Royal Hawaiian Golf Club — Attraction in Oʻahu

Played the course on June 27th of 2025. It was an absolutely perfect day. Just slightly breezy, no rain, and not too hot.

Once you get on the property and pass the main sign for the course, the guessing game of where to go begins. Haha. What looks like a maintenance lot is actually the parking lot. I overheard a group say they were late because they drove past the parking lot and were waiting for someone to help them, where it looks like you should go. So make sure you hit that first lot.

The Pro Shop is small but spacious, and it offers a nice variety of apparel items—even some Flat Bill hats! However, the golf ball selection was not good. They only had Srixon and sleeves of TaylorMade Tour Response, so make sure to bring some balls if you’re not keen on playing those.

The staff was terrific. The gentleman who checked me in was in fantastic spirits; you could tell he loved his job! That’s always nice to see. Danny, the Starter, does a fantastic job explaining the layout and how your adventure will get started.

The carts are good, too! The GPS on them helped out a ton, as I didn’t bring my bag with me, so I didn’t have my rangefinder.

OK, let's go on to why you’re here.

I’ll start by saying this: the fact that they were even able to build a course on this property is remarkable. The elevation changes on the front, along with the jungle brush, streams, and wildlife, are truly spectacular.

However, it's difficult to keep the course in good shape because of its location and the amount of rain it gets. The fairways were a mess—arguably some of the worst conditions I’ve played on in a long time. Toss in a cart path only on the front for a track that is not walking-friendly, and it just adds to the dismay.

The greens were firm, but they too were not in great shape. Better than the fairways, but still not good. The bunkers I played out of were not good. The sand was too thin, and sand is certainly needed with some of the shots you have to pull off. Well, let me say if there was good sand in them, you would be able to pull off some cool shots. Without it, though, it was just blah, cause you could only do one thing and chip it out.

The front nine is visually stunning, but the back nine, not so much. But the landscape they had to work with wasn’t as impressive, so it's easy to see why it pales in comparison.

Overall, I think the layout is fun, and if you’re not a conditions snob, you’ll have a good time. Make sure to bring some balls with you. If you're off the fairway, there is very little to no chance you'll find your ball. Hell, I even lost one in the rough.

For the $180 visitor rate, you certainly can find a course with better conditions, but it would be difficult to match the views and fun you’ll have.

It’s one of those courses you need to play to experience, but I think it’s one and done...

The course drainage was an issue throughout my day (rained constantly). Most shots are blind, trust your club selection and place your shots carefully. There are ALOT of revines, ALOT. I pulled my driver out 3 times the whole day. If you can carry 230 yards with your low or mid irons, use them to get yourself into the best position. Truthfully, the fairways are not lush and green, more like dirt and on a wet day, very muddy. Poor drainage and sunlight prevents this course from being one of the best on the island...in its defense however, if you are looking to play golf in the jungle...the front nine, which used to be the back nine (for all of you that have a golf watch) is all that and more. Half of the front nine t-boxes were muddy....no excuse for this. Service, There are no rain checks and on this part of the island it rains constantly during the winter months. If you think it is going to rain dont play the course, once again it rained on my team constantly throughout the day. Second issue with the Service is the front desk personnel were rude, and lied to my team on several occasions. The first of which they told us they have GPS carts and when we requested the cart they said they had none available. There were only 3 cars in the parking lot when we got there, so why wasn't any available? Third,There is no locker room, changing clothes in the mens bathroom was rediculous. You may ask yourself why was I changing in the bathroom, here is the reason, I am Soldier and I was coming from duty. The outward appearence of the club house,seem to have over 7,000 square feet, it would seem that the Golf Club would have a locker room...it doesn't. The snack bar was ok, good choice of sandwiches, drinks and chips. Lastly, when we asked about the greens, they said they were in good shape ....lie...they were in bad shape and aerated recently . I will finish this off by saying this, the views are great on the back nine, rain makes this course difficult to play becuase the fairways are muddy. There are alot of photo opportunities on course that I will not forget and will print off this week. 2 stars...I went there to play golf, not...

Nestled amidst the lush landscapes and majestic mountain ranges of Hawaii, the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club is more than just a golf course—it’s an odyssey of natural beauty and top-tier sport. Combining a breathtaking environment with the nuances of a challenging yet accessible course, Royal Hawaiian offers an unparalleled golfing experience.

The Course

Designed with both skill and spectacle in mind, the 18-hole course at Royal Hawaiian is nothing short of a masterpiece. Each hole provides not just a test of your golfing prowess but also a panoramic view of Hawaii’s stunning natural scenery. The course’s layout strikes a perfect balance between challenge and enjoyment, making it suitable for golfers of all levels.

Amenities and Facilities

Beyond the course, Royal Hawaiian Golf Club boasts an array of amenities that cater to a golfer’s every need. The pro shop is well-stocked with the latest gear and apparel, and the practice facilities—including a driving range and putting greens—are in excellent condition. The clubhouse provides a comfortable setting for post-game relaxation, complete with dining options that offer local flavors.

Customer Service

What sets Royal Hawaiian apart from many other courses is its outstanding customer service. From the moment you arrive, the staff go above and beyond to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. Whether it’s the courteous bag attendants, knowledgeable caddies, or the professional staff at the clubhouse, everyone plays their part in making your visit memorable.

Pricing and Value

Given the quality of the course and the amenities provided, the fees are exceptionally reasonable. Various membership and guest options are available, offering flexibility to both local residents and visitors. Special promotions and package deals are also frequently available, adding to the overall value.

Overall Experience

Royal Hawaiian Golf Club is not merely a place to play golf; it’s an experience that encapsulates the beauty and spirit of Hawaii. From the impeccable course to the top-notch facilities and excellent customer service, it provides a holistic golfing experience that leaves nothing...