Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Windward Coast
OlomanaGolfLinks
Low-handicap golfers may not find this gorgeous course difficult, but the
striking views of the craggy Koolau mountain ridge are worth the fees alone. The par-72,
6,326-yard course is popular with locals and visitors alike. It starts off a bit hilly on the front
9, but flattens out by the back 9. The back 9 have their own surprises, including tricky water
hazards. The 1st hole, a 384-yard, par-4 that tees downhill and approaches uphill, is definitely
a warmup. The next hole is a 160-yard, par-3 that starts from an elevated tee to an elevated
green over a severely banked, V-shaped gully. Shoot long here—it's longer than you think—as
short shots tend to roll all the way back down the fairway to the base of the gully. This course
is very, very green; the rain gods bless it regularly with brief passing showers. You can spot
the regular players here—they all carry umbrellas, wait patiently for the squalls to pass, and
then resume play. Reservations are a must. Facilities include a driving range, practice greens,
club rental, pro shop, and restaurant.
41-1801 Kalanianaole Hwy., Waimanalo.
&
808/259-7926.
www.olomanagollinks.com
.
Greens fees: $95, second round
$65; twilight fees $80. Take H-1 to the Pali Hwy. (Hwy. 61); turn right on Kalanianaole Hwy.; after 5 miles, it will be on the
left. Bus: 57.
PaliGolfCourse
This beautiful municipal course sits near Kaneohe, just below the historic
spot where King Kamehameha the Great won the battle that united the islands of Hawaii. The
par-72, 6,494-yard course, designed by Willard G. Wilkinson and built in 1953, makes use of
the natural terrain (hills and valleys make up the majority of the 250 acres). The course does
not have man-made traps, but a small stream meanders through it. If you're off-line on the 9th,
you'll get to know the stream quite well. The challenge here is the weather—whipping winds
and frequent rain squalls. Because of the potential for rain, you might want to pay for 9 holes
and then assess the weather before signing up for the back 9. The views include Kaneohe Bay,
the towns of Kailua and Kaneohe, and the verdant cliffs of the Koolau Mountains. Facilities
include practice greens, club rental, locker rooms, and a restaurant.
45-050 Kamehameha Hwy., Kaneohe, HI 96744.
&
808/296-2000.
www.co.honolulu.hi.us/des/golf/pali.htm. Greens
fees: $46 ($20 extra for an optional cart, which carries 2 golfers); $23 twilight fees after 4pm (walking only, no carts).
From Waikiki, take the H-1 freeway to the Pali Hwy. (Hwy. 61). Turn left at Kamehameha Hwy. at the 1st traffic light after
going through the Pali Tunnels. The course is immediately on your left after you turn on Kamehameha Hwy. Bus: 85.
The North Shore
KahukuGolfCourse
This 9-hole budget golf course is a bit funky. There are no club rentals,
no clubhouse, and no facilities other than a few pull carts that disappear with the first handful
of golfers. But a round at this scenic oceanside course amid the tranquility of the North Shore
is quite an experience nonetheless. Duffers will love the ease of the recreational course, and
weight watchers will be happy to walk the gently sloping greens. Don't forget to bring your
camera for the views (especially at holes 3, 4, 7, and 8, which are right on the ocean). No re-
servations are taken; tee times are first-come, first-served—with plenty of retirees happy to sit
and wait, the competition is fierce for early tee times. Bring your own clubs and call ahead to
check the weather. The cost for this experience? Twenty-four bucks!
