Kauai Marriott Resort announces new golf special to celebrate unveiling of completed Mauna nine

At long last, the Kiele Course at Kauai Lagoons Golf Club has a completed back nine.

The Kiele has been incomplete for the last four years, using modified and temporary layouts that included holes from the Mokihana course.

But as of this week, Kiele back nine has returned in its entirety. The new-and-improved “Moana” back nine, which features a half-mile stretch of oceanfront holes that makes up the longest stretch in Hawaii. The back side features three new holes and six renovated holes all at the hands of the original designer, Jack Nicklaus.

I played Kiele Lagoons course back in 2008, when the entire closing stretch and ocean holes were closed. I returned in 2010, when there were several holes open, including the short, par-4 16th hole along the ocean and two dynamite closing holes along the lagoon. It was still a fun course with plenty of island scenery to take in. But during the round, you couldn’t help but glance toward the coast, wondering what was happening with the new holes and when they might be available. They are now. If you get the chance to play Kauai Lagoons, let us know what you think about the new look with a reader review.

To celebrate the unveiling of Kiele’s back nine, Kauai Lagoons and the partnering Kauai Marriott Resort just footsteps from the course are offering an “Escape to Great Golf getaway” package. Starting at $377, it includes two nights and two rounds of golf.

The Kauai Marriott underwent its own transformation in 2009-2010. With about $50 million in upgrades, guest rooms are modern and stylish. And they still come with plenty of Kauai coffee to sip on from your oceanfront balcony.

The package is valid thru Oct. 11. For information, click here.