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I'm going to Hawaii (Maui and Oahu) now in May and I need to make a tee time soon. I'm thinking Kapalua Plantation Course but they say it's very very windy and sometimes unenjoyable. I'm a 11.7 Handicap.

What other courses do you guys recomend in Maui or Oahu?


Thanks

I am originally from Oahu so I might be able to help you out.

I have two favorite courses on the island. The first is the Arnold Palmer course on the North shore of Oahu. If you go there, you should make a day trip out of it. There are many beaches on the North shore that are really famous for the size of the surf during the Winter. In May, the waves will be small but it will still be beautiful. There is also the Polynesian Cultural Center nearby which is usually considered a must visit for tourists on Oahu.

The Palmer course is a bit pricey for those who aren't residents of Oahu but that's pretty much the case everywhere you go on Oahu. They play a Champions Tour and LPGA Tour even there. Last time I went, they also had caddies for you if you wanted.

Another good course is the Kapolei Golf Course. I actually hardly ever play the Palmer course at Turtle Bay because it is a bit out of the way. Kapolei isn't that close to town but it's my favorite on the island.

Those two courses will be over $100 since you are not a Hawaii resident.

If you are looking for a more inexpensive option, you can golf at one of the municipals. Honestly, if you're going all the way to Hawaii, the only municipal I would consider worth golfing at is Ewa Villages Golf Course. It's actually really good for the price (maybe $40-$50 for non-residents?) and I would golf there more often but it's quite difficult to get a tee time there. As a resident, I can reserve tee times there up to a week in advance but non-residents can only make tee times 3 or 4 days in advance so it might be a little difficult.

If you are in the military or have a friend in the military, one course you would want to check out is the Mamala Bay course on Hickam Air Force Base. It's right near the runway so you can see all of the planes take off and land. You get some noise but I find the novelty factor more than worth it. There's also another military course called the Kaneohe Klipper. I've never actually played there but from what I hear, it's the best military course on the island.

Have fun while you're on the islands!

I went to Kona (Big Island) during my honeymoon, and played the Kona Country Club. They had an ocean view course and a mountain view. I opted for the ocean view course. Let me tell you, golfing anywhere in Hawaii is heaven. But looking at the beautiful ocean and playing golf... Can't beat that.

You got that right. On Oahu, there are not many courses with holes right on the ocean. The Palmer course at Turtle Bay as I mentioned has a few holes. The Mamala Bay and Klipper are actually right on the ocean but they are military courses so you will need to be able to get on yourself or have a sponsor.

I really want to play with the ocean as backdrop. Is Maui better for that? I'm going to Hawaii for my honeymoon so I really have 1 shot to make this the best! I'm not going to take advantage and play 2 days. Bad enough the Heat will be in the Playoffs.

I don't know if where you're staying has an ocean view, but each island is a quick plane ride away, I think they call it an island hopper. Anyway, if an ocean view is a must, I'd call around a few places. It sounds like a lot of work, but it's something you'll always remember.

Hi- I live on Maui. I would base your decision for Maui golf on budget and where you are staying. The Plantation Course is definitely worth playing (I played yesterday) but costs about $300+ if not staying in Kapalua. A great inexpensive course is the Dunes at Maui Lani. If staying over near Wailea, the Makena South course is great. Wailea Emerald top notch but pricey. Many of these drop prices in the afternoon,need to call and check. On Oahu, the golf is not quite up to Maui standards, but Turtle Bay (as others said) is very nice and hosts LPGA and senior events, must play the Palmer course there. Otherwise, I like Ko Olina for a resort style manicured nice course (LPGA event), but really recommend Luana Hills for a wild beautiful jungle course, a little rough around the edges but gorgeous and very fair price. Hope that helps.

Go to this one . . . you can't miss with it.

http://www.fourseasons.com/maui/golf.html

If you're only playing one round, please play it on Maui and not on Oahu.

If you're only in Hawaii for 5 days and are on your honeymoon, I would suggest you spend all of your time on Maui, actually. I guess it depends on what you want to be doing while you're on your honeymoon. If you want to just relax and spend a lot of your time together, there really isn't much of that on Oahu.

Since I don't live on Maui, I suggest you should go with hackerboy or lwc's recommendations. I've heard good things about both the Plantation and Wailea courses.

We are staying 10 days. 6 in Maui and 4 in Honolulu.

Oh, I see. I don't know where I got 5 days from.

Well, while in Honolulu, my recommendations are the Palmer Course at Turtle Bay and Kapolei Golf Club. Do you need any sports bar recommendations on where to watch the NBA playoffs?

Oh yea! My fiance is a bigtime Heat fan as well so we will catch at least one game at a sports bar. I don't want to make my honeymoon into a sports trip...LOL

Well, I would recommend you catch Side Street Inn mainly because it has great food at good prices. Here's a blurb from Frommers.

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/oahu/D48765.html

They make it sound like a restaurant but really, it's more of a bar.

if you plan on going to the big island, there are alot of "beach" courses that you'd like.

Next time I make it back to Hawaii, I'm going to have to hit up one of those $19 one way fares (if they still have them). Didn't get the chance last time.