Turtle Bay Feb 15th

Slowpoke · January 11, 2009

Solo golfer

The wife and I are going to be at Turtle Bay for only 5 days starting Feb 15th (big vacation for us)
I'm planning to play Kahuku every morning if possible and the Palmer course once. I'm thinking since I only get to play one other place I should check out Koolau. The wife is gonna ride in the cart with me that day and take in the sights so that course looked incredible for that.

I want to do things in the afternoon like chill at the beaches and such, so I'm gonna play early everyday.
My question is should I try and reserve a tee time for just me, or is walking on not a problem ? I've called them and they said "no problem" but I've heard that before. Also I've seen a lot of sites selling discount tee times. Are they worth it ? If so which ones ?

Any advice on golf, sightseeing, and where to chow down would be awesome.
We are definitely going to do the Pearl Harbor tour and spend that day in HNL but thats it.
We already live in a metro area and are coming to see Hawaii for the 1st time.

All PM's welcome please

Thanks folks

Xsfspeed · January 13, 2009

You should not have a problem getting on at Turtle Bay unless there is an event being held at the course on the day you wish to play. As for Koolau, it is a nice course, with very nice views. Either before or after your round, you should take a drive on the H-3 freeway (right next to the course) as the views are spectacular. Weather permitting of course.

Your drive out to Turtle Bay should be very scenic as well. A fair portion of the drive is right along the ocean, with many places to stop and take pictures. Kahuku is a little rough around the edges, but relatively inexpensive. I haven't played there in years, as it not high on my list, even for munis.

As for the discount tee times, I have never tried them. As a local, there usually is not much of a difference, but non-residents, the savings might make it worth a try. Sounds like you have a fun and relaxing trip planned. Enjoy!

rrkman · January 14, 2009

We were there in May so I'll throw my $.02 in as far as a fellow tourist...

Stop at the shrimp trucks down the road from Turtle Bay....we went to Romy's (I think) and I would definitely recommend it. Good food and good experience.

I loved Koolau....golfed by myself and it was an amazing. Certainly a place I would recommend to anyone golfing on Oahu.

In Waikiki, we ate at Duke's a couple times and really liked the food. It is probably not 'hawaiian' but was a nice sit down meal.....good drinks, good food, and great views.

Pearl Harbor was great but also try to make it to the Punchbowl crater.....sort of like the Arlington Nat'l of the Pacific Campaign.

Hiking up Diamond Head was certainly worth it. We also stopped at the Dole Plantation - interesting but I would only go there if you are in the area. Also, when looking for a beach (although you should probably stroll around Waikiki a little for the touristy stuff), go off the beaten path. There are quiet, almost empty beaches all over the place. We took a walk along the beach were they film the 'beach camp' scenes for lost - lots of sea turtles in that area. Also spent an afternoon near Kailua.

If I think of some more, I'll add them later.

Have fun.

Slowpoke · January 25, 2009

Thanks guys. 3 weeks from tomorrow and I can't wait. Its supposed to snow tonight here. ugggghhh

Update: 2 days and I can hardly sleep. Any last minute advice on what not to miss ? I Plan on playing Ko'Olau Wed and Turtle Bay Palmer Thurs and chillin' in between. Snowed here outside Seattle again this week. Can't wait to get warm.

Update final: I'm on the plane in 3 hours. Can't wait to post some pix when I get back, but I hope that won't be soon

Slowpoke · February 19, 2009

Update: Im laying in bed at Turtle bay now listening to waves crash on the North Shore. I played Koolau yesterday. Maybe one of the most beautiful places I have seen on earth. The course was a killer. I played the tips to say I did and lost the balls to prove it. Today it's Turtle bay Palmer. First though I'm headed for the Kahuku 9 hole I've played everyday for 10 bucks. Whata way to wake up. Playing next to the ocean as the sun comes up. This day is now ON !

rrkman · February 19, 2009

Maybe one of the most beautiful places I have seen on earth.

My thoughts exactly....when I was there some of the greens were even sanded and I couldn't have cared less. Talk about a nice walk ruined by a little white ball. Also (when I was there), buses would show up and let out tourists to walk around and take some pics....you don't see that very often in Ohio. :lol: Have fun at turtle bay......I didn't think the scenery was anything special there (but the course was very nice) so you should be able to concentrate on your golf a little more....just make sure you carry the corner on 11 and the bunkers on 17 (could cost you a tournament).

Xsfspeed · February 19, 2009

Update: Im laying in bed at Turtle bay now listening to waves crash on the North Shore. I played Koolau yesterday. Maybe one of the most beautiful places I have seen on earth. The course was a killer. I played the tips to say I did and lost the balls to prove it. Today it's Turtle bay Palmer. First though I'm headed for the Kahuku 9 hole I've played everyday for 10 bucks. Whata way to wake up. Playing next to the ocean as the sun comes up. This day is now ON !

Sounds like life is pretty good? Glad you are enjoying your trip.:beach: Ko'olau from the tips is NOT for the faint of heart! :superman: Palmer is one of my favorite courses. Have fun out there! :good:

....just make sure you carry the corner on 11 and the bunkers on 17 (could cost you a tournament).

OUCH! :black eye: But you forgot to tell him not to miss the 3 footer on 16! :cheesy:

rrkman · February 19, 2009

....just make sure you carry the corner on 11 and the bunkers on 17 (could cost you a tournament).

OUCH! :black eye: But you forgot to tell him not to miss the 3 footer on 16! :cheesy:

I couldn't say anything about that...I don't think I made a putt outside of 2' the entire week I was out there. Something about grain, wind, uphill/downhill, etc. Reid tried to explain it to me but I'm hopeless when it comes to putting out there. :wacko:

Slowpoke · February 27, 2009

I'm back home now in the Seattle area and missing Oahu. It F'n snowed last night.

A quick review of the trip.

Ko'olau was a knockout physically and mentally with awesome views and more. More of a marathon than a golf round. I was very happy to carry the ravine off the 18th tee. Almost carried the 2nd shot to the green but came up about 4' below it in the grass past all those bunkers. I got up and down for par and that may have been the most satifying par ever. A nice way to finish that beast.

I should have played Turtle Bay 1st. After Ko'olau it was kind of a let down and tough to measure up... But what an incredibly well put together course with wicked greens. Banging one in between 4-10' was an accomplishment, over 10' was pure luck and under 4' was a relief.

Also you can walk the Fazio course for 15 bucks after 3pm daily. Well worth 9 holes because that's all the time you'll have before dark.

My favorite though was the local track in Kahuku 5 mins from where we stayed at Turtle Bay. With its rough and rusted "clubhouse", chickens running everywhere, and 9 holes all along the ocean for 10 bucks. The sun came up on the ocean at 7am everyday and I was standing on the 1st tee at 7am five days straight, smiling and warm. I went for a nice walk every morning and then played all day on Oahu.

A very nice week.

Mahalo