Best Golf Courses in Oahu

Updated February 2024 to update booking information.

Golf in Hawaii.  It’s something most every golfer dreams about but only a lucky few actually get to experience.  I’ve been fortunate enough to play quite a bit of golf in Hawaii.  Everything from the munis in the city, to some of the finest resort courses anywhere in the world.  And I’ve never had a round I didn’t enjoy.

With that being said, I’ve yet to play golf on Oahu.  The northernmost island is known for its world class surfing but, I’m told there’s plenty of great golf to be played too.  True to form, our readers had plenty to say about Oahu golf and it’s with their help that we’ve created a list of the ten best public courses for your reading pleasure.

 

 

Experience the stunning beauty and professional-level design of Kapolei Golf Club, situated on former sugar cane plantation land in Oahu. This Palmer-designed gem is one of the best public courses in Hawaii. The course features lush, fertile fairways adorned with vibrant tropical gardens and water hazards spread across 190 acres.

Kapolei Golf Club has earned its reputation as a premier golf course on Oahu, having been voted the People’s Choice multiple times. The club’s impeccable maintenance ensures that every round is a delight for golf enthusiasts.

What sets Kapolei Golf Club apart are its strategic undulating greens, which demand a thoughtful and precise approach to shots. Designed by Ted Robinson, this course has also hosted prestigious professional events such as the LPGA’s LOTTE Championship and PGA Tour Champions tournaments.

With its stunning water hazards and beautifully manicured floral gardens, Kapolei Golf Club offers an unparalleled golfing experience that isn’t to be missed when visiting Oahu.

 

Nestled within Oahu’s premier oceanfront resort community, Ko Olina Golf Club offers an exceptional golfing experience with its renowned Ted Robinson-designed course. This club has earned its place among Golf Digest’s Top 75 Resort Courses in the U.S., and for good reason.

The course’s distinctive water features and multi-tiered greens create a truly unique setting, while the wide fairways provide ample opportunities for those satisfying long drives. Ko Olina Golf Club has a rich history, being the proud host of the LPGA Lotte Championship and having ties to golfing legend Michelle Wie-West.

Situated in Oahu’s breathtaking oceanfront community, the club offers stunning Hawaiian views and top-notch practice facilities. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or just starting, Ko Olina Golf Club stands as one of the best public golf courses in Oahu, providing an unforgettable trip on the Pacific’s shores.

If you’re seeking a golfing experience that combines the beauty of Hawaii with a challenging and meticulously designed course, Ko Olina Golf Club is a must-visit.

 

Situated on the North Shore of Oahu, the Palmer Course at Turtle Bay Resort presents a captivating addition to the island’s exceptional golfing offerings, following the renowned Ko Olina Golf Club.

Designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer, this course offers a one-of-a-kind game combining Scottish links style on the front nine with a meandering journey through a tropical rainforest on the back nine. As you navigate through the course, you’ll encounter challenging elevation changes and strategically placed bunkers, all while being treated to stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

The signature 17th hole is particularly breathtaking, providing a serene backdrop for an unforgettable game.

The Palmer Course at Turtle Bay Resort is a must-play for golf enthusiasts visiting Oahu, offering a blend of scenic beauty and a challenging layout. Golfers are in for a treat as they enjoy a round on this Ted Robinson design, making it one of the best golfing experiences in Hawaii.

Tucked away in the farthest northwest area of Oahu, Makaha Valley Country Club offers golf enthusiasts a challenging and picturesque course with stunning views and a demanding layout. Designed by William F. Bell, this Hawaiian gem provides golfers with a unique experience as they navigate through the lowlands of the Makaha Valley. The course showcases rolling terrain and challenging doglegs, adding to the charm of its old-style Hawaii design.

With its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and volcanic mountainside, it’s no surprise that Makaha Valley Country Club is considered one of the best values on the island.

This highly rated course is known for its challenging nature and is located in a prime spot, offering a unique golfing experience for enthusiasts. Golfers seeking a top-notch and mesmerizing course will find Makaha Valley Country Club to be an excellent choice. The club’s reputation as a hidden Hawaiian gem draws golfers who appreciate a demanding layout and breathtaking views. It’s a must-visit for those looking to experience the beauty of Oahu’s northwest area while enjoying a round of golf.

With awe-inspiring views and undulating Bermuda greens, Hawaii Country Club offers a unique mountain golf experience on the former sugar cane plantation spanning 190 acres. As you step onto the course, you’ll find yourself immersed in an invigorating landscape that stretches from Pearl Harbor to Diamond Head. The club’s laid-back atmosphere, along with being voted the People’s Choice on Oahu multiple times, ensures a relaxed and enjoyable golfing experience without the constraints of a strict dress code.

• Royal Hawaiian Golf: Designed by Arnold Palmer, this course offers generous landing areas and stunning views of the Pacific.
• Ewa Beach Golf: The course features strategic water features and challenging undulating greens.
• Hawaii Prince Golf: A true country club experience with a focus on the enjoyment of the game, free from surrounding houses or concrete edifices.
• Olomana Golf Links: Navigate the undulating greens strategically, staying below the hole for an advantage.
• Hawaii Kai Golf: A serene golfing experience with no distractions, allowing you to focus solely on the game at hand.

 

Nestled in the sunny Kapolei region, the Hawaii Kai Champions Course offers golf aficionados a beautifully landscaped and demanding championship course. Designed by Ted Robinson, this top-rated course features five expansive lakes, and over 80 bunkers, and has hosted professional golf events such as the LPGA’s LOTTE Championship. The course is known for its fertile fairways accented by tropical gardens and water hazards, providing a calming yet powerful golfing tour.

