Golfing on Oahu is about what you’d expect – awesome. One of the most impressive things about golf on Oahu is that there are just so many courses to choose from. There is a course and an activity to suit every budget, and it is possible to play a round of golf here for as little as $18 for 18-holes that’s $1 per hole. Of course, the fancy courses that get to be featured in the magazines like Golf Digest are going to charge significantly more than this.

Links to: Golf on MauiBig IslandKauai – Molokai and Lanai

Best Golf Courses on Oahu

Mililani Golf Club
95-176 Kuahelani Avenue, Mililani, HI 96789
Website: MililaniGolf.com
Yelp: 3.5 Stars (based on 20 Reviews)
Contact: Telephone (808) 623-2222
18-Hole: Par 72

The Mililani golf course offers a good mix of fun and challenge. It is usual for people who play here to want to come back again. This club is located right in the central plain of Oahu, and there are some nice views of the Waianae and Koolau mountain ranges. There are many tall trees around the course which are impressive to look at, but not so nice when your ball gets caught up in them. The grounds are kept in pristine condition, and it is a good course for all levels of player.

The facilities at the Mililani Golf Club include a restaurant, practice area, and pro shop. Alonzo’s Restaurant opens daily (Monday to Thursday 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Friday to Sunday 6:00 am to 7:00 pm. It is open to the public, and it has a reasonably extensive menu which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. It is possible to put on a banquet where there is a group of at least 40 people, and there is a three hour limit on the time guests can stay on the premises it works out at about $1.75 per person for a standard banquet.

Visitors pay $99 to play 18 holes at Mililani Golf Club, but the green fees fall to $75 after 11:00 am. Residents of the island usually pay $45, and there are also special rates for juniors and seniors (over 55 years of age). The driving range is open every day from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm, and it costs $5 for a full basket of balls – $4 for a half-basket.

Oahu Country Golf Club
150 Country Club Road, Honolulu, HI 96817
Website: OahuCountryClub.com
Yelp Rating: 4 Stars (based on 27 reviews)
Contact: Telephone (808) 595-6331
18-Hole: Par 71

Oahu Country Golf Club is renowned for having one of the hardest courses on Oahu players will need to play tactically if they hope to do well. It is sometimes referred to as the €˜Grand Dame’ of courses in Hawaii, and it is the second oldest course on Oahu. It is home to the Manoa Cup Championship which is the longest running golf tournament on the islands. They also have some interesting amateur championships during the year such as the Family Tournament and Battle of the Sexes. There are many hills on this course, and there can also be a great deal of wind, but this just adds to the challenge.

The facilities at Oahu Country Club are pretty good. There is a restaurant, pro shop, and driving range. There is a dress code for anyone who wants to use the clubhouse. The newly renovated restaurant has a decent reputation, and it provides a great view of the course. They have also recently appointed a new chef who is able to create an eclectic mix of dishes. Other facilities available at this course include an 80,000 gallon heated swimming pool.

Oahu Country Club is a private club and people and membership is by invitation only. The cost of regular membership is only discussed once the person has been invited but rumours are that it is expensive. Non-Resident Golf Membership is also offered, and anyone interested in this should contact the clubhouse for more information. It costs $65 to play here, and this includes a rental cart.

Ewa Beach Golf Club
91-050 Fort Weaver Road, Ewa Beach, HI 96706
Website: EwaBeachGC.com
Yelp Rating: 4 Stars (based on 17 Reviews)
Contact: Telephone  (808) 689-6565
18-Hole: Par 72

Ewa Beach Golf Club was designed by Robin Nelson and opened in 1992. The layout is based on a traditional Scottish links course. The fairways are lined with trees, and this makes it easier for players to hit the ball accurately. This was the first course on Oahu to use environmentally friendly turf. The first three holes of the course are the most challenging, and the rough for all eighteen holes is a bit unforgiving. This course is in the pathway of Honolulu Airport, so there is a steady stream of airplanes flying overhead.

The facilities at Ewa Beach Golf Club include a practice area, restaurant, male and female locker rooms, showers, and bar. The restaurant offers some nice views of the course as well as the ocean, and it is a family-friendly type of place. They open weekdays from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm and weekends from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm. There is a large pro shop which sells all the usual golfing paraphernalia as well as some Ewa Beach Club unique items. Private golf lessons are available with the club pro.

Visitors pay $160 for 18-holes at Ewa Beach Golf Club including a golf cart the price falls to $115 after 12:30 pm. It costs $40 to rent a set of clubs and $3 for a locker. It is important to note that golfing shoes are not available for rent at this venue. There is a strict dress code and appropriate golfing attire is expected including collared shirts.

