Kauai Recommendations, 12/23 - 12/28

[DaveGoodrich]

Gonna be staying in Princeville area, next to the Makai Golf Club.   Is that my best bet?  I'd like to play at least a couple times while there, so wouldn't mind another option.  I've seen mention of the "muni."   Can someone give me a little more info/detail on that one?

 

Thanks,

[Jeff58]

…

Edited December 21, 2021 by Jeff58

[ShortGolfer]

https://www.kauai.gov/Golf

[BlkNGld]

Wailua is definitely a high value course.   Just be prepared for a bit of a drive from Princeville.   Makai is definitely a nice one, I played it in September.

[DaveGoodrich]

3 hours ago, ShortGolfer said:

https://www.kauai.gov/Golf

 

Thanks!

[darunia484]

Going to Kauai in March! Excited to play Waiula and maybe another one or two courses

[DaveGoodrich]

OP here.  I never updated this thread.  I played twice in Kauai when we were there in December.  I played the Makai Golf Club and the Wailua Municipal course.  It had been raining a lot, and rained some each day while we were there.  Makai was a sloppy mess.  It was cart path only, and good thing, because any place a cart had actually driven off the path, the grass essentially turned to mud.  Nice views, but I really couldn't say it was worth the $ given the conditions.  

 

Wailua on the other hand, was much better.  I really enjoyed my day there.  A nice relaxed atmosphere, and for whatever reason, it wasn't nearly as sloppy.  Probably better draining soil.  If/when I go back, that will be where I play the most, with perhaps a "splurge" or two at the nicer resort courses.  

[darunia484]

23 hours ago, DaveGoodrich said:

OP here.  I never updated this thread.  I played twice in Kauai when we were there in December.  I played the Makai Golf Club and the Wailua Municipal course.  It had been raining a lot, and rained some each day while we were there.  Makai was a sloppy mess.  It was cart path only, and good thing, because any place a cart had actually driven off the path, the grass essentially turned to mud.  Nice views, but I really couldn't say it was worth the $ given the conditions.  

 

Wailua on the other hand, was much better.  I really enjoyed my day there.  A nice relaxed atmosphere, and for whatever reason, it wasn't nearly as sloppy.  Probably better draining soil.  If/when I go back, that will be where I play the most, with perhaps a "splurge" or two at the nicer resort courses.  

 

I hope it doesn't rain too much when I go there in March, but apparently that's rainy season.. will try to play Wailua and Kukuiolono

[ShortGolfer]

I got my first par 3 at Wailua. My father played there once a week.  They have a great program for juniors.

Edited February 9, 2022 by ShortGolfer

[Springsteennut]

I played Kiahuna today. I had hoped to play Wailua or the Ocean Course at Hokuala since they were closer to where I’m staying. The tee times available didn’t quite mesh  with the wife’s plans and Wailua wouldn’t promise rentals clubs. I actually really enjoyed Wailua the last time I played there. I was pleasantly surprised by Kiahuna. The staff was nice. The rental clubs were Calloway Rogue. I didn’t get along with the driver or 3w but everything else was fine. The course was in good condition. Not a ton a trouble to get into.  The Par 3s were really the only place water came into play. Cost was about $155 with the rentals.

[jatrain]

I’ll piggyback on this thread.  I played Wailua yesterday and Poipu Bay today.  I really enjoyed both - Wailua had that old school Muni feel, very cool.  The Ocean/views aren’t really a focal point even though it’s right there on some holes.  If they did some tree/brush trimming it would open it up (I don’t know if that’s ecologically feasible). Great value. 
 

Poipu was a fun resort course.  For the most part wide open fairways, great condition.  Several very good holes, good closing stretch on the coast.  
 

I’d recommend both.

 

[Bo4taylormade]

I’m currently staying in Princeville. I Booked the Makai course based off of reviews online comparing that to the course in Poipu. The makai courses views are picturesque. Holes 3/4, 7 and 14 had some unreal views with 7 and 14 overlooking the ocean, 14 overlooks a popular tide pool “queens bath” whereas 3/4 overlooked a lake and ridge line of a mountain. Conditions were great, fairways were pretty wide open and the course has some interesting green complexes. Although the greens were a tad slow and a bit uncut and furry in my opinion for a $250 course probably rolling around 8/9 (then again I’m probably a bit spoiled, local southern CA courses i frequent are rolling at 10/11 year round). I’m chalking it up to the rain the day before though. Overall rating 8.5/10 as the course also played slow for being the third time off of the day. I was waiting on almost every shot after the 5th hole. 

 

Initially, i was only planning on playing once considering the activities we planned while here for the week. Driving from Princeville to Port Allen one morning i saw the Wailua muni course and spur of the moment called the shop to see if i could get out as a single the next morning. I’m playing it in a few hours but from what I’ve read it’s a quality muni course for $45 for a non Hawaiian resident. Will report back post round 

[br61]

I played a tournament at Wailua few weeks ago and it might be the best muni course I've played on. Be aware that some holes might be on goofy side of greens. I suspect the hole cutter is not a golfer. Great value for a golf round in Hawaii.

 

I played on Ocean Course at Hokuala, it's a fun course too. Princeville Makai can be very wet as it's located at wet part of Kauai.