Makai Golf Course
Set on Kauai’s northern shore, Makai Golf Course offers an 18-hole par-72 layout framed by ocean vistas and tropical landscapes. Its walkable design and strategic bunkering create a rewarding challenge for mid to low handicaps amid one of Hawaii's most scenic golf settings.
Course Overview
Perched on the northern shore of Kauai at 4080 Lei O Papa Road, Makai Golf Course offers a compelling blend of natural beauty and thoughtful design that draws golfers seeking both scenic enjoyment and strategic play. This 18-hole championship layout provides a lush, tropical setting where each hole reveals sweeping ocean views, vibrant native flora, and lush fairways that carve gently through gentle island terrain. The course plays to a par 72 with a total yardage stretching just beyond 6,600 yards from the championship tees, although multiple tee options accommodate players of various skill levels.
Makai’s design emphasizes walkability amid an inviting Hawaiian climate, where trade winds provide a subtle challenge that can influence shot selection and tempo. The terrain is undulating but accessible, making the course approachable for intermediates and enjoyable for more seasoned players searching for a measured test of accuracy and distance control. Well-placed bunkers and water hazards add strategic layers without overwhelming the average golfer, preserving the flow and pace of play.
The clubhouse is a modern facility offering a comfortable space to relax before or after rounds, featuring rental clubs from premium brands and a selection of refreshments that keep players replenished without detracting from the leisurely island vibe. Driving range balls are included with play, allowing ample warm-up time before setting off over the course’s emerald fairways.
While fees are reflective of its resort-quality experience, visitors highlight the pristine conditioning and attentive staff that reinforce Makai’s reputation as a must-play when visiting Kauai’s inviting north shore. Evening golfers find the course especially enchanting as sunlight fades over the Pacific, providing memorable views that complement the challenge of key finishing holes. Whether utilizing rental gear or bringing your own clubs, Makai Golf Course stands as a worthy Hawaiian golf destination where landscape and sport meet with subtle grace.
Course Highlights
Makai Golf Course is distinguished by its scenic oceanfront holes and well-maintained fairways that invite a balanced blend of risk and reward. The layout features natural Hawaiian flora bordering fairways, combined with strategic bunkering and water hazards that influence decisions off the tee and approaching the greens. Holes 17 and 18 present notable challenges with undulating greens and coastal winds that demand focus and finesse. The setting offers a refreshing respite from mainland golf with impeccable maintenance and resort-level amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Brad Jones
Incredibly beautiful location for our wedding, the views were breathtaking and absolutely perfect! Kaye (coordinator from the golf course) did a phenomenal job helping us get everything just right, including timing so the ceremony concluded right when the sun was optimal for photos and sunset ambience. Memorable and truly stunning!!
Jean-Luc Beauchamp
Excellent place to walk in the evening, views are absolutely amazing if you wish to play golf you won't find any bevening views
Evan Shantz
Elite golf experience from start to finish! Worth every penny. Front 9 has breathtaking views and the course itself is in great condition
Lance Moore
Took the sunset golf cart tour for the third time and it was awesome again. Saw lots of Nene, a Canadian Goose that apparently got blown off course, several albatross including some juveniles. Carts and course are well maintained. Planning to check out the disc golf course too.
David Renfrew
Had two hours to kill while my wife had a girls party and I had to bug out. Decided to play the back 9 from 4 -6 pm. Every part of this experience was fantastic. The most beautiful course I have ever played. Very forgiving fairways. Very tough greens and pin placements making for a challenging game. Holes 17 and 18 are remarkably tough but great for improving your game. Staff were excellent, the rental clubs were great, Full Callaway setup. Free driving range balls to warm up. Yes it was pricey. But well worth it. No one behind me so fealt no pressure. Super well maintained. Enjoying a beer down in Hanalie as I write this. Cheers to a great way to kill a few hours.😄
Heather Piazza
Kyle Iezzi
Overall, beautiful course and scenery, newer rental club set, great clubhouse and tasty quick bites. I would absolutely recommend this stop when looking for golf during your stay, if price isn’t a concern. I must say however, it was $279 for 9 holes, rental clubs and 1 logo ball… $9 for a 12oz canned beer… At that price point you do notice little flaws and exaggerate them, several ground under repair areas that weren’t growing in well, greens rolled unusually slow for this caliber course and some off-fairway areas were not maintained well.
David Renfrew
Had two hours to kill while my wife had a girls party and I had to bug out. Decided to play the back 9 from 4 -6 pm. Every part of this experience was fantastic. The most beautiful course I have ever played. Very forgiving fairways. Very tough greens and pin placements making for a challenging game. Holes 17 and 18 are remarkably tough but great for improving your game. Staff were excellent, the rental clubs were great, Full Callaway setup. Free driving range balls to warm up. Yes it was pricey. But well worth it. No one behind me so fealt no pressure. Super well maintained. Enjoying a beer down in Hanalie as I write this. Cheers to a great way to kill a few hours.😄
Jean-Luc Beauchamp
Excellent place to walk in the evening, views are absolutely amazing if you wish to play golf you won't find any bevening views
Duane Schroyer
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Course Details
Access & Location
4080 Lei O Papa Rd, Princeville, HI 96722, USA
Makai Golf Course Clubhouse with pro shop, rental clubs, and casual dining options
The course encourages walking; terrain is moderately rolling, so comfortable walking shoes are advised
Reservations recommended, especially during peak season; rental equipment and carts available
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