Waialae Golf Course
4997 Kahala Avenue,Honolulu, HI 96816
Website: WaialaeCC.com
Yelp Rating: 4.5 Stars (based on 35 reviews)
Contact: Telephone (808) 734-2151
18-Holes: Par 72

Waialae Golf Course is a PGA course, so one of the nice things about playing here is that you follow in the steps of some of the greatest players in the world. The Sony Open is played here each year. It was built in 1927, and holes on the course have been designed to mimic famous course around the world for example, the 13-hole is based on the French Biarritz Course, and the 8-hole is similar to the Scottish North Berwick Course. The secret to playing well at Waialae is to keep the ball straight, but this is not so easy on windy days. The views from this course are spectacular, and it is worth playing here for this alone.

The clubhouse at Waialae Golf Course has been renovated recently, and it is considered to be one of the best in the US. The new design incorporates elements of Hawaiian culture and combines this with lavish style. The facilities include tennis courts, male and female locker rooms, swimming pool, and fully equipped gym. The pro shop is run by a team that is very knowledgeable about what they sell, and they are properly trained for fitting clubs. The shop has a good selection of souvenirs as well as golfing equipment and clothing. There are a number of dining areas at this clubhouse some of these are members-only and some can be hired for functions.

Waialae is a private member Golf Course, but unaccompanied guests can usually play here for $250 this includes a golf cart. Guests of a member of the club will usually pay less than this. Some of the more expensive hotels on Oahu are able to arrange access to Waialae for their guests.

Koolau Golf Club
45-550 Kionaole Road,Kaneohe, HI 96744
Website: KoolauGolfClub.com
Yelp Rating: 4 Stars (based on 36 Reviews)
Contact: Telephone (808) 236-4653
18-Hole: Par 72

Koolau golf course is not for the faint-hearted, and even skilled players will need to work hard to end up with a good score here it is considered one of the toughest courses in the world and the most difficult in the nation. There are four sets of tees to choose from, to suit different levels, so even beginner players are going to enjoy the experience. It has been listed number 7 by Golf Magazine as one of the top-100 places to play in the world. It was designed in 1992 by Dick Nugent, and he did an impressive job of fitting the course in with the natural beauty of the place. There is a stunning mountain backdrop for many of the holes, as well as some nice views of the bay. Anyone who wants to play here is advised to take along plenty of extra balls because they are almost certainly going to lose at least a few.

Koolau offers a clubhouse with plenty of facilities. The pro shop is fully stocked, and they also have a selection of Koolau branded items to choose from. Honey’s Restaurant serves up Pacific-Asian as well as Continental cuisine. Brunch on Sundays is particularly good, and they have live music on Friday and Sunday night. The clubhouse also has banquet facilities that will be able to hold up to 70 people. The KMR School of Golf is also here, and this non-profit project is designed to foster the best junior talent around. The club also has practice facilities which include a driving range, and seven thousand square foot putting green. The club pro is able to provide PGA standard private instruction.

Visitors to Koolau Golf Club pay $145 for 18-holes or $110 after noon there is also a super-twilight fee after 3:00pm when the price falls to $55. Juniors (age 7 to 17) pay $55 to play, and there are discounts for military personnel and seniors (over the age of 55). If people want to go for another round on the course (it must be the same day), they only need to pay $25. Visitors who expect to be playing a few games at Koolau Golf Club can purchase a 7-day unlimited golf package for $299. A set of clubs can be rented for $50, and golf shoes cost $15 to rent prices correct as of late 2013.

Video of Ko’olau GC:

 

Ala Wai Golf Course
404 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
Website: www1.honolulu.gov/des/golf/alawai.htm
Yelp Rating: 2.5 (based on 11 reviews)
Contact: Telephone (808) 733-7380
18-Holes: Par 70

Ala Wai is a municipal golf course close to Waikiki in Honolulu. The fact that this venue is conveniently located, reasonably priced, and popular with the local people means that it can get busy it can be sometimes impossible to book a tee time. This is a mostly flat course that is separated from downtown Waikiki by a canal. There are some nice views of the Koolau mountain range and Diamond Head. It is a great course for beginners but more experienced players may feel a bit unchallenged. The greens are maintained to a reasonable level but nowhere near the same standard as the private clubs.

The facilities at Ala Wai include a cafe, pro shop, and driving range. The Ala Wai Cafe opens every day between 06:00 am and 09:00 pm. There serve a selection of snacks and beverages as well as full meals. The driving range is open from 07:00 am to noon. The club can also arrange private or group lessons.

The standard green fee for visitors to Ala Wai is $55 for 18-holes. Residents who have a golf ID pay $22 during the week and $26 at the weekends and holidays (a Hawaii Driver’s License can also be used, but it costs an extra $3 with this form of ID). It costs visitors $33 to play a 9-hole game, and this price is further reduced to $16.50 for a twilight game.

