Which of these Oahu courses should I play?

[BayAreaGolfer]

Koolau vs. Luana Hills, Ewa Beach vs. Royal Kunia, Palmer vs. Fazio?

Aloha!

I'm heading to Oahu for a family vacation in October and have been looking at all the posts here for a few weeks trying to decide where to play (I know, I know, check the other posts again, but belive me, I have, that's why I've tried to make these questions as specific as possible). We're playing three rounds (wish it could be more but this is a family vacation after all) and I've narrowed it down to these based on a number of factors, which of these will my money be best spent?

Koolau vs. Luana Hills

Ewa Beach vs. Royal Kunia (maybe Ko Olina if you a lot of guys say the $50+ upcharge is worth it)

Palmer vs. Fazio (will be staying at Turtle Bay for a couple of days, rest in Waikiki, so will get discounted green fees)

Thoughts??

Also is it better to play in the mornings? Less wind, not as hot, etc.? And how is the golf weather in October?

Thanks for any knowledge you can drop!!

[woohoo4me]

Just my .02 here, but with your choices I would play:

 

Ko'olau

Ko'olina

Palmer

 

Play Fazio only if they give you a super "twilight re-round" rate, otherwise don't bother.

 

Morning is usually better for less wind at Ko'olina and Palmer, but doesn't matter that much at Ko'olau

 

Have a great trip!!

 

Woo

[astamm8]

i definately second the palmer over fazio choice of the guy above.

 

if you've got time just up the way from turtle bay is the best short 9 hole course you'll ever find for less the 10 bucks (or so), called kahuku. very fun and some good holes.

[mauiatheart]

Koolau or Luana - My opinion is neither. I haven't played these courses in a while, but the are not known to be the best conditioned courses on the island. It is too wet there. You can find better courses to spend your money at, like say Ewa or Royal Kunia.. I would stay away from the Windward side all together.

 

Ewa or Royal Kunia - A toss up. The pro at RK is a GolfWRXer and it has some of the best views. Both are in great shape at the moment. Played them the last two Satiurdays. Either way, I would suggest the blue tees. But Ko'olina trumps both.

 

Palmer or Fazio - No choice here. Palmer.

 

You're in Hawaii. The wind is going to blow if it wants to whether it is morning or afternoon. Just depends on the day. Same goes with the weather. Just cross your fingers as you drive out to the course. Heat shouldn't be a factor as it will be mild compared to the mainland.

 

Have fun.

[rrkman]

I went out there in May and played a couple of these so I'll give you my tourist take on them......

 

Royal Kunia - looks a little scary from the front gate but after you get out there, it is a beautiful course. Has some really nice views and was somewhat challenging, especially when you don't usually golf in wind like that.

 

Palmer Course - was in great shape but I think that my expectations were a little high. You drive by the ocean on the 1 mile trip to #1 and don't see it again until #17. I guess I would be sure to play it if I was staying out there but not sure I would recommend driving out there unless you wanted to say that you played a 'Tour' course.

 

Ko'Olina - This was by far the most upscale course that I played. Had all the feelings of a top-notch club. Great course, great views. I would certainly pick this over Turtle Bay. Also, I'm sure it just depends on the day but it was very windy. You could hit a 3-iron 130 yards or 260 yards.

 

From a tourist perspective, don't miss Koolau. I know it will be wet, it might rain, course probably not in top condition, etc....but this course is in a beautiful location and was a decent layout (and not as hard as advertised if you can keep the ball relatively straight). Alot of the Hawaii guys are used to seeing the mountains/cliffs and the jungle/rainforest and they seem to say that you should avoid it but for us non-tropics guys, this was amazing. Again, the course was not in good shape (when I was there half the greens were sanded even) but even with that, this is a must play for me.

