Oahu Golf Courses

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.

Ko Olina Golf Course

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.

Kapolei Golf Club

Kapolei Golf Club occupies just under 200 scenic acres of what was once a sugar cane plantation. It has hosted numerous professional tournaments since it opened in 1995, but golfers of all skill levels may enjoy its 18 holes, clubhouse, driving range, and numerous amenities.

Hawaii Prince Golf Club

Hawaii Prince Golf Club contains 27 holes designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer that feature 10 lakes and famously fast greens. Its three nine-hole courses can be played in a variety of combinations. Other amenities here include a pro shop, driving range, restaurant, and tennis club.

360 Ewa Beach Country Club

A Robin Nelson-designed course has anchored this well-regarded club for over 30 years now. Facilities available at 360° Ewa Beach Country Club include 18 scenic holes with five distinct tee boxes, a pro shop, and casual restaurant.

Ewa Villages Golf Course

Ewa Villages Golf Course is an 18-hole municipal golf course located in Ewa Beach, an approximately 30-minute drive from Waikiki. Known for its tight fairways and strong wind, Ewa Villages Golf Course is considered a challenging links-style facility.

Moanalua Golf Club

With roots dating back to the nineteenth century, Moanalua Golf Club is arguably the most historic golfing facility in all of Hawaii. Today it’s a nine-hole course with a clubhouse, restaurant, and PGA-member director of operations.

Ala Wai Golf Course

Ala Wai Golf Course is a municipal course located adjacent to Waikiki. Its 18-hole course is fairly flat and provides players with beautiful views of the nearby skyline and Diamond Head. It also features a recently renovated driving range and pro shop.

Ted Makalena Golf Course

Ted Makalena Golf Course is an 18-hole municipal golf course located in Waipahu near Pearl Harbor. It features Bermuda grass, two sets of tees, and plays flat and straight. It is also home to a practice green and small pro shop run by a local golf equipment company.

Waikele Country Club

Located in central Oahu between Pearl Harbor and Kapolei, some 30 minutes from Waikiki, Waikele Country Club is one of the island’s standout public courses. The club here possesses 18 beautiful holes, a popular restaurant, full-service driving range, pro shop, and more.

Ko Olina Golf Club

Ko Olina Golf Club has been one of the most popular courses on Oahu for approximately 35 years now. In addition to 18 beautiful holes, here you’ll find a driving range, putting green, short-game practice area, golf shop, and restaurant run by chef Roy Yamaguchi.