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Golfing On Kauai offers something for every budget, from affordable municipal greens to oceanfront resort courses with dramatic Pacific views. Princeville Makai, Poipu Bay, and the Ocean Course at Hōkūala are popular choices for their scenery, while Wailua Municipal and Kukuiolono offer more budget-friendly rounds.
Choosing between these Kauai golf courses depends on where you’re staying, how much you want to spend, and the kind of game you enjoy. This guide compares the best golf courses, including their locations, green fees, facilities, and golf club rental options, so you can plan your round before arriving on the Garden Island.
Note: Golf fees, rental prices, and operating conditions can change. Confirm current rates and availability directly with each course before booking.
Kauai Golf Courses: Latest Opening Updates
A big storm called Hurricane Lowell hit Kauai on September 7 and 8, 2026. Now, five courses are open again: Poipu Bay, Puakea, Princeville Makai, the Ocean Course at Hōkūala and Wailua. At Wailua, the driving range is still closed. Workers are still cleaning up some trees near the edges of the courses.
Kauai Golf Courses at a Glance
If you want to compare courses quickly, start with this overview. The prices below are indicative figures from the available course information, not guaranteed current rates.
| Golf Course | Location | Indicative Price |
| Princeville Makai Golf Club | North Shore | $375 |
| Poipu Bay Golf Course | South Shore | $245–$295 |
| Ocean Course at Hōkūala | Lihue | $249 to $344+ per person |
| Puakea Golf Course | Lihue | $179 for walk-ins or visitors, and drops to $149 when booked online in advance |
| Wailua Municipal Golf Course | East side | $80 on weekdays and $100 on weekends |
Additional Kauai Golf Courses
Beyond these popular courses, Kauai has other options for golfers with different budgets and playing preferences. These 2 courses provide alternatives for visitors looking to enjoy golf on Kauai at different price points.
| Kiahuna Golf Club | Poipu | $163 for 18 holes or $93 for 9 holes |
| Kukuiolono Golf Course | Kalaheo | Around $15 for all-day play |
Prices may vary by tee time, season, eligibility, and booking method. Some rates include a golf cart, while other charges may apply separately.
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When is the Best Time to Play Golf in Kauai?
Kauai is warm year-round, but weather, rainfall, and seasonal demand can affect your golf plans.
- April to September: These months can offer relatively drier conditions, although rainfall varies across the island.
- October to March: The North Shore generally receives more rain, while the South Shore around Poipu is often drier.
- December to March: This is also a popular season for whale watching around Kauai, particularly along the South Shore.
Kauai’s tropical weather can change quickly, so check the forecast before heading out. June through November is the Atlantic hurricane season, while the Central Pacific hurricane season also runs from June through November. Consider travel insurance that suits your trip and provides appropriate coverage for disruptions
5 Best Public Golf Courses on Kauai
The best golf courses on Kauai include Princeville Makai, Poipu Bay, the Ocean Course at Hōkūala, Puakea, Wailua Municipal, Kiahuna, and Kukuiolono. With prices ranging from around $15 to $375, golfers can find options for different budgets and playing preferences. Let’s find out the details:
1. Princeville Makai Golf Club: North Shore Views
Location: 4080 Lei O Papa Road, Princeville
Princeville Makai Golf Club is a popular choice for golfers who want dramatic coastal scenery alongside a challenging round. The course features ocean views, lakes, and lush greenery, with views toward Hanalei Bay from parts of the property.
The championship course details mention a par-72 layout measuring more than 7,200 yards. A separate nine-hole Woods Course provides another option for golfers looking for a shorter round.
- Indicative price: $375.
- What to expect: Scenic surroundings and a challenging championship layout.
- Best for: Golfers looking for a premium North Shore experience.
Confirm what the current green fee includes, along with tee-time availability and any junior offers.
2. Poipu Bay Golf Course: Championship Golf on the South Shore
Location: 2250 Ainako Street, Koloa
Poipu Bay Golf Course combines coastal scenery with a challenging layout. It hosted the PGA Grand Slam of Golf for 13 years and is known for ocean views and trade winds that can affect shot selection.
- Indicative price: $245–$295, depending on the applicable rate.
- What to expect: Ocean views, resort facilities, and a challenging round.
- Best for: Golfers looking for a premium South Shore course.
Check the current rate schedule, dress code, and tee-time availability before booking. Later tee times may not leave enough daylight to complete all 18 holes.
3. The Ocean Course at Hōkūala: Oceanfront Golf in Lihue
Location: 3132 Ninini Point St, Lihue
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the Ocean Course at Hōkūala is known for its coastal setting and long stretches of oceanfront holes. Its par-71 layout makes it an option for golfers who want a scenic round without travelling far from Lihue.
