As famous as Oahu is for its many natural wonders, scenic beaches, historic sites, and tourist attractions, it’s also quite beloved as a can’t-miss destination for golfers from all over the world. Whether you’re an enthusiastic newcomer to the sport, a lifelong scratch player, or someone whose skills fall between those two extremes, golfing on one or more of the island’s numerous courses can make for an unforgettable part of the complete Oahu experience. Fortunately, no matter what exactly it is you desire from the time you’ll spend golfing here, there’s an Oahu golf course that’s perfect for your budget, tastes, lodging location, and more.
One of the many terrific things about golfing on Oahu is that, regardless which course you choose, you’re pretty much guaranteed to enjoy spectacular scenery wherever you happen to play. Depending on their location, Oahu golf courses regularly provide golfers with remarkable views of the surrounding mountains, coastlines, and beaches—sometimes in the near-distance, sometimes as built-in elements of the course itself. In fact, the natural beauty of Oahu’s golf courses is why many individuals consider them challenging places to play: plenty of holes here are hilly or influenced by water features, and the island’s prominent trade winds routinely wreak havoc on even the best golfers’ shots. To some extent, you’ll experience these conditions on any Oahu course.
Having said all that, there is a hierarchy to Oahu golf courses. The City and County of Honolulu Department of Enterprise Services runs several municipal courses. This tier of course includes such local favorites as Ala Wai Golf Course and Ewa Villages Golf Course; here you’ll encounter basic facilities and straightforward courses without an extensive menu of available services, all at affordable prices. From Waikiki to Ewa to Kapolei, there are plenty of public courses on offer across the island, too. A round at one of these courses—like, say, Ko Olina Golf Club or Hawaii Prince Golf Club—typically costs more, but they’ll likewise provide significantly more in the way of amenities. Those golfers in the market for a truly high-end experience may want to seek out one of Oahu’s private golf courses.
When it comes to amenities, Oahu golf courses have you covered. Almost all Oahu golf courses have pro shops where you can rent clubs or purchase gear, accessories, and souvenirs; the nicer the facility, the more likely they are to have a golf pro on staff who’ll conduct lessons or classes. Many courses also possess on-site driving ranges, chipping areas, and putting greens where you can practice your game before or after playing a round; certain courses have even been designed by a legendary golfer like Arnold Palmer or an acclaimed architect such as Ted Robinson. Depending on your itinerary, you might want to opt for a course that has a well-regarded restaurant attached to its clubhouse.
Read on below for a brief rundown on some of Oahu’s most popular golf courses. Click on the link for additional information.