sony Championship Hawaii is scheduled for January 11-16, 2027, according to the supplied draft. Check the official tournament schedule for current event details and spectator information before visiting.

4. 360° Ewa Beach Country Club (Ewa Beach)

Detail Info
Address 91-050 Fort Weaver Rd, Ewa Beach, HI 96706
Phone (808) 689-6565
Course Par 72, 6,711 yards
Visitor rate $195, or $145 after 12:30 pm
Booking Online or by phone

Previously known as Ewa Beach Golf Club, 360° Ewa Beach Country Club is a public-access option in west Oahu. The course was designed by Robin Nelson and features a layout where accuracy can matter more than distance.

There’s no driving range, but golfers can use the putting and chipping areas to warm up before their round. The club also advertises round-trip transportation from Waikiki and Aulani, which may help visitors who don’t plan to rent a car.

5. Hawaii Prince Golf Club (Ewa Beach)

Detail Info
Address 91-1200 Fort Weaver Rd, Ewa Beach, HI 96706
Phone (808) 944-4567
Course 27 holes across three nines
Visitor rate About $179 for 18 holes
Booking Online through their official website

Hawaii Prince Golf Club offers 27 holes divided into three nines, allowing golfers to combine different sections for an 18-hole round. 

Afternoon rates may make Hawaii Prince more affordable than some other resort-style options. The club also offers a shorter par-3 Quick Shot experience on weekdays, according to the supplied details. Confirm availability and pricing before planning a shorter round.

6. Pali Golf Course (Kaneohe)

Detail Info
Address 45-050 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744
Phone Starter (808) 266-7612; reservations (808) 207-7099
Course Par 72, 6,605 yards from the men’s tees
Visitor rate $86 for 18 holes
Booking Online tee sheet or by phone

Pali Golf Course is worth considering if scenery is a priority. Run by the City and County of Honolulu, it sits beneath the Ko’olau Range on Oahu’s windward side and offers views toward Kaneohe Bay.

Its visitor green fee is lower than those at many resort courses, although the cart is an additional cost. If you’re comparing golf courses on Oahu, include that charge in your budget rather than looking at the green fee alone.

7. Olomana Golf Links (Waimanalo)

Detail Info
Address 41-1801 Kalanianaole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI 96795
Phone (808) 259-7926
Course Par 72, about 6,300 yards
Visitor rate $95 weekdays; $105 weekends for US visitors
International Visitor Rate $125 weekdays; $135 weekends
Booking Online through their official website

Olomana Golf Links is a public course on Oahu’s windward side that offers a varied layout and mountain scenery. This course may suit golfers who want an alternative to the larger resort courses. Its afternoon rates can be lower, but check the total price, including any cart charge, before comparing it with other options.

8. Ala Wai Golf Course (Honolulu)

Detail Info
Address 404 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone Starter (808) 733-7387
Course Par 70, 5,861 yards from the men’s tees
Visitor rate $86 for 18 holes
Booking Online tee sheet open to visitors; starter’s office open 6 am–5:30 pm

Ala Wai is one of the most convenient golf courses for visitors staying in Waikiki. Located across the canal, it offers an accessible option for golfers who don’t want to spend a large part of the day driving to another part of the island.

For visitors planning to play here more than once, staying close can make early tee times easier to manage. Waikiki vacation rentals and nearby Oahu condos are worth considering if you want to stay close to the course, restaurants, and other Honolulu attractions.

9. Hawaii Kai Golf Course (East Honolulu)

Detail Info
Address 8902 Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825
Phone (808) 395-2358
Course Par 72, about 6,500 yards
Visitor rate About $50–$65 (executive rate), and about $160-$170
Booking Online or by phone

Hawaii Kai offers two options for golfers: a championship course and a shorter executive course. This makes it useful for travelers with different skill levels or time constraints.

The championship layout features elevation changes, narrow fairways, and ocean views. Wind can add to the challenge, so it may be more demanding than its scenery suggests.

The executive course is a more approachable choice for beginners, families with older children, or anyone who wants a shorter round without committing to 18 full-length holes.

10. Makaha Valley Country Club (Waianae coast)

Detail Info
Address 84-627 Makaha Valley Rd, Waianae, HI 96792
Phone (808) 695-7111
Course Par 71, about 6,260 yards from the back tees
Visitor rate About $49–$97
Booking Online through Chronogolf, with a “reserve now, pay later” option

Makaha Valley Country Club may appeal to golfers looking for a lower-priced round with mountain and ocean scenery.

Makaha Valley is a longer drive from Waikiki, so consider transportation time when comparing it with other golf courses in Oahu. Recent reviews raise concerns about course maintenance. Check recent conditions before booking if the quality of the playing surface is important to you.

How to Choose Between Golf Courses on Oahu?

When comparing golf courses in Oahu, consider more than the advertised green fee. Cart rentals, club rentals, taxes, transportation, and the time required to reach the course can all affect the total cost of your round.

  • For a premium resort experience: Turtle Bay and Ko Olina are worth considering if you want a full golf outing in a resort setting.
  • For convenience from Waikiki: Ala Wai is a practical choice because it’s close to many hotels in the area.
  • For lower visitor green fees: Pali and Ala Wai offer alternatives to higher-priced resort courses, although cart fees apply.
  • For beginners: Hawaii Kai’s executive course offers a shorter alternative to a full championship round.
  • For mountain scenery: Pali and Olomana are worth considering for their windward-side settings.
  • For a lower-priced round: Makaha Valley may fit a tighter budget, provided you’re comfortable with the longer drive and have checked recent course conditions.

The best option depends on where you’re staying, your budget, and the kind of round you want. Compare the current rates, course conditions, and booking policies before deciding where to play golf on Oahu.

Conclusion

Choosing among the best golf courses on Oahu depends on your budget, skill level, and where you’re staying. From resort courses with ocean views to public courses with mountain scenery, the island offers options for different golfing preferences.

Your accommodation can also shape your golf trip. Oahu vacation rentals, including condos and villas, offer options for different budgets, group sizes, and locations. Hawaiian Beach Rentals can help you explore vacation rentals across Hawaii, making it easier to find a place to stay while planning your golf outings and other island activities.

FAQ's

Oahu has around 37 golf courses, according to the supplied draft. They include city-run courses, public and resort courses, private clubs,, and military courses. Visitor access varies, so confirm eligibility and booking rules before traveling to a course.

The best golf courses in Oahu depend on your budget and playing preferences. Turtle Bay's Arnold Palmer Course is a strong choice for a challenging round, Ko Olina suits golfers looking for a premium resort experience, and Ala Wai is convenient for visitors staying in Waikiki. Pali and Olomana are worth considering if you prefer mountain scenery.

Visitor green fees in this guide range from about $49 to $279 or more for an 18-hole round, depending on the course and tee time. Some city courses charge $86 for 18 holes plus a $26 cart fee, while resort courses can cost considerably more. Hawaii residents may qualify for separate rates at city courses. Always check whether the quoted rate includes a cart, rental clubs, and taxes.

Booking ahead is recommended, particularly at busy courses such as Ala Wai and at resort courses where prices and availability can change. Check each course's booking window, cancellation policy, and rules for single players before reserving.

Hawaii Kai's executive course is a good option for beginners who want a shorter round. Ala Wai is another option for those who prefer a full course close to Waikiki. The right choice depends on your experience, available time, and comfort with a full-length layout.

Golf can be played throughout the year. Mornings may offer cooler conditions, while trade winds can become stronger later in the day. Afternoon tee times may be less expensive at some courses, but twilight schedules and discounts vary, so confirm the available options when booking.