Kauai is Hawaii’s oldest island. Which is why it has one of its best golf courses. Makai Golf Club is a Kauai north shore icon, perched above legendary Hanalei Bay on the island’s stunning Princeville area, delivering one of Hawaii’s most breathtaking golf experiences. This Robert Trent Jones Jr. masterpiece (his first solo design in 1971, renovated in 2010,  winds through native woodlands, serene freshwater lakes, and dramatic coastline, with six epic oceanfront holes showcasing Mount Makana (“Bali Hai”) and Pacific vistas. It’s pure aloha golf: lush Seashore Paspalum turf, trade winds, and scenery that ranks among the world’s most stunning settings.

Quick Facts

  • One championship 18-hole course: (Makai) + a fun Woods 9-hole regulation layout + practice facility
  • Coastal drama: Six oceanfront holes (three front, three back), elevation play, strategic bunkers, and panoramic views of Hanalei Bay
  • Year-round play: Mild tropical weather (70s-80s°F), but best in shoulder seasons to dodge rain/winds; dynamic pricing for deals
  • Premium access: Public/resort daily-fee; greens fees $300-$375 peak (twilight/resort discounts available); often ranked Top 100 public in America (Golf Digest), Top 3 playable in Hawaii (Golfweek), and Top 5 scenic globally (National Geographic Traveler)
  • Immaculate conditions: Post-renovation gem with six tee options for all levels (par-72, up to 7,223 yards)

The island of Kauai has awesome activities across the entire island from incredible hikes, amazing beaches, and world class dining. The golf is peak, and the vibes are otherworldly. 

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: High-drama rounds with ocean carries and risk-reward holes, post-golf Mai Tais or fresh poke, sunset views, and easy pairing with Kauai hikes, beaches, or north shore vibes
  • Families: Scenic, playable layout (forward tees forgiving); nearby resorts with pools, spas, beaches; non-golfers enjoy Hanalei Bay snorkeling, shopping, or rainforest drives

Top Standout Courses

Makai Course (18 holes, Robert Trent Jones Jr.)

The star,  RTJ Jr.’s first solo design, reborn in 2010 with stunning updates. Features six unforgettable oceanfront holes, lakeside drama, native woodlands, and massive views of Hanalei Bay and mountains. Challenging yet strategic (hard par, easy bogey feel from right tees), with risk-reward par-5s, short/long par-4s, and epic par-3s, pure bucket-list beauty and challenge.

Woods Course (9-hole regulation)

Relaxed complement, a fun, regulation nine winding through native woodlands on Kauai’s north shore. Great for quick rounds, warm-ups, families, or a casual second nine while soaking in the tropical setting.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay: Luxury eco-chic with direct packages (e.g., “Golf with a View” including rounds, carts, rentals, transport)
  • Makai Club Resort : Hillside condos/suites alongside the course; cozy, golf-vacation focused with amenities
  • Nearby Princeville options: (St. Regis legacy, Cliffs at Princeville), Beach access, spas, pools; many offer bundled golf deals
  • Packages often include unlimited practice, GPS carts, priority tees, and extras like premium rentals or tours

All Key Makai Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Makai Course (18 holes, Top 100 public, oceanfront icon)
  • Woods Course (9 holes, relaxed woodland fun)
  • Practice facility (driving range, putting greens)
  • Plus nearby Kauai north shore gems (if extending the trip)

Pro Tips

  • Book tee times & stay-and-play packages early via makaigolf.com or partners (1hotels.com/hanalei-bay, Troon),  dynamic pricing rewards advance bookings; check resort concierges for discounts
  • Fly into Lihue (LIH) 1-hour scenic drive to Princeville (rent a car for flexibility)
  • Pair golf with Kauai north shore musts: Hanalei Bay beaches, taro fields, fresh seafood, shave ice, Na Pali Coast boat tours, or hiking
  • Play mornings to beat trade winds/rain; use forward tees for enjoyment; embrace the views, this is as scenic as golf gets

Time to tee it up overlooking Hanalei Bay, chase birdies in paradise, and reset with unmatched Hawaiian aloha. Princeville Makai Golf Club is calling your escape. 

