The Ocean Course At Hokuala
Set along Kauai’s rugged coast, the Ocean Course at Hokuala offers an 18-hole resort round that blends challenging play with sweeping ocean views. This layout balances strategic hazards with tropical landscapes, delivering a diverse and engaging experience for golfers at multiple skill levels.
Course Overview
The Ocean Course at Hokuala presents an 18-hole championship layout set against the dramatic coastline of Kauai, Hawaii. This resort course is designed to engage golfers of various skill levels while challenging even the most seasoned players with its strategic design and natural elements. Framing panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the course blends lush tropical vegetation with the rugged contours of the shoreline, offering a dynamic environment where wind and sea play a subtle but persistent role.
The layout moves thoughtfully from inland fairways bordered by native flora to holes that skirt the oceanfront, where crashing waves accompany your putting footsteps. Fairways are generous but protected by well-positioned bunkers and sandy waste areas that demand both precision and tactical course management. The greens show subtle breaks, often shaped to test approach shots, with several elevated surfaces that catch the ocean breeze, adding complexity to club selection and shot execution.
Designed to reward smart play, the Ocean Course caters to players seeking both beauty and challenge. Its length and strategically placed hazards ensure that golfers must balance aggression with caution. Walking the course, players can experience the contrasts within the terrain — from shaded groves to open vistas — underscored by the ever-present rhythm of the ocean wind. This natural force tests timing and shot shape, especially around the back nine where the course fully embraces the shoreline.
Amenities at Hokuala complement the golfing experience with a well-appointed pro shop, on-course beverage service, and practice facilities designed to prepare players before setting out. While the current clubhouse awaits completion, the existing amenities maintain a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Visitors often remark on the seamless integration of Hawaiian natural beauty with championship golf design, making it a memorable stop for travelers and locals alike.
Playing the Ocean Course means embracing the unpredictability of coastal conditions while navigating a layout that demands focus, adaptability, and respect for the land. Whether arriving for a casual round or preparing for tournament play, the course offers an immersive Hawaiian golf experience firmly grounded in challenge and scenic reward.
Course Highlights
The course features signature holes that showcase the Pacific’s presence, notably the oceanfront stretch from holes 13 to 16, where the wind tests every shot. Its design includes wide fairways that funnel precision approaches onto subtly contoured greens, creating risk-reward opportunities amid natural lava rock formations and sandy waste bunkers. The course layout weaves effectively between tropical inland vegetation and seaside exposures, creating a varied visual and strategic experience rarely found on island courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Cole Rutherford
This was one of my favorite golf experiences. The course was as beautiful as it gets, I don’t think I’ve ever played more amazing finishing holes. The weather really cooperated and there was sunshine and no wind to speak of. We were the first tee time out and finished the round in 3 HOURS which is unheard of typically on a resort course. I can’t wait to come back and visit once the new clubhouse is finished. Ranked as one of the nicest courses in Hawaii it’s easy to see why. What a great experience. Shoutout to Tom and the whole staff who made it a day to remember. *They had just sanded the greens after a big storm getting ready for a college tournament so don’t mind that in the photos. Greens played a little slow but no impact to the round overall
mICHaeL L
This is our third round in Kauai, after Makai and Puakea ,I am so happy that we are here, we started from back nine and incredibly magnificent scene coming in and we had great shots there. Also the golf shop and Ricky is very helpful , the food and beverage supply on course is just in time 😉 we are starting planning next Kauai golf trip
Scott Lowery
The course was terrific especially the back 9 by the ocean. However the arrival and amenities left a lot to be desired. We paid $384 per person and at that rate you’d expect the best of the best. What we got was a weird arrival by a trailer. A pro shack essentially, not a pro shop with a nice attached bar. It was a little window to order beers and drinks and small snacks. We teed off at 1:30 and they closed the “bar” at 2pm. We had to complain at the turn just to get ice and someone to come unlock it and get a few more beers and water. The cart girl came around the 3rd hole and said she was leaving for the day. The staff was nice and did their best to help make it better but for the cost we expected a lot more. Golf course was great tho.
Keith Sausedo
A fantastic course I haven't had the pleasure of playing since 1999. I played 6/20/25 and the weather was beautiful. The course conditions were excellent, matching the incredible scenery, lush growth, and ocean views. The new #15 is spectacular along the water and an extremely challenging hole. I'm only giving 4 stars because I was extremely disappointed in the driving range. An expensive green fee should provide an immaculate experience, but the turf conditions, layout, lack of distance markers, and lack of club cleaning station were glaring omissions. I don't know who set up the range that particular day, but you were forced to hit off of a downhill lie with long, scruffy turf in need of a tight mowing. Not ideal and a stark contrast to Poipu Bay, which had all of the proper elements. The interim clubhouse and parking arrangement is not very intuitive and would certainly confuse any first-timers. The new clubhouse is under construction and hopefully this remedies things. Despite these shortcomings, I would highly recommend playing this course and hope to return soon.
mICHaeL L
This is our third round in Kauai, after Makai and Puakea ,I am so happy that we are here, we started from back nine and incredibly magnificent scene coming in and we had great shots there. Also the golf shop and Ricky is very helpful , the food and beverage supply on course is just in time 😉 we are starting planning next Kauai golf trip
Garret Frei
The course has some exceptional views and is in great condition. The staff is friendly and informative. The design makes it a relatively difficult course with some funky holes. The risk/reward is sometimes tilted to playing the same tee shots despite playing the course multiple times. The views on 13/14/15/16 are second to none
James Kevin Veal
Make this course a must stop if you get a chance to visit Kauai. Hokuala has some of the most breathtaking backdrops of the sea (13th, 14th, 16th) on the back nine, but the front nine is stunning as well. You'll have fun on this course. Ricky is by far the coolest starter on the planet and the entire staff, friendliest all around. Load up the Van Halen playlist, pack some cutwaters and rip it - aloha baby! Can't wait for next year - Mahalo nui loa to all the Kokuala crew
Keaton MacLeod
Scott Lowery
The course was terrific especially the back 9 by the ocean. However the arrival and amenities left a lot to be desired. We paid $384 per person and at that rate you’d expect the best of the best. What we got was a weird arrival by a trailer. A pro shack essentially, not a pro shop with a nice attached bar. It was a little window to order beers and drinks and small snacks. We teed off at 1:30 and they closed the “bar” at 2pm. We had to complain at the turn just to get ice and someone to come unlock it and get a few more beers and water. The cart girl came around the 3rd hole and said she was leaving for the day. The staff was nice and did their best to help make it better but for the cost we expected a lot more. Golf course was great tho.
Dianne Camella
Oh my goshWhat a beautiful experience! I took the special that they have giving you a lesson, a Golf club cleaning towel, a sleeve of balls and rented golf clubs and nine hole scramble plus extra nine holes. The course is in beautiful shape and the views are breathtaking... A little longer than I'm used to and lots of sand traps, but very enjoyable. Isaac lopez was my instructor and he was absolutely amazing..........you definitely want to take a lesson from him!
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Course Details
Access & Location
3132 Ninini Point St, Lihue, HI 96766, USA
Hokuala Golf Club Pro Shop and Outdoor Reception Area
Walking is permitted and encouraged; course terrain varies from flat coastal stretches to mild elevation changes—comfortable walking shoes recommended.
Tee times available to resort guests and visitors with advance reservation; rental clubs and lessons offered.
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