 

So, for the courses that you mentioned (that I played)...from most recommended to least, I would go -

 

1. Ko'Olina - great course, great views, great experience, tour course, etc....but expensive.

2. Tie between Royal Kunia and Koolau - Koolau was the best 'Island' experience for me and like I said, I was in awe of the location/views...but, I can understand why some would say to stay away - course condition was not great, most likely either wet or raining, etc. I lumped Royal Kunia in here because I thought the course was in good shape, nice layout, and nice views. Like I said, get passed the gate, the clubhouse, and the driving range - and you will enjoy it. The other good thing about RK is that the pro is a WRXer and a pretty nice guy. Might be a good chance to meet and talk some golf with someone out there.

3. Turtle Bay - It was nice to play it because when I thought of courses out there this was certainly the first one that came to mind. Course was great but not the Hawaii experience that I was looking for. Certainly would play it again if I was staying in that area.

 

Sorry, but I don't know anything about the other places. By the way, I know this doesn't directly answer your questions but this is all the info I have....haven't played Luana Hills, Ewa, or Fazio. Also, the Hawaii WRXers that I met out there are a great bunch of guys so trust me, you can't go wrong with any advice they give you.

[BayAreaGolfer]

Thanks! Your thread was one that I read over and over. Sounds like you had a great time out there, save the day at Ko Olina that is, I mean what happened post a few holes there.

 

I think what you said about Ko Olina and Ko Olau is exactly what I needed to hear, from a tourist's perspective, KoOlina is expensive but worth the play at least once, and KoOlau though not a weekly play, is worth it to do for the rainforest experience. Based on the pics I think I would prefer RK to Turtle Bay, but since we're gonna be up there anyways, probably worth the play.

 

Thanks again!

[rrkman]

Glad it helped out. The Ko'Olina day was a bummer but everything has checked ok with her so atleast that is good.

 

I only took a couple pics at Turtle Bay and I will try to get them up on my 'review' soon. My perception was that many of the Hawaii WRXers didn't think the trek out there was worth it and I can see why for them, but....I'm really glad that I played it. I had the chance to play a 'tour' course, buy the hat, take some pictures, etc...and I think that I will really appreciate it when I can watch the pros play it on TV and actually know the course a little bit.

 

You really can't go wrong with any choices....you'll be golfing in paradise. Have fun and let us know how it goes.

[Xsfspeed]

Ko'olau vs Luana is a tough one. Both are nice courses, but Luana tends to be tight driving with many blind landings. It can play very tough if you do not know where to land the ball. Ko'olau would normally be better maintained and requires you to lay up with several of your tee shots. Unless of course you are really short or Tiger Woods long, which means you will not reach the trouble or you can fly it, respectively. Both courses are very challenging. I would choose Ko'olau if you really want to play one of these two.

 

Ewa Beach, RK, & Ko'Olina are amongst my favorite courses, but I would have to say Ko'Olina, hands down. RK next, with Ewa being just slightly behind. Full disclosure. I think Ko'Olina is my favorite course on the island.

 

As for Turtle Bay, Palmer over Fazio. This one is a "no brainer". Fazio is more interior and the older of the two, while Palmer is more challenging and offers stunning ocean views on a few holes. I just played Palmer this past weekend and it was in great shape. If you plan to be in the area anyway, I think playing here is a good call.

 

Seems like you have selected a good pool of places to play. Enjoy your trip.

[BayAreaGolfer]

Thanks for all this great info guys. Looks like Ko 'Olina is worth the extra $50 or so to play. Guess I'll have to chalk it up to being on vacation and that I'm only out that way once every 5 years or so. And Ko 'Olau just seems to be a try it at least once type course. And it will be Palmer over Fazio, that's what I was thinking, but thanks for confirming. If I can squeeze in another round I think it'll be RK. We'll have to see. . .

[jlpickerel]

I am going to be in Oahu in October, 17-22, to be exact for a wedding. I'm not sure as to if others are planning to play while out there but I had the exact same questions as you. I think that this post has definitely narrowed down my choices. I have found some discounted green fees on tee times hawaii where you can play luana hills and ko'olau for like $165. There is a lot to choose from here.

[da master 808]

If any fellow GolfWrx'er is planning on visiting Hawaii, just PM me and I'd be happy to extend a special rate at Royal Kunia Country Club.

 

JT

[mmont23]

Im moving to Ohau in Jan!!!!!