Number of Golf Courses in Hawaii

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Quick Answer

• Hawaii is home to roughly 75 to 80 golf courses.
• You’ll find a good mix, from accessible public tracks to exclusive resort layouts.
• Oahu and Maui are your best bets for the highest concentration.

Who This Is For

• Golfers planning a trip to the islands and looking to book tee times.
• Anyone interested in the golf tourism landscape of Hawaii.

What to Check First for Hawaii Golf Courses

• Island Focus: Decide which Hawaiian island you’ll be visiting. The number of courses varies significantly.
• Course Availability: Verify which courses are actually open and accepting public play. Some might be private or under renovation.
• Tee Time Booking Windows: Popular courses fill up fast. Know when you can book to avoid disappointment.
• Green Fees and Cart Costs: Get a handle on the expected expenses before you commit. Prices can vary a lot.

Step-by-Step Plan: Finding and Enjoying Hawaii’s Golf Courses

Planning a golf trip to Hawaii is exciting, and knowing what to expect will make it smoother. Here’s how to find the best spots and make the most of your rounds.

• Identify Your Desired Island: This is your starting point. Hawaii is made up of several islands, and each offers a different experience. What to look for: A general understanding of which islands have the most golf courses and what kind of courses they are (e.g., coastal, mountain views, resort-style). Mistake: Not considering travel time between islands if you plan to visit more than one. Island hopping takes time and can eat into your golf schedule. Stick to one or two islands for a more relaxed pace.

• Search Online Golf Directories: Dive into reputable golf course listing websites. These are your digital maps to the fairways. What to look for: Comprehensive lists of courses, their locations, contact information, and often, basic details like course type (public, resort, private) and par. Mistake: Relying on a single, potentially outdated source. Information can change, so cross-referencing is key. Use a few different sites to get a fuller picture.

• Consult Official Tourism and Golf Association Websites: Hawaii’s official tourism board or state golf associations often have curated lists and valuable information. What to look for: Recommendations, featured courses, and sometimes, special packages or event information. These sites can highlight well-regarded courses and offer insights you might miss elsewhere. Mistake: Overlooking smaller, local courses that might offer a unique experience or better value. The big resort courses get a lot of press, but don’t discount the hidden gems.

• Verify Course Operating Status and Public Access: Once you’ve got a shortlist, do a deep dive. This is crucial. What to look for: Recent reviews, news articles about the course, or direct contact information (phone number or email). Confirm they are open and, importantly, that they welcome public play. Mistake: Showing up to a course only to find out it’s closed for maintenance, has gone private, or is only accessible to hotel guests. I once drove an hour to a course that had just closed its public operations. Total drag.

• Check Tee Time Availability and Booking Policies: This is where the rubber meets the road for booking your rounds. What to look for: The specific booking window (e.g., 30, 60, or 90 days in advance) and whether online booking is available. Some courses have complex reservation systems. Mistake: Waiting too long to book and finding out your desired tee times are already taken. Popular Hawaiian courses, especially those with stunning views or championship pedigrees, can book up months ahead, particularly during peak tourist seasons.

• Evaluate Course Conditions and Strategy: Beyond just finding a course, consider what kind of experience you want. What to look for: Recent course condition reports (look for mentions of greens, fairways, and bunkers) and course layout details. Think about the strategy required for each hole – is it a bombers’ paradise or a precision test? Mistake: Not considering the course’s current conditions. A beautiful layout can be ruined by poorly maintained greens. Also, not thinking about how your game matches the course strategy can lead to frustration.

• Understand Pace of Play Expectations: Hawaii’s golf courses can range from quick municipal rounds to leisurely resort experiences. What to look for: Information on typical pace of play for the course. Some resort courses might encourage a more relaxed pace, while others aim for efficiency. Mistake: Underestimating how long a round might take, especially if you’re on a tight schedule or playing during a busy time. This can impact your ability to book subsequent activities or flights.

Navigating Hawaii’s Golf Courses: Key Considerations

When you’re planning your Hawaiian golf adventure, a few common pitfalls can trip you up. Being aware of these will save you time, money, and a whole lot of hassle.

