Hawaiʻi Kai Golf Course — Attraction in Honolulu

Hawaiʻi Kai Golf Course stands as a testament to what makes golfing in Hawaii such a unique and exhilarating experience. Offering both an 18-hole Championship Course and an Executive Course, the venue accommodates players of all skill levels, set against the magnificent canvas of the Pacific Ocean and the lush Ko’olau mountains.

Starting with the Championship Course, the layout is both forgiving for beginners and challenging enough for seasoned golfers. The course is well-maintained, with fairways that are wide but bordered by enough hazards to keep you honest. The 18th hole, in particular, provides an unforgettable vista as you approach the green with the ocean stretching as far as the eye can see.

The Executive Course is excellent for a quicker round or for honing your short game. Don’t let the par-3 layout fool you; the course requires precision and a well-planned strategy. The grounds are well-kept, and the course layout takes full advantage of the natural contours of the landscape.

The clubhouse amenities are ample, with a pro shop that stocks a wide range of golfing gear and accessories. The dining options, though limited, offer tasty fare that’s perfect for a post-round meal. Friendly and courteous staff members enhance the overall experience, ready to assist with any queries or needs.

However, Hawaiʻi Kai Golf Course is not without its shortcomings. While the scenic views are a significant draw, the wind coming off the ocean can be a formidable obstacle, especially for those not used to playing in such conditions. Green fees can also be on the higher side, particularly during peak tourist season, although residents do get a discount.

All in all, Hawaiʻi Kai Golf Course offers a rewarding golfing experience that combines challenge, beauty, and excellent facilities. While it may test your skills with its wind conditions and occasionally steep pricing, the course itself is a joy to play and the views are nothing short of...

Extremely Disappointed – A Harsh Reminder of Golf’s Worst Stereotypes

We flew in from Canada and were genuinely excited to experience Hawaii Kai Golf Course. Unfortunately, our visit was completely derailed by one of the most disrespectful interactions I’ve ever encountered at a golf facility.

Upon arrival, my brother politely greeted the pro shop attendant with a "Good morning," only to be met with silence and a condescending glare. No acknowledgment. No courtesy. Just attitude.

I was wearing a performance Under Armour golf shirt — collarless, yes, but purchased directly from a pro shop in Canada. Instead of addressing me directly (I was standing two feet away), the attendant questioned my brother about whether I was golfing with him. I responded myself, explaining that the shirt was a Tiger Woods edition golf top. His response? A dismissive, "You have 45 minutes to figure it out," followed by turning his back and walking away. Zero customer service. Zero professionalism.

If the interaction had carried even an ounce of humility or basic decency, I would have purchased one of their overpriced collared shirts just to move on. But the treatment we received was arrogant and unwarranted. And for what it’s worth — two women in the group ahead of us were allowed to play in tank tops without issue. So spare me the selective enforcement of dress code policies.

We wasted $110 USD on transportation to be treated like garbage. That staff member embodied everything the golf world has tried to leave behind — elitism, arrogance, and exclusionary behavior that has no place in the modern game.

To the management at Hawaii Kai: Be better. Do better. This could have been an amazing memory. Instead, it was a reminder of how a single person can ruin an entire experience.

Never...

Honestly, this is the worst course I’ve ever played on. My experience started by calling the pro shop since their website wasn’t working. When asking pricing, the rep told me it’s $38 per person for the executive course (par 3 course) which included a cart, and that club rentals are $30 each. When getting to the course, the person said it’s $68 per person since we’re not locals. You would have figured the rep over the phone would have clarified, especially after I asked how much club rentals were. We got our cart tickets and were told to get the clubs at the cart pickup. We got the clubs and the person told us we had to go back to the clubhouse to get the key to the cart. When going back in the clubhouse, the person said there must be a miscommunication and brought us back outside to get a cart. He got us all set up and we were on our way. After arriving at the first hole, I thought the course was a joke or we were at the wrong place. The tee box was all chewed up and there was barely grass on the hole! There’s legit dirt and rocks everywhere between the tee box and the hole greens. We almost left after the 2nd hole because this course is not an actual golf course but we decided to stick with it in hopes it would get better. Unfortunately, the course did not get any better. For $68/person plus rentals, you would expect to play on some sort of grass. Also, the greens are terrible and make the experience very frustrating. I would strongly recommend to pay a little more and go to a legitimate course, I wouldn’t pay $5 to...