Bay View Golf Course
45-285 Kaneohe Bay Drive, Kaneohe, HI 96744
Website: BayviewGolfCourse.com
Yelp Rating: 3 Stars (based on 17 Reviews)
Contact: Telephone (808) 247-0451
18-Hole: Par 72

Bay View has recently undergone a bit of a facelift, and this means that the greens are in very good condition. The course was originally opened in 1963, but it underwent a major redesign in 1997 by Robert Nelson. One of the nice things about this venue is that they also provide night golfing. The back nine is where he most challenging holes are to be found, and this is also where the most scenic views are to be enjoyed. This is another good course for beginners, and the green fees are very reasonable.

The clubhouse at Bay View included a restaurant, driving range, and golf club rentals. There are also private rooms for hire that can cater for up to one hundred people there is also ample parking outside. The Bay View Grill is open Monday to Saturday from 6:00 am until 2:00 pm and Sunday from 11:00 until 2:00 pm there is also a snack bar. Private lessons and golfing clinics are available from the course pro, and will be suitable for every level of player.

The green fees at Bay View are very reasonable. Visitors only need to pay $26 for 18 holes during the week and $34 at the weekends. A 9-hole game costs $18 during the week or $26 at the weekend. This does not include the cost of a golf cart which adds another $18 onto the price ($14 for nine holes). Residents only pay $13 ($17 at the weekend) for an 18-hole game and $9 ($13 at the weekend) for a 9-hole game. There are other discounted prices for juniors and seniors.

Kahuku Golf Course
56-501 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku, HI 96731
Website: www1.honolulu.gov/des/golf/kahuku.htm
Yelp Rating: 4 Stars (based on 8 reviews)
Contact: Telephone (808) 293-5842
9 Holes: Par 36

The Kahuku Golf Course is another municipal course on Oahu, but this one only has nine holes. Players can enjoy a full game by going around twice. This is a laid-back and friendly course, and it is the type of place where you can turn up in shorts and a t-shirt unlike many of the private clubs where there is a strict dress code. This is a relatively flat course, and it can be challenging when the wind is blowing hard. Kahuku Golf Course is located in North Oahu, and players get to enjoy some nice views of the coast. Overall, it is a nice place to go for a fun game of golf, and the cost of playing here is very reasonable. It is not as busy here as the municipal course in Honolulu, so there is usually no problem getting a teeing off time.

The facilities at Kahuku Golf Course are limited. There is no restaurant or snack bar so players are advised to bring along their own food and drink there are some vending machines and picnic tables are available near the clubhouse. Kahuku doesn’t have a pro shop, but it is possible to rent clubs and a hand cart (there are no motorized carts at Kahuku).

One of the main attractions of Kahuku golf course is the price. Visitors only need to pay $12 for 9-holes. If they wish to do the full 18-holes it costs just $18. Residents of Oahu with Golf ID pay even less to play here.

Turtle Bay Resort Golf (including Fazio Course and Palmer Course)
57049 Kuilima Drive, Kahuku, HI 96731
Website: TurtleBayResort.com/hawaii_golf/
Yelp: 3.5 Stars (based on 23 reviews)
Contact: Telephone (808) 293-8574
Fazio Course 18-Hole: Par 72
Palmer Course 18-Hole: Par 72

Turtle Bay is one of the most exclusive resorts in the north of Oahu. They have two golf courses to choose from Fazio Course and Palmer Course. Fazio Course was designed by Thomas Fazio, and it is the easier of the two courses. There have been some important competitions held here including the LPGA Hawaiian Open. This course has been described as €˜walker-friendly’, and players get to enjoy some nice views of the north shore. The Palmer Course is considered to be one of the best courses on the island and it has received praise from the likes of Golf Digest and Travel & Leisure Magazine. This course is right beside the coast, and it passes through some stunning natural wetlands. This course was designed by Arnold Palmer, and it opened in 1992.

The facilities for the two golf courses are superb. Both Fazio Course and Palmer Course have their own practice area this includes a driving range, putting green, and short-play area. Players get to retire to one of the many dining or bar option at the end of their game. Lei Lei’s Bar & Grill at Fazio Course is very popular, and this open-air venue serves tasty fresh seafood as well as plenty of local dishes. Turtle Bay also has a few pros available to provide private lessons or golfing clinics.

There are a number of packages available for anyone who wants to play at Turtle Bay. Those who are not staying at the resort can pay $175 to play at Fazio or $195 to play at Palmer (this includes transportation to the course). If visitors can make their own way to the course, they only need to pay $160 for Fazio or $185 for Palmer. There is also a 5-day unlimited golf package available to non-guests for $499. Guests of Turtle Bay enjoy a 25 per cent discount on the standard price. A one hour private lesson with one of the pros costs $85, and there are also options like a 10 minute tune-up ($20 or free for guests), full-day instruction ($350), or a golf and fitness course ($170).

