Kiahuna Golf Club
Kiahuna Golf Club presents an 18-hole public course on Kauai’s southern coast, blending coastal views with tropical terrain. The course offers a mix of strategic challenges and approachable play, enhanced by firm greens, ocean breezes, and a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Course Overview
Kiahuna Golf Club offers a distinctive Hawaiian golf experience marked by its lush fairways, ocean views, and a friendly atmosphere that welcomes golfers looking for both challenge and enjoyment. This 18-hole, public course situated on the southern shore of Kauai blends coastal links influences with tropical greenery, creating a layout that rewards thoughtful shot-making and steady tempo. While not an overly long course by championship standards, Kiahuna crafts moments of intrigue with narrow fairways guarded by native foliage and strategic bunkering. A steady ocean breeze adds a shifting element, testing club selection and shot control throughout the round.
The setting provides a varied backdrop, from holes framed by dramatic cliffs to stretches weaving through mature trees and preserved ruins, offering players a genuine sense of place unique to Kauai’s landscape. The front nine challenges with several doglegs and water hazards that sharpen focus early, while the back nine demands precise iron play, especially on tighter greens that hold firm and true. The pace of play tends to be steady, and the course’s approachable length makes it accessible to mid and high handicappers, though lower handicaps will appreciate the strategic demands and variety.
Facilities at Kiahuna support a full day on the course, featuring a well-maintained practice area and the onsite Paco’s Tacos restaurant, known for its vibrant flavors and casual setting directly adjacent to the clubhouse. Cart rental is available, though many players enjoy walking the course to immerse themselves fully in the coastal breeze and natural sounds.
With well-marked holes and attentive staff, visitors find navigating the property straightforward even on their first visit. While the terrain’s tight fairways call for accuracy over power, Kiahuna Golf Club offers a balanced experience for visitors seeking scenic views paired with solid golf. Whether playing a relaxed round after exploring Kauai or gearing up for a golfing vacation highlight, the course strikes a satisfying chord between Hawaiian charm and competitive golf.
For travelers planning a trip, morning tee times offer cooler temperatures and lighter winds, while comfortable shoes and sun protection are advisable for a pleasant, uninterrupted round.
Course Highlights
Kiahuna’s layout offers striking cliffside holes overlooking the Pacific, combined with sections that wind through tropical flora and historic ruins. The course’s firm, fast greens and strategic bunkering demand precision, while consistent ocean breezes test course management. Its combination of coastal links elements with island greenery distinguishes it from typical resort tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Friar Football
We rented a house on the 18th hole, so we figured we would play Kiahuna Golf Club since it looked pretty nice. Some of the previous reviews were brutal, so we didn’t know what to expect. Our foursome was dropped off at the clubhouse, and we went inside where Scott Muttersbach checked us in, and talked a little Packer football with us. Scott was very laid back, yet very informative about the course and amenities. Being from Arizona, the cost of golf was comparable to where we came from, so we didn’t experience sticker shock for golfing in Kauai. Scott set us up with range balls, and got us out on the scenic range where we warmed up. Went over to Paco’s Tacos which is actually part of the course, grabbed a couple bottles of swing lube, and out to the course we went. Having never played the course before, the course was well marked, and you knew exactly where you had to go. The course fairways were green and lush. The greens were firm and fast, but fair. All in all, the course was very good, the holes scenic, a few views of the ocean, and challenging at points. We had a great time playing 18 holes, grabbed some tacos at Paco’s, and then replayed 9 holes for cheap. We were not held up by slow groups, as the play moved on all holes. If we ever have the chance to play Kiahuna Golf Club again in the future, we definitely would. Nice well maintained course, friendly people, good food, and scenic views.
Lisa Stauffer
Great golf course for the price. We played at 3pm for $80 including cart. Nice views and was in good condition. Beautiful trees and ruins around course.
richard pence
A beautiful course, very well maintained. Friendly staff. Holes along the cliffs overlooking the Pacific. Back 9 more challenging than the front.
Wendy Hargus
Scott Weitzenkamp
Very fun golf course. There’s a nice mix of wide open holes and tricky holes with water or rocks to avoid. Have played it 4 times on vacation and enjoy it every time. Greens are firm and true. Excellent Mexican restaurant on site. Bunker sand is a little hard. Always a good breeze.
Caleb Schultz
The round of 18 cost $400 for 2 people with just one set of rentals for starters. Views are incredible but a really really tight course layout. We got stuck behind a group of 8 and the ranger was non-exisent all day and then drove by eveyone on 14 with 3 carts waiting at the tee box behind the group. Our round for the two of us and the pair in front of us took all of us over 4 hours. At the turn waited for service and stood at the snack bar with three employees watching me like I looked like an idiot and I never got service which was just awesome. And finally, other groups in front of us were having the exact same issues. Not happy with the overall experience at that price and management/superintendent need to figure it out for better service and accommodations for just a twosome. A really poor showing today with a full full golf course of people just wanting to enjoy the time and with only simple fixes.
Cheryl Kennedy
Twilight times do not start until 3 but must have carts in by 6...ridiculous. course ok, greens slow but good shape. Will not play here again.
Bob Wagoner
Outstanding course... A lot of fun and personality.
Caleb Schultz
The round of 18 cost $400 for 2 people with just one set of rentals for starters. Views are incredible but a really really tight course layout. We got stuck behind a group of 8 and the ranger was non-exisent all day and then drove by eveyone on 14 with 3 carts waiting at the tee box behind the group. Our round for the two of us and the pair in front of us took all of us over 4 hours. At the turn waited for service and stood at the snack bar with three employees watching me like I looked like an idiot and I never got service which was just awesome. And finally, other groups in front of us were having the exact same issues. Not happy with the overall experience at that price and management/superintendent need to figure it out for better service and accommodations for just a twosome. A really poor showing today with a full full golf course of people just wanting to enjoy the time and with only simple fixes.
Teresa
Visited in 2022 and really like the course. Fast forward to 2025, the course and facilities are definitely showing wear. Greens are dry and not well maintained. Holes everywhere are a hazard. The entire clubhouse and restaurant building needs a fresh coat of paint. At least show some pride in replacing the flags out front! No longer worth the high greens fees.
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Course Details
Access & Location
2545 Kiahuna Plantation Dr, Poipu, HI 96756, USA
Main clubhouse with check-in desk and snack bar adjacent to Paco’s Tacos
Walking is welcomed; terrain is generally flat with some gentle elevation changes. Sturdy golf shoes recommended for bunker sand and grassy edges.
Open to public with tee time reservations recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons
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