Hawaiʻi Kai Golf Course
Hawaiʻi Kai Golf Course is a public 18-hole layout on Oahu’s east side, blending accessible playability with coastal views. This community-oriented course offers narrow fairways and steady greens, making it an approachable option for golfers who appreciate scenic surroundings without the premium price.
Course Overview
Hawaiʻi Kai Golf Course, located on the eastern shore of Oahu, offers an accessible and inviting round of golf for players seeking a balance between challenge and enjoyment. This public 18-hole course features the characteristics of a typical island layout where tropical flora meets gentle elevation changes, creating variety without overwhelming the golfer. Though not a classic resort destination, Hawaiʻi Kai embraces its role as a community course with affordability and ease of access, welcoming golfers from beginner through intermediate skill levels.
The course plays through a mixture of open fairways and wooded areas, with elevation shifts that add strategic interest along with several narrow holes that call for accuracy off the tee. While fairway conditions and tee boxes have room for improvement—reflective of the course’s public and frequented nature—the greens generally hold well and provide opportunities for thoughtful putting. On the back nine, glimpses of the Pacific Ocean create a refreshing backdrop, particularly on holes nearest the coastline, where Hawaii’s coastal breeze can subtly influence club selection and rhythm.
Hawaiʻi Kai’s staff is known for their accommodating approach, making solo or single reservations straightforward – a notable convenience for travelers or locals alike. The clubhouse offers basic amenities, including a pro shop and a restaurant that is open for casual fare, supporting players with comfort before or after their round. Cart usage is included at reasonable cost, though walking is welcome for those eager to experience the course at a slower pace and appreciate the surrounding natural environment.
This course may not offer polished luxury, but its blend of accessibility, strategic layout, and scenic elements provides a rewarding golfing experience without prohibitive price tags. Players looking for a laid-back round with glimpses of Hawaii's beauty and a fair test of accuracy will find Hawaiʻi Kai Golf Course a practical and enjoyable option on Oahu’s golf landscape.
Course Highlights
The course offers a mix of island-style routing with narrow, tree-lined fairways and a handful of elevation changes. Several holes on the back nine present partial ocean views that test players’ control with wind and club selection. The manageable length and varied tee boxes provide an inviting challenge for a broad range of golfers. The course's straightforward layout paired with occasional coastal breezes adds strategic variety without overwhelming complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Next Please
Literally the worst course I've ever played. Terrible conditions - dried grass/dirt fairways. Greens are rough and patchy. The carts have ripped up seats. On the plus side, the carts are fast enough so that when you've decided to quit after a few holes of crappy golf, they can get you back to the clubhouse quickly. Reached out to management for a refund with no response. Ridiculous that they call this a "championship course". No pics because we were so stunned that any golf course could be so poorly maintained.
Georgeanna Snyder
Jeremy Irby
Based on the price it was an amazing round of golf. I got a really good deal on Golfnow.com or Teeoff; I can't remember which one. I would have been a little disappointed at the conditions of the greens and the rough if I would have paid full price even though Hawaii Kai was considerably cheaper than the nicer courses. I did spend most of my time off the fairway, so it would have been nicer if it was a little more kept up. Half way through our round we got hungry, so we went to the clubhouse. The worker was friendly enough, but they weren't serving any food at the snack shop or the restaurant! I get that it was a little later on on a Monday, but now I know to bring food!! Also the guy at the golf cart stand could have been a little more excited about his job! But with all that being said... I will definitely be going back if I can find another good rate! There are some holes with partial views of the ocean and it's a pretty scenic 18 round of golf. And when you're done, I highly recommend Sandy's Beach that is right next door! They have some really good waves and beach areas. But the customer service and the course could use a little fine tuning!
Renaii Ortiz
We are from another state and considered a “guest” (it gets you absolutely nothing to be a guest). Very expensive (had to pay for two 18 holes rounds although only one can do 9 holes due to physical limitations and because of the “guest” status, we weren’t eligible to play just 9 holes). We rented clubs, they provided 3 balls for each of us but no tees (we used broken tees found in tee boxes). Fairways are in horrible shape, most greens in good shape. The attendant said they couldn’t use the water like other courses due to something in the water. We had hoped we would see more of the ocean throughout the course but there is only one hole that you have a view of the ocean. We talked to other golfers and they said the greens are always like this. Avoid this course!
Jinseung Kim (Soulless traveler)
Located on the east side of Oahu, this public golf course allows single reservations and even solo play, depending on the situation. The price, including a cart for 18 holes, is comparable to municipal courses, making it arguably the best place to golf on Oahu considering accessibility and cost. It's a bit disappointing that it's underrated on Google. While the maintenance isn't top-notch, it's certainly not bad enough to interfere with play. Given the ease of booking, convenient location, and affordable pricing, it deserves a five-star rating.
Jennifer Lazzaro
Absolutely terrible course. Everything is dead and brown. The kitchen was closed so no food. Way too expensive for the condition of the course and we played the championship course.
Brandon Abbott
Staff is nice but the course honestly sucks. Greens are alright but course is insanely dry. Theres no such thing as a fairway here. I dont understand why its 65$ to golf here. Complete rip off. Feel scammed every time Ive played here. Save your money go literally to any other course. Its in same condition as the ala wai that cost only 30$
TGD
Sadly, not the quality under the new owner. Miss the upstairs restsurant that had great food and menu, open for dinner and entertainment on weekends, special Sunday brunches, fabulous view. Food now is limited though the service and chef spevials are great. But it is just chesp no view hole behind the pro shop. Where is the ownership pride?
Scott Bolster
$165 for a weekday round and a cart in this condition is robbery! For how much they charge, they put NOTHING back into the course or the carts. The "Championship" course is in very poor shape, with parts of the fairways reduced to dirt and weeds, some dry greens, some tee boxes reduced to dried weeds, and ancient golf carts are decrepit, with bald tires, loose steering and the club clean long ago dis-used, with no water in it because what's the point, there's no water on the entire course! Worst value for the money I've ever had golfing. Do yourself a favor and avoid the frustration.
Todd Barringer
Played the championship course on a Saturday about 8:30am so pace was pretty good. The course is well maintained with a few weeds on the greens but not an issue. There are a few really narrow holes which added to the fun. There are some really nice views of the ocean on the back 9 and lush hills all around. I’ve played the executive course before so was excited to finally hit the big dog. The staff was extremely friendly and very accommodating to get a single out, the Marshall was friendly and even a cart girl with a big smile. The restaurant is one of the few on the island courses that is open. Prices are on right in line with other similar courses. Good value for a great outing. I’ll definitely be back.
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Course Details
Access & Location
8902 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA
Hawaiʻi Kai Golf Course Clubhouse with pro shop and snack bar
Walking is allowed and encouraged; shoes with soft spikes or spikeless golf shoes recommended due to mixed terrain.
Open to all players; tee times recommended, walk-ups accepted when available. Solo and single-player reservations welcomed.
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