Hawaii could outlaw golf and it would still be a top 5 state to visit in the world. But luckily it hasn’t so it remains numero uno. Kapalua Plantation Course is the crown jewel of Maui golf, a Ben Crenshaw/Bill Coore masterpiece perched on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains, offering dramatic elevation changes, sweeping ocean vistas from nearly every hole, and that unbeatable Hawaiian aloha spirit. Home to the PGA TOUR’s season-opening The Sentry (formerly Tournament of Champions), it’s consistently ranked as Hawaii’s #1 course (Golfweek for years) and a top public layout nationally. Think massive fairways, generous greens, trade winds, and the chance to bomb drives like the pros on the epic downhill 18th.

Quick Facts

  • Championship links-style: 7,596 yards from the tips (par 73), but playable with wide fairways and multiple tees (down to 6,077 yards)
  • Bucket-list drama: Huge elevation drops, downhill tee shots, panoramic Pacific views, and wind that adds real challenge
  • Year-round paradise: Mild temps (70s-80s°F), best in winter/spring for calmer conditions and The Sentry event (January)
  • Premium access: Public resort course with stay-and-play packages; greens fees $300–$500+ peak, twilight deals available
  • Elite status: #1 in Hawaii (Golfweek), top 25 America’s Best Public (Golf Digest), host to PGA TOUR winners’ showcase

Not even Captain Cook regretted going to Hawaii and he was killed there by natives. There’s no recording of his last words but I’m sure it was something along the lines of “My only regret is that I didn’t get to play a cool 18 holes with the sun on my face and ocean spray in my hair.”

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Playing where the pros start the season, chasing long drives on 18, post-round Mai Tais with sunset views, and pairing with Lahaina nightlife or beach hangs
  • Families: Resort luxury with pools, spas, beaches; forgiving layout for varying skill levels; non-golfers enjoy snorkeling, hiking, or Kapalua Bay vibes

Top Standout Courses

Plantation Course (Ben Crenshaw/Bill Coore)

The undisputed star, grand-scale design with ocean views from virtually every hole, massive elevation (downhill bombs galore), and that famous par-5 18th (150-foot drop for monster drives, site of Tiger’s 498-yard record blast). Wide fairways make it approachable, but the scale and wind keep it pro-level tough. Bucket-list essential with PGA TOUR pedigree.

(Note: Kapalua also has the Bay Course, rolling fairways, tropical gardens, iconic ocean par-3 17th for variety, but Plantation is the headliner.)

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua: Luxury oceanfront with direct access, pools, spa, kids’ programs
  • Montage Kapalua Bay: Upscale villas steps from the bay, exclusive Plantation rates
  • Kapalua Villas: One- to three-bedroom options with golf/ocean views, private feel
  • Packages via Troon Golf Vacations or resort sites, include tee times, lodging, perks like practice access

All Key Kapalua Plantation Courses at a Glance

  • Plantation Course (Crenshaw/Coore, Hawaii’s #1, PGA host)
  • Bay Course (complementary resort track,  tropical & scenic)
  • Practice facilities, top-tier range, short game areas
  • Nearby: Other Maui gems like Wailea or Kaanapali for multi-course trips

Pro Tips

  • Book tee times & stay-and-play packages early via golfatkapalua.com or Troon, 60-day window online, but peak fills fast (especially January post-Sentry)
  • Fly into Kahului (OGG) 45-minute drive to Kapalua
  • Pair golf with Maui musts: fresh poke, shave ice, Road to Hana, snorkeling at Kapalua Bay, or whale watching (winter)
  • Play mornings to beat winds; use forward tees for fun; rent premium clubs if flying light; embrace the scale, it’s big!

Time to tee it up where the TOUR begins, bomb drives into the Pacific breeze, and reset in Maui’s ultimate golf paradise. Kapalua Plantation is calling your escape.