- Indicative price: $249–$344+ per person.
- What to expect: Ocean views, tropical landscaping, and a full-length golf course.
- Best for: Visitors staying in or around Lihue who want an oceanfront golf experience.
Rates can vary depending on the selected tee time and other booking conditions. Confirm whether carts, rental clubs, and other amenities are included in your quoted price.
4. Puakea Golf Course: Scenic Golf Near Lihue
Location: 4150 Nuhou Street, Lihue
Puakea Golf Course sits among green hills and volcanic terrain, offering a scenic round at a lower price than some of Kauai’s premium resort courses. Designed by Robin Nelson, this par-72 course measures approximately 6,954 yards.
- Indicative price: $179 for walk-ins or visitors; $149 when booked online in advance.
- What to expect: Rolling fairways, bunkers, water features, and mountain scenery.
- Best for: Golfers looking for a scenic mid-range option.
Booking online in advance saves $30 compared with the walk-in rate provided. Check the course’s current booking terms and confirm which fees are included.
5. Wailua Municipal Golf Course: Affordable Public Golf on Kauai
Location: 3-5350 Kuhio Highway, Wailua
Wailua Municipal Golf Course is a county-run course on Kauai’s east side. Several holes offer ocean views, making it an option for golfers who want to enjoy a full-length round in a coastal setting.
The course is a par-72 layout measuring approximately 6,961 yards.
- Indicative price: $80 on weekdays and $100 on weekends and holidays for non-residents.
- What to expect: An 18-hole public course with coastal scenery.
- Best for: Visitors looking for a public golf course on Kauai’s east side.
Hawaii residents and eligible seniors may qualify for lower rates. Check the official Kauai County golf rates for current pricing, eligibility requirements, and additional cart or equipment charges before visiting.
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Additional Public Golf Courses on Kauai
Kauai also has other golf courses worth considering, especially if you are staying on the South Shore or looking for a more affordable round. Kiahuna offers a full-length course in Poipu, while Kukuiolono is a budget-friendly nine-hole option in Kalaheo.
1. Kiahuna Golf Club: Golf in Poipu
Location: 2545 Kiahuna Plantation Drive, Poipu
Kiahuna Golf Club offers a South Shore golf experience surrounded by tropical landscaping and views of the island’s green interior. The par-70 course measures approximately 6,925 yards and passes areas associated with historic Hawaiian cultural sites.
- Indicative price: $163 for 18 holes or $93 for 9 holes, including a golf cart with GPS.
- What to expect: A tropical setting and convenient access from Poipu.
- Best for: Visitors staying on the South Shore who want to compare golf options nearby.
The price range may reflect different tee times or rate categories. Confirm on their official website which rate applies to your preferred date and whether a cart is included.
2. Kukuiolono Golf Course: Affordable Nine-Hole Golf in Kalaheo
Location: 854 Puu Road, Kalaheo
Kukuiolono Golf Course is a nine-hole course that offers a relaxed and budget-friendly way to play golf on Kauai. Its wide fairways and elevated setting provide views of the surrounding landscape. The grounds also feature a Japanese garden near the eighth tee.
- Indicative price: Around $15 for all-day play.
- What to expect: A smaller course and a more casual golfing experience.
- Best for: Budget-conscious visitors, beginners, and golfers who prefer a relaxed round.
Confirm the current fee, available equipment, and course access before setting out.
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How to Save Money on Golf in Kauai?
Golf doesn’t have to take up a large part of your vacation budget. A few practical choices can help you spend less while still enjoying a round.
- Book Puakea online in advance: The provided rate drops from $179 for walk-ins to $149 for advance online bookings.
- Choose weekday golf at Wailua: The indicative weekday rate is $80, compared with $100 on weekends.
- Compare Kiahuna and Poipu Bay: If you’re staying in Poipu, Kiahuna’s $93–$163 range may suit your budget better than Poipu Bay’s $245–$295 rates.
- Consider Kukuiolono: At around $15 for all-day play, it’s a lower-cost alternative for a casual round.
- Check the total cost before booking: Cart fees, club rentals, taxes, and other charges can increase the final price.
The cheapest advertised rate isn’t always the final amount you’ll pay, so confirm what’s included before making a reservation.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right golf course on Kauai depends on your budget, skill level, and where you’re staying on the island. From championship courses with ocean views to affordable public greens, there are options for different playing styles and budgets. Where you stay can also make it easier to reach your preferred courses and explore other parts of the island between rounds.
Hawaiian Beach Rentals offers a range of vacation rentals across Kauai, giving you options in different areas depending on the kind of trip you have planned. Explore the available stays to find one that fits your golf plans, travel group, and budget.
