Oahu - Waialae vs. Turtle Bay vs. Koolau

Hi all,

I have time for one round the first or second week of golf ... my options are to pay $300 to play Waialae right after aeration or Turtle Bay or Koolau. What would you do?

Thanks for any ideas / suggestions / etc.

Turtle Bay is fun, with a few really good holes, but its not outstanding in my eyes. Koolau stays wet and soft most of the time, due to its location. Its extremely scenic, but extremely demanding as well. Never played Waialae, so I can't comment there.

I'd say play the Palmer Course at Turtle Bay. The Fazio course is not as good.

The greens are one of the best parts of golf at Waialae, so playing the course when they are less than their best would be disappointing.

Davep043 is right--Ko'Olau is often too wet to be top notch, and if you have only one shot, I would want to plan on something that's bit more dependable.

I'd suggest that you also check out Royal Hawaiian near Kailua. I think it's one of the best golf experiences on the island.

I'd say play the Palmer Course at Turtle Bay. The Fazio course is not as good.

 

The greens are one of the best parts of golf at Waialae, so playing the course when they are less than their best would be disappointing.

 

Davep043 is right--Ko'Olau is often too wet to be top notch, and if you have only one shot, I would want to plan on something that's bit more dependable.

 

I'd suggest that you also check out Royal Hawaiian near Kailua. I think it's one of the best golf experiences on the island.

I would 2nd the Royal Hawaiian over all the others. If you are staying in the Honolulu area, it also is likely the closest too outside of Waialae. It wouldn't matter how good or prestigious the course is, I wouldn't be playing it right after aeration if there are better options there. Next choice would be the Palmer Course at Turtle Bay although if you are not renting a car, it's a chunk of change getting there.

Are you renting clubs? If yes, check with the resorts to see what they are using. The hotel might have equipment too. That might sway you from one place if they have junk for rentals.

If you go turtle bay, I strongly suggest Palmer over the Fazio course. Fazio was comparable to a decent muni track in my opinion. I did really like the Palmer course though.

Thanks for suggestions! I will have my clubs and will need to rent a car anyway. Green fee cost isn’t an issue but I don’t want to waste money either.

koolau was in terrible shape yesterday.. royal hawaiin today was loads better

loved koolau regardless of conditions...it's unlike anything you'll ever play. I was not impressed by turtle bay at all

Golf on Oahu kinda sucks. When folks visit I recommend they play Ko'Olau or Royal Hawaiian for the jungle experience. I've not played courses like them anywhere else.

Does everybody realize that this thread was from 01/01/2018?

You cant put Ko'Olau on a list of golf courses anymore or compare it to Turtle Bay / Waialae

> @Haloha said:

> Does everybody realize that this thread was from 01/01/2018?

> You cant put Ko'Olau on a list of golf courses anymore or compare it to Turtle Bay / Waialae

Nope didn't notice. What's going on with Ko'Olau? Personally not a fan of the Turtle Bay courses. Haven't played Waialae but wouldn't pay $300, especially if the greens were recently punched.

Based on above...what is going on with Ko"Olau? Going next month and have a tee time....

> @phatcatkev said:

> Based on above...what is going on with Ko"Olau? Going next month and have a tee time..

From what I've heard, I think it would be best to cancel your time and play anywhere else.

I've played most if not all courses on Oahu, Koolau was easily my favorite, even above the vaunted K-Bay course. Yes conditions can be tough (it's..uh...in a jungle) but the course and scenery makes up for it.

I wound-up playing Koolau ... course wasn't in great condition, but the layout is pretty cool.