Taking a Honolulu golf vacation is a Prince of an idea

Ever since I got back from the Big Island a few weeks ago, I’ve been in a Hawaii state of mind, so to speak. As much of the mainland is mired in winter weather (yes, there have been plenty of mild days, too), I’m questioned often about my recent trip as well as prior trips to Hawaii.

The Big Island is terrific, of course, with some outstanding resorts such as the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, which sits next to the fabulous Mauna Kea Golf Course (you can read my review here). The other property at Mauna Kea is the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, next to Mauna Kea’s sister course, Hapuna.

Folks who have never been to Hawaii before, though, should try to take in more than one island, and the best combination is Oahu and another island. The reason is because Honolulu is a great city, with fantastic dining, nightclubs and one my favorite beaches in the world, Waikiki. Near that beach is another Prince Resort hotel, the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki, which overlooks a marina, Waikiki, a seaside park and the city. The two-tower, resort hotel is close to Ala Moana Center, an open-air mall with more than 290 merchants and perhaps the most diverse food court in the world.

The hotel has spacious, well appointed rooms and windows that go floor-to-ceiling for incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. There is also outstanding dining at the hotel – the Prince Court with contemporary island cuisine; and the Hakone restaurant, which serves up the finest kaiseki, the traditional cuisine of Japan?s imperial court.

Unlike the Big Island, though, the Hawaii Prince Golf Club is about a 20-minute shuttle ride from the hotel. It’s 27 holes designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, and while it’s not as good as Mauna Kea Golf Course (not many courses are), it’s a fun test, especially with the wind. There are 10 lakes on the course, with water on 15 of the 27 holes.

Right now, the Hawaii Prince is offering up a special golf package that includes two rounds of golf and three nights of oceanfront accommodations at the hotel, starting at $230 a night. There are also four-night packages available. For more information or to make a reservation, you can click here.

You can also get some customized packages available. Just click here for more information.