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The perfect island vacation for a golf trip: The courses of Kauai

By Brandon Tucker,
Staff Writer

KAUAI, Hawaii - Though it's only the fourth largest of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai can make a case as the perfect island for a golf vacation.

It's home to only nine golf courses (a 10th is under construction), and the island is small enough, they're all within reach during one vacation. Each comes with their share of ocean holes with a dramatic, mountainous baackdrop.

Kauai golf at a glance

Prince Golf Course: The Prince Course is widely regarded as one of the best - and most challenging - golf courses in Hawaii. It's a stern, Robert Trent Jones Jr. design set on high land through rugged mountains just off the coastline, with holes six and seven weaving out to sea. Finding flat lies on these rolling fairways can be as difficult as finding par out here.

Green fees: $140-$200

Princeville at Hanalei, Makai Course: The Makai is the original course at Princeville, built in 1971. It features more coastal holes than its more famous neighbor The Prince, including the signature par-3 seventh hole that plays over the ocean and "Queen's Bath," one of Kauai's most photographed.

The Makai is scheduled to undergo renovations later in 2008, which will include adding length, a fourth set of tees, re-sodding and some architectural enhancements.

Green fees: $125-$175

Kauai Lagoons Golf Club: Kauai Lagoons is in a transition period in 2008 to allow the expansion of the Kauai Lagoons Resort with a new Ritz property, with 18 of its 36 holes currently closed for renovations. The golf is scheduled to be fully operational in the spring of 2009, and the already spectacular Kiele back nine is promising to be even better.

Feature: Golf courses on Kauai Hawaii golf course reviews Golf course review: Princeville's Makai Course Hot deals on Hawaii golf course vacations

Poipu Bay Golf Course: Host to the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from 1994 through 2006, Poipu Bay features a championship Robert Trent Jones Jr. design set on stunning cliffs overlooking the ocean on Kauai's South Shore. Holes weave to and from the coastline before finishing in dramatic fashion along the coastline.

The golf course partners with the beautifully appointed 50-acre Grand Hyatt Resort, within walking distance of the club.

Green fees: $140-$200

Puakea Golf Course: Puakea has a unique history. It's first 10 holes were built in the early 1990s, but Hurricane Iniki came through in 1992 and destroyed much of the island, and lots of economic development was stalled. The full 18 wasn't completed until over a decade later. The original 10 holes are especially remarkable, set on beautiful, secluded land beneath the Kauai mountains that were the setting for "Jurassic Park".

Green fees: $95-$135

Kiahuna Golf Club: Kiahuna lies just minutes from Poipu Bay on the South Shore and features a links-style layout with fast, firm fairways and greens playing just off the coast. Ancient stone walls separate several holes on this challenging Robert Trent Jones Jr. design, which has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years thanks to new ownership and improved course conditions.

Green fees: $75-$95

Wailua Golf Course: Considered among Hawaii's best municipal courses, Wailua is a widely popular classic golf course right on the ocean. Its first nine holes were built in the 1930s. A second nine was added in 1961, and the course has played host to three USGA Amateur Public Links Championships. It's widely popular (and dirt cheap to play) with locals.

Green fees: Non-residents: $30-$45 (cart not included)

Kukuiolono Golf Course: Located about 15 minutes from Poipu Bay, Kukuiolono is a historic nine-hole golf course built in 1929 by a local sugar magnate. It's under 3,000 yards with wide fairways, making it a good option for beginners.

Green fees: $10 per day

June 26, 2008

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.