• Mistake: Assuming all listed courses are currently open and accessible to the public.
• Why it matters: You might plan your itinerary around a course that has recently closed, is undergoing extensive renovations, or has become a private club. This can lead to significant disappointment and last-minute scrambling to find alternatives.
• Fix: Always verify the current operating status and public access policy directly with the course via phone or their official website. Check recent reviews or local golf forums for up-to-date information.

• Mistake: Not checking the booking window and cancellation policy for tee times.
• Why it matters: Prime tee times at desirable Hawaiian courses are highly sought after and can be booked up months in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Missing the booking window means missing out. Furthermore, not understanding the cancellation policy can lead to losing money if your plans change.
• Fix: Research each course’s specific booking policy and reservation opening dates. Aim to book as early as possible. Carefully review and note the cancellation deadlines and any associated fees.

• Mistake: Overlooking course difficulty ratings and your own skill level.
• Why it matters: Playing a course that is significantly too difficult can lead to a frustrating and unenjoyable experience, especially for beginners. Conversely, an overly easy course might not provide enough challenge for experienced golfers.
• Fix: Consult course handicap and slope rating information. Many websites provide these details. Match the course’s challenge to your golfing ability to ensure a rewarding round.

• Mistake: Forgetting to inquire about course conditions before booking.
• Why it matters: The green fees you pay don’t always directly correlate with the current condition of the fairways, greens, and bunkers. You want to get the best playing experience for your money, and poor conditions can significantly detract from that.
• Fix: Read recent online reviews, check golf forums, or call the pro shop to inquire about the current condition of the course, particularly after any recent weather events or during seasonal maintenance periods.

• Mistake: Underestimating the impact of weather on play and course conditions.
• Why it matters: Hawaii experiences tropical weather, including rain showers, high humidity, and strong winds, which can affect playability and course conditions. Courses can become soggy, and wind can dramatically alter shot selection.
• Fix: Check the weather forecast leading up to your tee time. Be prepared for various conditions, and understand that some courses may be more susceptible to weather disruptions than others. Some courses may offer rain checks if play is impossible.

• Mistake: Not factoring in ancillary costs beyond green fees.
• Why it matters: The advertised green fee is often just the starting point. You may also need to pay for cart rentals, range balls, club rentals, and sometimes even resort fees or service charges. These can add up quickly.
• Fix: Always ask for a complete breakdown of all potential costs when booking. Inquire specifically about cart fees, club rental rates, and any other mandatory charges to accurately budget for your golf outings.

FAQ: Your Questions About Hawaii Golf Courses Answered

How many golf courses are in Hawaii?

Hawaii is home to approximately 75 to 80 golf courses spread across its islands. This number can fluctuate slightly due to new developments or closures.

Which Hawaiian island has the most golf courses?

Oahu generally boasts the highest concentration of golf courses, offering a wide variety of public and private options. Maui also has a significant number of well-regarded courses, particularly within its resort areas.

Are there public golf courses in Hawaii?

Yes, Hawaii offers a good selection of public golf courses that are accessible to everyone. In addition to public tracks, you’ll find resort courses that are open to the public (though often at a higher price point) and a smaller number of exclusive private clubs.

How far in advance should I book a tee time in Hawaii?

For popular championship courses or during peak tourist seasons (like winter and spring break), booking 2 to 3 months in advance is highly recommended. For less busy municipal courses or during the shoulder seasons, booking 1 to 2 months ahead might be sufficient. Always check the specific course’s booking policy, as some allow reservations much further out.

What is the typical price range for a round of golf in Hawaii?

Prices vary widely. You can find municipal courses ranging from about $50 to $100 for 18 holes. Resort courses and championship layouts often range from $150 to $300 or more, frequently including a golf cart. It’s always best to check the individual course websites for the most current green fee information and any package deals.

Are golf carts mandatory at Hawaiian golf courses?

For most resort courses and many public courses, golf carts are either mandatory or highly recommended due to the distances between holes and the tropical climate. Some walking-only courses exist, but they are less common. Always confirm the cart policy when booking.

What are the best times of year to play golf in Hawaii?

The shoulder seasons, typically spring (April-May) and fall (September-October), often offer the best combination of good weather, fewer crowds, and potentially lower prices. Winter is popular for escaping colder climates but can be busier and slightly more prone to rain. Summer is warm and can be humid.