Poipu Bay Golf Course
Poipu Bay Golf Course on Kauai’s southern coast combines breathtaking ocean vistas with windswept challenges across its 18-hole championship layout. A resort-accessible coastal course that balances approachability with strategic demands, it offers a memorable round framed by the natural Hawaiian landscape.
Course Overview
Poipu Bay Golf Course, located on the southern shore of Kauai, Hawaii, offers a compelling blend of natural beauty and challenging conditions that make it a must-visit for serious golfers. This 18-hole, championship layout is part of a resort complex but welcomes daily fee play, making world-class golf accessible beyond private club boundaries. The course is best described as a coastal design, where ocean breezes and lush Hawaiian topography shape both the strategy and sensory experience from tee to green.
The course navigates through gentle elevation changes that reveal panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean at multiple vantage points. Golfers will find the wind a consistent factor, particularly on the back nine, where holes 16 and 17 create moments that can test even precise shot-making. These holes demand respectful club selection and a measured tempo, as the breeze can alter ball flight unpredictably.
Fairways are generally generous but guarded by strategically placed bunkers that require accuracy and thoughtful course management. The greens are well-maintained with subtle breaks, rewarding players who demonstrate a keen touch on their putts. The elevation shifts bring both visual drama and tactical depth, as certain holes play uphill or downhill, adding complexity to yardages.
Poipu Bay keeps play accessible for a wide range of skill levels. While the course challenges low handicappers with its winds and bunker placement, mid to higher handicap players will find ample opportunities to navigate safely and enjoy the spectacular surroundings. The course’s layout promotes a brisk pace of play, though the wind and occasional tournament setups can lengthen rounds.
Facilities include a full-service clubhouse with dining options that overlook both the course and ocean, as well as a well-stocked pro shop and practice areas. Rental clubs and advanced GPS carts enhance the day’s experience, while the professional staff is known for attentive service.
Planning a visit during morning hours can provide calmer winds and cooler temperatures. Comfortable golf shoes suited for minor terrain changes are recommended for walking players, who can appreciate the course’s friendliness to walkers despite its hilly spots.
In sum, Poipu Bay Golf Course offers an invigorating mix of ocean views, strategic challenges, and aloha spirit that makes every round memorable.
Course Highlights
Famed for coastal views unveiling the Pacific on several holes, Poipu Bay’s signature challenges lie in its wind-exposed back nine, particularly holes 16 and 17, which combine elevation changes with ocean breezes. Well-positioned bunkers and undulating greens add strategic depth. The course maintains a balance between championship-level challenge and accessibility for varying skill levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Dan Rozum
Expected great things. Course, staff, range, greens, scenery are top notch. Pace of Play terrible. 11am tee time. Twosomes are a problem. We played behind three twosomes. Waited on every tee box and their second shot. At $275/player at a high end course, expected better Pace of Play. Foursomes would be good whether a two some wants to play alone or not. You want to play alone, play at 3pm. Starts with the starter. Great pro shop but left immediately frustrated, kept my money in my pocket. Dan
Rasaan Hall
The golf course was in excellent condition, with wind and some mud due to the recent rain. Upon arrival, the bag attendants were professional and attentive to their duties. The starter, Kurt, was very knowledgeable and helpful. However, the issue arose with the course pro shop staff, Greg and assistant director of golf Chasen Bahouth. After my round, I was informed that I needed to purchase range time, despite having already spent $300 for the round which included the range, chipping and putting green. I explained my intention to hit a few balls to straighten out a few things that needed some attention, but Chasen responded with a condescending “Sorry, you need to buy range time if you want to work on your game.” I was shocked and left the area, heading to the pro shop to speak with the GM of golf activities, Chad Dusenberry. When I asked who the individuals were, Greg started yawning, indicating that he didn’t know who they were or how to contact them. He directed me to some cards on the counter with names and numbers. His carefree and nonchalant attitude was not in line with the course’s heritage. The culture of a club starts at the top. I wondered what my interaction would have been like with the GM. I must remember that they had already taken my money and thought I was a one-time visitor. I had planned to play an additional three times as more family and friends come into town. Needless to say, I will not spend another penny at this course. Your experience and needs may differ than mine…
Jeffrey Collins
I am not an outwardly emotional or expressive person normally… however… I was MOVED spiritually & emotionally playing this course. This should be on every golfers bucket list. The greens were still slightly recovering from the aeration. Other than that it was beyond perfect. The rental clubs were in excellent shape. The change in elevation and the wind make this an exciting and challenging course. Wait till you get to holes 16 & 17. It’s almost a religious experience.
Joe Mendez
The Course....breath taking The Customer Service...superb. It's a golfers dream. Thank you to the entire staff. Especially the starter Kirk. Top notch that guy is. The rental clubs were perfect. I cannot wait to come back.
Chad
Great condition, real windy but no complaints all compliments. Highly recommend. Some great views on back nine.
Edward K. Pak
Course, greens, views and playabiity are great and as expected. But for $300 per round, you'd think they'd have some services available. No drinks or food unitl 10am at the clubhouse. No drinks or food at the starter. The only drinks or food option on the course is the cart girl. We had a 7am tee time. Cart girl was nowhere in sight. She finally "caught up" to us at the 14th green. Again...it's ONE cart girl for the entire course. At $300 per round, you'd think the course would provide a little more than token service. "BYOB" should be in the course name...."Poipu BYOB Golf Course". I'll take my chances at some of the other course on our next trip to Kauai.
Chad
Great condition, real windy but no complaints all compliments. Highly recommend. Some great views on back nine.
Scott Koppa
Of course, it was a joy to play! The holes are interesting, with their own challenges, in addition to those added by the wind. The carts have the latest technology for distance and scoring. And the many beautiful ocean and landscape views are stunning!
Ty Ward
Great course but kicked us off an 1:30 early never coming back
Keith Sausedo
Played it on 6/18/25 for the first time in 26 years and the experience was just as exciting as 1999. Immaculate course condition, beautifully laid out and equipped driving range and practice area, incredible views, and a friendly staff make this an absolute must-play if you happen to be on Kauai. The prevailing winds were present and blowing with the usual force, which really added to the experience and severely tested club selection and controlling ball flight, and the challenge was thoroughly enjoyed. I'm already planning for a return visit, and I promise it won't take another 26 years!! My only minor complaint would be the use of the driving range (for playing customers) is limited to one hour. I had showed up a couple hours early hoping to work out a few kinks, but was prevented from accessing the practice facility. Maybe the policy is already in place, but I would have gladly paid an extra $20 or so for the extra practice. Despite this, I still had a fantastic time.
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Course Details
Access & Location
2250 Ainako St, Koloa, HI 96756, USA
Main clubhouse with dining and pro shop overlooking the course and ocean
Walking permitted; course features gentle hills requiring sturdy shoes; carts equipped with GPS available
Reservations recommended, rental equipment available on site
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