COURSE REVIEW

Hawaii Kai makes the most of a super setting

By Jim McCoy,
Staff Writer

HAWAII KAI, Oahu (Nov. 2, 2004) -- "Location...Location...Location." That's the mantra of real estate moguls worldwide, and it definitely applies to Hawaii Kai Golf Course on the east side of Oahu.

Located just eleven miles east of Waikiki, Hawaii Kai's two 18-hole courses sit amidst one of the state's most affluent neighborhoods, and feature spectacular views of the ocean and one of the last stretches of undeveloped shorelines on Oahu.

• Feature: Patience, persistence key to Mr. Hawaii's success • Makena golf club • Hawaii golf courses

Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed the par-3 executive course in 1962. Eleven years later the William Bell-designed championship course opened. The championship course features the largest greens in the state, man-made lakes and little rough. But several fairways parallel some of those million-dollar homes, and signs advise the slicers and hookers to store the driver and use an iron.

It's a popular course for local golfers and visitors, and many fine-tune their short games ahead of time on the par-3 course.

"The pace of play here is fairly quick," says Hawaii Kai golf director John Inzer. That despite the visual distractions. "A lot of them enjoy the ocean views. On a clear day you can look across the channel and see Molokai and Maui."

During the Hawaiian winter the view also included frolicking whales.

The courses remain in good shape despite the summer drought that has dried the fairways of most of Hawaii's tracks. Hawaii Kai normally doesn't get a lot of rain, and combined with the almost constant wind, the course can easily dry out. Local government has pushed all industries, golf included, to cut down on water use, and Hawaii Kai has joined in the conservation efforts, dropping use 21 percent this year alone.

Hole seven on the 6,222-yard championship course is the toughest. A seemingly idyllic 358-yard par 4, it has trouble lurking everywhere. A big lake to the right of the fairway and a drainage canal to the left make the tee shot the first of two key shots. Assuming your drive is safe, the approach shot often has to clear water before finding the protected green.

My personal favorite is number five, a devilishly short (124 yard) par 3. A half dozen bunkers are the least of your problems -- go left and you're dead, short and you're in a stream, long and you are in the kiawe trees or the number six tee box. Go right and you'll have a difficult recovery. Why is it my favorite? Because, like most duffers, I have never had an ace, but on this hole I came within an inch with one lucky nine iron whack. I gladly took the birdie.

At Hawaii Kai, wind is a key. Regulars add a club or two when heading into the wind and club down when the wind is at their back.

Greens fees for visitors run between $60 and $100 depending on the time and day of the week. The par 3 is as low as $14.50 with a cart, less if you hike it.

Golf phenom Michelle Wie hones her short game at the executive course. Hawaii Kai is also a popular course for sports superstars. The NFL pro bowlers are regulars every winter. Lawrence Taylor tees it up, as does local boy and former New York Mets pitcher Sid Fernandez. Actors like Hawaii Kai: Cuba Gooding Jr. And Adam "Happy Gilmore" Sandler are among the Hollywood notables. And no, Sandler leaves his hockey stick on the Mainland. "He's a pretty cool guy," says Inzer.

Why are they all here - visitors, locals and the occasional star? Location...location...location. You can't beat it.

Where to dine

The course has a popular restaurant with gorgeous views of the ocean and the Makapuu cliffs. Near Hawaii Kai are a number of fine restaurants -- Roy's, Outback, Assaggio's and Chef's Table to name a few.

Where to stay

Waikiki is the best bet for visitors. There are a limited number of beachfront rentals in Hawaii Kai -- Portlock and nearby Waimanalo. Developers have long craved to put up a hotel along the rugged shoreline between the world-famous Sandy Beach and Makapuu Lighthouse...but environmentalists have thus far thwarted them.

Fast Fact

Hawaii Kai has a large lighted driving range with both natural and artificial grass hitting areas.

Off course

Hawaii Kai Championship and Executive Golf Course 8902 Kalanianaole Highway Honolulu, Hi. 96825 Phone: 808-395-2358

If hiking is part of your game, the Makapuu Lighthouse hike is relatively short and offers spectacular views of Oahu's Windward side. In winter it's the best place to watch the whales.

If the ocean is your game, Sandy Beach is a must -- but only for the experienced surfer. The breaks can slam a body surfer into the shoreline, with a broken neck as the sad result.

Just up the road from Sandy's is a "must" for tourists, Holona Blowhole. When the waves are pumping, the hole really does blow. Keep an eye on your belongings -- rental cars are a favorite target for thieves. The nearby beach was the setting for one of Hollywood's most famous forbidden love scenes -- Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr in From Here to Eternity.

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.