Ala Wai Golf Course
Ala Wai Golf Course offers a public, approachable 18-hole experience in Honolulu with wide fairways and scenic views of Diamond Head. Ideal for all skill levels, it combines flat terrain with pockets of challenge, set against Hawaii’s urban-meets-nature backdrop.
Course Overview
Located in the heart of Honolulu, Ala Wai Golf Course presents a distinctive public 18-hole layout that contrasts urban energy with lush, open terrain. This flat course spreads across a coastal plain just minutes from downtown, offering wide fairways framed by gentle winds that subtly influence club selection and shot strategy. Its approachable design welcomes golfers of all levels, blending straightforward playability with pockets of challenge particularly as you move toward the back nine where tighter landing areas demand precision.
The course's setting offers a unique blend of cityscape glimpses and natural Hawaiian verdure, with iconic views of Diamond Head providing a constant visual companion from tee to green. Although the course has faced maintenance challenges in various areas, efforts to sustain playable greens and broad fairways make it a reliable option for a round under Honolulu’s predictable sun.
Ala Wai’s wide fairways and risk-reward holes encourage steady play and thoughtful navigation rather than high-risk shots, making it a fitting venue both for novices seeking confidence and for seasoned players refining their iron play. The flat topography ensures walking the course is manageable, even in Hawaii’s tropical climate, though players are advised to carry ample hydration.
The clubhouse houses L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, offering a casual spot to relax after your round with local favorites and a selection of refreshments. The driving range, while currently under renovation and operated separately, adds a valuable practice component for players sharpening their long game.
Reservations are recommended due to the course’s popularity, with early tee times often sought by locals and visitors alike. Carts are available on request, but walking remains the preferred and practical way to experience the open layout and breezes that drift across the course. Ala Wai provides a welcoming, no-frills golfing experience in Honolulu, balancing accessibility, scenic interest, and a taste of Hawaii’s golf culture without the typical private club expense.
Course Highlights
Ala Wai features broad, forgiving fairways opening into tighter greens on the back nine. Its unobstructed views of historic Diamond Head create a memorable backdrop. The course’s relatively flat profile makes it accessible to a broad range of players, while coastal breezes subtly influence shotmaking. The clubhouse’s local food offerings add a distinctly Hawaiian touch to the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Matthew Mc
Very expensive for non residence and the rental clubs will really get ya. Coming from the cold though it’s hard to beat golfing in December. The course is not in the best shape but it’s nice and close to downtown. The views are stunning, but don’t expect a world class golf course.
Mint Body Fitness
Ala wai golf course is a great public golf course in Honolulu. Every one there is super professional and friendly. The course is simple but challenging. The greens are in great shape and the fairways are wide. The overall course is very well maintained considering it’s the most busiest course in America. You cannot beat the price compared to private golf courses. Great place and easy access for locals and visitors. Just make sure you have a reservation or stand by 6am for a tee time.
Earle Boinkins
Google ala wai golf course to book a tee time 3 days in advance. Bring a ton of water as you will be savagely dehydrated. Course is fun. Don’t expect Augusta national. It’s a muni. The greens roll great and the course gets tight on the back. People were nice and great views of diamond head! Bring lots of golf balls and tees.
Christopher Murray
Mike G
The bad: Ala Wai Golf Course has seen better days. Most of the tee boxes are being re-done, so they are mostly dirt. The fairways are bare in a lot of places, so you may be hitting off hard packed down dirt or mud if it rains. Same th8ng for the rough, a lot of dirt patches and when it raines, may flood or e very muddy. Greens on the front 9 have a lot of bald spots. These spots are pretty big, and putting through them will throw your line off a lot. Due to the aeration, the bald spots have a lot of sand in them and make them like bunkers on the green. The greens in the back 9 are a little better, they have changed the grass, but some of the greens have two different types of grass and not fully healed. A lot of the sand traps have sand, but there still are a lot of them that the sand is packed down and very hard. Be prepared to wait on the Par 3's, we had to wait for 2-3 groups in front of us before we could start the Par 3's. I play the municipal courses a lot, and this one is in bad shape. The practice putting green grass is pretty dead, and the surface is very sandy. The speed or consistency of the practice green is not the same as on the course. The good: It's a flat course, so walking this is not hard. A lot of people walk and, for the most part, keep up with pace of play. There is a driving range connected to the course, but it is managed by another organization. Currently, it looks like it is closed for renovations. There is a local restaurant at the club house called L&L. The food is good and there is inside seating available. They serve local favorite foods, soft drinks, and adult beverages. There are a few TVs to watch sports with your friends.
Brian Emond
First big warning, this place is NOT tourist friendly! There is no pro shop, or clubs to rent. This should be in ALL CAPS on their website. This course is a dump that should be condemned, and it's really only for locals. Avoid at all costs.
Lawrence Kotrys
Nice course with good price with senior golf ID.
Don Ho
Front 9 green 100% better still one mowing and it will be back how it was 3 years ago . However fairways are still a mess , dirt patches . Super tight lies
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Kevin Arco
Nice course with some challenging holes. Course was in decent shape and the driving range was nice. The staff was so accommodating and polite…had a great conversion with the guy running the pro shop and the starter, super cool people.
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Course Details
Access & Location
404 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Ala Wai Clubhouse with L&L Hawaiian Barbecue restaurant
Walking encouraged; flat terrain with well-maintained cart paths; bring sunscreen and water
Reservations recommended; walk-up tee times available early morning
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