Ala Wai Golf Course opened to the public in 1931, when it became Oahu’s first municipal golf course. A relatively flat course laid out across the Ala Wai Canal from some of Waikiki’s finest hotels, stores, and restaurants, Ala Wai Golf Course has remarkable views of nearby Diamond Head and the Waikiki skyline. Ala Wai Golf Course carries the distinction of being the site of the first United States Golf Association championship held anywhere outside the continental United States, the 1960 U.S. Amateur Public Links. It also hosted the 1983 United States Women’s Amateur Public Links championship. The course has 18 holes and measures some 6,208 yards from its longest tee boxes.
Ala Wai Golf Course Highlights
Significant portions of Ala Wai Golf Course underwent extensive renovations in 2022, when the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association was put in charge of all operations at the course’s driving range. These upgrades saw the entire range re-grassed, the course shop overhauled, the layout of the long- and short-game practice areas redesigned, and an entire new practice putting area opened. 75,000 new Callaway range balls were purchased, too, to restock and replace the range’s inventory. The course, which was designed by Donald MacKay, features Bermuda grass.
One-on-One Lessons: Ala Wai Golf Course offers visitors customizable golf lessons run by either driving range manager Jonathan Strait or PGA professional Mike Matheny. If you’re interested in scheduling a lesson with one of these experts, you’re definitely going to want to call ahead and make a reservation.
Driving Range: The recently refurbished facilities at Ala Wai Golf Course feature an all-new driving range, chipping area, and putting green. While prices are subject to vary, a large bucket of range balls here numbers some 75 balls and goes for about $14. A small bucket is also available for around eight dollars.
Pro Shop: The Ala Wai Golf Course pro shop was also recently redesigned. It proudly sells exclusively Callaway Golf products, including a fine assortment of equipment and apparel. Guests looking to rent clubs here can take their pick of the latest Callaway Golf clubs, too.
Things to Know about the Ala Wai Golf Course
*The Ala Wai Golf Course driving range is typically open between 6:30am and 10:00pm, with the final ball-buckets usually being sold at 9:00pm. More often than not, the driving range is at its busiest between the hours of 3:00pm and 6:00pm.
*The restaurant and snack bar at Ala Wai Golf Course is open daily from 6:00am to 7:00pm. Operated by L&L Hawaiian Grill, this popular local chain is best known for their barbecue chicken dishes and traditional Hawaiian plate lunches.
*If you’ve made a reservation, Ala Wai Golf Course expects you to arrive at least 30 minutes before your tee-time is scheduled to start. If you need to rent clubs or a hand-cart, you’ll be required to arrive 45 minutes early. If you haven’t claimed your reservation at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tee-time, Ala Wai Golf Course reserves the right to designate your party a no-show.
*Ala Wai Golf Course allows groups of up to six players; however, be advised that all groups of five or six players will be required to ride carts. Typically, the day’s final 18-hole cart goes out about 2:00pm, while the last nine-hole cart is permitted to leave at 3:30pm.
Things to Do Nearby the Ala Wai Golf Course
The prominent location of Ala Wai Golf Course makes it easy to include playing a round of golf or hitting a bucket of balls here as part of a fun, Waikiki-centric itinerary. Some of Oahu’s most popular spas are located just a couple of minutes away, while family-friendly attractions like Waikiki Aquarium and the Honolulu Zoo are found nearby, too. The scenic hiking trails of Diamond Head State Monument are easily accessible from Ala Wai Golf Course as well. Last but not least, Manoa Falls and Lyon Arboretum are a quick 20-minute drive away.