Recognized as one of Golf Digest’s Top 75 Resort Courses in the USA, the Ko Olina Golf Club offers water features, multi-tiered greens, and generous landing areas, making it a favorite among golfers. The course is situated on former sugar cane plantation land, adding a unique historical element to the golfing experience.

With its impeccable design and challenging layout, the Hawaii Kai Champions Course is a favorite among golfers seeking a true test of their skills. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or looking to improve your game, this course offers an excellent opportunity to test your abilities. The Hawaii Kai Champions Course is also known for attracting top golf instructors, ensuring that you have access to the best coaching to improve your game.

If you’re looking for a golfing challenge in Oahu, the Hawaii Kai Champions Course is where you’ll find it.

 

The Ewa Beach Golf Club, designed by Robin Nelson, offers golfers an unforgettable course set amidst stunning natural surroundings. As you step onto the course, you’ll encounter narrow tree-lined fairways, water hazards, and numerous bunkers that demand precision and strategic play. The massive double green adds an extra layer of complexity to your game, providing a unique and memorable game. Notably, the club has hosted professional golf events, including LPGA Tour events and Champions Tour tournaments, showcasing its reputation as a top-tier golf destination.

Beyond the course itself, the Ewa Beach Golf Club is situated on the sunny Ewa Plain, providing a beautiful backdrop for your game. The Fazio Course, designed by Palmer and Ed Seay, offers a layout that pays homage to the native Hawaiian landscape, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. This course has garnered recognition as one of the best public golf courses, attracting golf lovers from all over the world.

The Ewa Beach Golf Club’s esteemed reputation has even drawn the attention of prominent figures like Barack Obama, solidifying its status as a must-visit destination for golf aficionados.

 

As you explore the landscape of Oahu, the Ewa Beach Golf Club offers a challenging yet enjoyable course designed by Robin Nelson.

Now, let’s pivot to the Pearl Country Club, another top-tier destination that showcases the beauty and complexity of golfing in Hawaii. Designed by Ted Robinson, the Pearl Country Club is a testament to the artistry of golf course design. Its beautifully landscaped floral gardens and coconut palms create a serene backdrop for a championship golf experience. The club has proudly hosted professional golf events, including the esteemed LPGA’s LOTTE Championship, cementing its status as a premier golf destination in Oahu.

What sets the Pearl Country Club apart is its challenging yet scenic layout. With five expansive lakes and over 80 strategically placed bunkers, the course demands precision and strategic play. Situated in sunny Kapolei, west of Pearl Harbor, the club offers stunning panoramic vistas and undulating terrain that overlooks the historic Pearl Harbor. The fairways and greens, meticulously crafted by renowned golf course architects George Fazio and William, provide an unforgettable golfing experience amidst the breathtaking Hawaiian views.

Situated amidst the stunning backdrop of the Koolau Mountains and Mount Olomana, the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club offers golf devotees a truly relaxing and challenging course to enjoy. As you step onto the course, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views and a layout designed to test your skills.

Here’s what you can expect at Royal Hawaiian Golf Club:

• Spectacular Surroundings: The course is nestled between the majestic Koolau Mountains and Mount Olomana, providing a stunning natural backdrop for your game.
• Varied Tee Options: With multiple tees catering to different skill levels, the course welcomes golfers of all abilities, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone.
• Challenging Terrain: The undulating landscape of the course presents golfers with an exciting challenge, requiring strategic play and precision to navigate the well-maintained greens.
• Impeccable Maintenance: Royal Hawaiian Golf Club is renowned for its exceptional course maintenance, ensuring that every aspect of the course is in top-notch condition for your game.
• Unforgettable Experience: From the striking views to the thoughtfully designed layout, a round at Royal Hawaiian Golf Club promises an unforgettable experience for golf enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer seeking a challenge or a beginner looking to enjoy the beauty of Oahu, Royal Hawaiian Golf Club is a must-visit destination.

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Oahu, Mililani Golf Club beckons golf enthusiasts with its well-designed Ted Robinson par 72 course and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and volcanic mountainside. The course features strategically placed bunkers and lakes that add an element of challenge to the game, while the wide-open fairways lined with beautiful palm trees offer a serene golfing experience. The course’s excellent practice facilities make it an ideal destination for honing your skills.

Golfers at Mililani Golf Club can expect a visual treat with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the majestic volcanic mountainside. However, it’s important to note that afternoons can get windy, so booking an early tee time is advisable for a more enjoyable round. The pristine maintenance and strategic layout of the course make it one of the most attractive golf courses on the west side of Oahu.

With its well-maintained tee boxes, fairways, and greens, Mililani Golf Club provides an exceptional golfing experience amidst the natural beauty of Oahu. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, the course offers a challenge and a chance to appreciate the stunning surroundings.

Conclusion

As I write this article on the day before Thanksgiving, my mind wanders to Hawaii.  What I’d give to be sipping a Mai Tai under a palm tree after playing a round of golf.  The waves crashing against the rocks, the sun setting west over the Pacific, warm island breezes running through my hair… Ok, enough is enough but, you can’t blame me for losing my train of thought.

Oahu is the one island I’ve yet to visit but, you can bet I’m going whether my wife says I can or not.  From what our readers have told me, it’s a must-see place for golf and everything else. 

What do you love most about Oahu and its golf?  You’re welcome to daydream with us in the comments below.  Thanks for reading!