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. 

Golf In The Golden State: CordeValle Golf Club in California Needs to Be Your Next Golf Trip

California, if it wasn’t for taxes would be the unquestionable epicenter of golf. Maybe some other things I don’t know, but it’s still an amazing place to visit. Cordevalle Golf Club is a premier Northern California luxury retreat. Nestled in the golden foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains near San Martin (about 30 minutes south of San Jose), offering an exclusive, secluded 18-hole championship course surrounded by oak-studded valleys, meandering creeks, canyons, broad meadows, and panoramic views. Operated as a high end resort with Rosewood-level elegance, it blends world-class golf (Robert Trent Jones Jr. design) with spa, winery, tennis/pickleball, dining, and wine-country vibes perfect for those seeking upscale, private-club feel without full membership.

Quick Facts

  • One spectacular 18-hole course: Par 72, up to 7,360 yards, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. (often called his finest creation)
  • Dramatic Northern California terrain: 150+ feet of elevation change, tree-lined fairways, Augusta-style white-sand bunkers, bent-grass greens, creeks, and oak/sycamore landscapes
  • Year-round play: Mild temps (ideal spring/fall; summers warm but mornings cooler); peak conditions with PGA-level challenge
  • Luxury resort access: Stay-and-play packages for guests (no public walk-ons; resort/hotel access required); hosted 2016 U.S. Women’s Open and other PGA TOUR events
  • Top-ranked: Frequently in top public/resort lists (e.g., Golfweek #7 Best You Can Play in CA, Golf Digest top rankings, often #50-60 nationally for resort courses)

I think it would be a fun road trip to start in San Diego and just drive north and hit every prestigious public course the state has to offer. Beautiful scenery, great golf, amazing food and history. Sure, it would cost money but! It’s a dream, okay.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: High-end rounds with strategy and drama, post-golf fine dining or bar hangs at One Iron/Lion’s Peak Grill, winery tastings, and easy Bay Area access for nightlife or Levi’s Stadium events
  • Families/Couples: Luxe accommodations (villas with hot tubs overlooking the course), spa, heated pool, tennis/pickleball, bocce, hiking trails, kids’ programs; non-golfers enjoy wine country, fitness, or relaxation

Top Standout Course

CordeValle Golf Course (Robert Trent Jones Jr.)

The centerpiece, a masterpiece enveloped in Northern California beauty with rolling valleys, elevation shifts, strategic risk-reward holes, and PGA-caliber excitement. Wide fairways for playability, but challenging contours, bunkers, and water demand precision; multiple tees suit all levels. Ranked among America’s best resort/public courses; pure elegance and scenery from every angle.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • CordeValle Resort itself, Luxury rooms, suites, bungalows, and one-bedroom villas (many with golf-course views, soaking tubs, fireplaces, private hot tubs/patios)
  • Ultimate Golf Package and other stay-and-play specials, includes lodging, rounds, priority tees, carts with GPS, practice access, breakfast/perks, and resort amenities
  • On-site highlights: Clos LaChance Winery (tastings on 150-acre vineyard estate), full spa/fitness, heated outdoor pool, tennis/pickleball courts, bocce, hiking trails, electric bikes, multiple dining options (Lion’s Peak Grill, One Iron Bar, fine dining)

All Key CordeValle Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Championship 18-hole course (RTJ Jr., oak valley drama)
  • Driving range, putting/chipping greens, pro shop
  • Golf instruction and events
  • Plus full resort integration: winery, spa, tennis/pickleball, pool, trails

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via cordevalle.com or resort specialists, Ultimate Golf or seasonal deals offer best value; guest tee times reserved hourly
  • Fly into San Jose (SJC) for closest access (30 min drive) or San Francisco (SFO)/Oakland (OAK) for longer scenic routes
  • Pair golf with Northern California classics: wine tastings (on-site or nearby), gourmet dining, hiking the resort trails, or quick drives to Monterey Peninsula or Silicon Valley
  • Use carts (with GPS); forward tees for enjoyment; consider lessons or caddies for strategy on this thoughtful layout

Time to tee it up in the Santa Cruz foothills, savor wine-country luxury, and reset on one of California’s elite courses. CordeValle is calling your escape

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