Olomana Golf Links
41-1801 Kalanianaole Highway, Waimanalo, HI 96795
Website: OlomanaGolfLinks.com
Yelp Rating: 3 Stars (based on 25 reviews)
Contact: Telephone (808) 259-7926
18-Holes: Par 72

Olomana Golf Links offers a good mix between affordability and a high quality course. President Obama once played here, and he apparently he made some impressive shots. This is an old course, but it is kept in a good state of repair. Players are treated to some nice views of the Koolau Mountain Range as they make their way around the course. The ground here can be a bit lumpy, but overall this is a good course for beginner and intermediate players. Olomana Golf Links is on the windy part of the island, so this can make shots a bit more challenging.

The clubhouse at Olomana is pretty good. It is a family-friendly space, and the restaurant offers a good selection of dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also offer a full range of beers and wines. The lounge area of the clubhouse overlooks the course, and there are also a big screen TV in here as well. It is possible to hire a room here for a social function, and this can be a nice choice for business gatherings, parties, or wedding receptions. Practice facilities include a driving range.

The regular price for playing at Olomana Golf Links is $95. If people intend to play here regularly, they can join the Pacific Links Golf Oahu Program for $60, and this means a significant reduction on the standard price. Holders of this card also have priority when booking, and they can use the driving range as much as they want they will also be able to attend some free golfing clinics.

Hawaii Kai Golf Course (includes Hawaii Kai Championship Course and Hawaii Kai Executive Course)
8902 Kalanianaole Highway, Honolulu, HI 96825
Website: HawaiiKaiGolf.com/e/
Yelp Rating: 3 Stars (based on 21 reviews)
Contact: Email – proshop@hawaiikaigolf.com or telephone (808) 395-2358
Hawaii Kai Championship Course 18 Holes: Par 72
Hawaii Kai Executive Course 18 Holes: Par 54

Hawaii Kai offers two courses to choose from. The Executive Course is a great option for beginners or people who have not played in a long time. It has been designed with the emphasis is on helping players improve at putting and chipping all holes are par 3. There are many golfers who played their first ever round here, and it is perfect for this purpose. The Championship Course offers far more of a challenge. It is made up of wide fairways and large greens. The surrounding scenery is simply stunning, and it includes plenty of views of the sea as well as the Makapuu Cliffs it is recommended that players take along their camera with them because there will be plenty of photo opportunities. The ability to keep the ball straight when the winds are blowing is the secret to success here.

Hawaii Kai has a cozy clubhouse at the rear of the course with locker rooms, a restaurant, bar, and well-stocked pro shop. The Queen’s Beach Restaurant has been newly refurbished, and they sell a good selection of breakfast items, salads, local food, and full meals. It is possible to rent a function room at the clubhouse to comfortably sit up to 250 people they can also provide a banquet. There is also a full selection of beer, wines, spirits, and soft drinks available a beer cart also does rounds on the course. There is also a driving range here as well.

The standard fee to play on the Championship Course is $110 for 18-holes (this includes an electric cart). Players who are willing to go out after 1:00 pm only need to pay $70, but this is only available on weekdays. It costs $35 to rent a set of clubs (sets for men and women available) and $8 to rent shoes. It costs $38.50 to play on the Executive Course during the weekdays and $43.50 at the weekends. It costs $15 to rent a set of clubs suitable for this course. All prices here are correct as of late-2013.

Ted Makalena Golf Course
93-059 Waipio Point Access Road, Waipahu, HI 96797
Website: www1.honolulu.gov/des/golf/makalena.htm
Yelp Rating: 3.5 Stars (based on 7 reviews)
Contact: Telephone (808) 675-6050
18 Holes: Par 71

Ted Makalena is a local golfing hero who won the PGA Tour’s Hawaiian Open (now called the Sony Open) during the sixties this municipal course is named in his honor. The ground here is mostly flat, and it is another good option for beginner players – or anyone who just wants a fun game. The first nine holes are relatively easy, but things pick up a bit on the back nine. Ted Makalena Golf Course is rarely busy so it is usually no problem booking a tee time. The staff members at this venue are good at keeping the grounds well-maintained.

There is not much in the way of facilities at the Ted Makalena Golf Course. There is no pro shop and no restaurant. It is highly recommended that visitors bring along at least a couple of liters of water with them. There are some putting greens available at the course, but there is no driving range.

The standard green fee for the Ted Makalena Golf Course is $55. If players have Golf ID (they need to be a resident to get this), they only need to pay $32 this includes a cart.

Links to: Golf on MauiBig IslandKauai – Molokai and Lanai

Google Map – Golf Courses and Clubs on Oahu Island, Hawaii:


View Larger Map