Beyond the 18th Hole
Crafting Your Ultimate Hawaiian Adventure Beyond Golf
Written by a Local Golf Expert
Leilani AkoA Golf Vacation Doesn't Have to End on the Course
A golf vacation in Hawaiʻi doesn't have to begin and end on the course. The islands offer a rich tapestry of experiences that can complement your rounds, creating a truly holistic adventure for you, your friends, and your ʻohana (family).
The spirit of aloha extends far beyond the fairways. From adrenaline-pumping adventures to quiet cultural experiences, Hawaii offers countless ways to connect with the islands' natural beauty and rich heritage.
For the Adrenaline Seeker: High-Flying Thrills
After the quiet focus of the golf course, sometimes you need to let loose. Just a short drive from the sunny resort courses on Oʻahu's Ewa Plain, adventure parks offer the perfect high-energy complement to a golf trip.
🚙 Coral Crater Adventure Park
As the closest adventure park to Waikīkī and the Ko Olina resort area, Coral Crater is where you trade your golf glove for a harness and your polite clap for a full-throated cheer. Set within a natural crater, this playground offers adrenaline-pumping activities.
🏎️ ATV Adventures
- • Two-seater vehicles or solo stand-up ATVs
- • Rugged jungle trail exploration
- • Multiple difficulty levels
- • Safety gear and instruction included
🌿 Zipline Tours
- • Six-line zipline course
- • Lines up to 900 feet long
- • Bird's-eye jungle canopy views
- • Thrilling but family-safe
🗼 The Ultimate Challenge: Adventure Tower
For those who want to test their limits, the Adventure Tower is a must. This multi-level structure features an 18-element aerial obstacle course, a challenging climbing wall, and the ultimate leap of faith: a 50-foot freefall.
Ultimate Adventure Package
Bundle the full zipline tour, ATV adventure, and complete Adventure Tower experience into one action-packed day. Perfect for non-golf days or family members seeking different island adventures.
🌊 Water Adventures
- • Parasailing over Waikiki
- • Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
- • Surfing lessons on gentle waves
- • Stand-up paddleboarding
🏔️ Mountain Adventures
- • Hiking Diamond Head crater
- • Rappelling down waterfalls
- • Helicopter tours over valleys
- • Mountain tubing adventures
🎬 Movie Location Tours
- • Kualoa Ranch (Jurassic Park)
- • Hollywood filming locations
- • ATV tours through movie sets
- • Behind-the-scenes experiences
For the History Buff: A Pono (Righteous) Journey
The story of modern Oʻahu is inextricably linked to the events of December 7, 1941. To truly understand the island you're playing on, a visit to Pearl Harbor is an essential and moving experience that provides context and deepens your connection to this place.
⚓ Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Pearl Harbor National Memorial is the portal to several key historic sites. This quiet, powerful journey of remembrance provides essential context for understanding modern Hawaii and honors those who served.
🕯️ USS Arizona Memorial
The most solemn site, sitting above the sunken battleship and serving as the final resting place for 1,102 crew members. Includes documentary film and Navy-operated boat ride.
🚢 Battleship Missouri
Where the Instrument of Surrender was signed, officially ending World War II. Walk the decks where history was made.
🚁 Aviation Museum
Explore the role of aviation in the Pacific War with authentic aircraft and immersive exhibits.
🌊 USS Bowfin Submarine
Experience life aboard a WWII submarine with self-guided tours through the restored vessel.
Planning Your Visit
- • Book Ahead: USS Arizona tickets are free but require reservation through recreation.gov
- • Timing: Tickets released 8 weeks in advance, claimed within minutes
- • Tours Available: Guided tours handle transportation from Waikiki/Ko Olina
- • Multi-Island: Day trips with inter-island flights available
⛳ "History & Holes" Experience
The connection between golf and history is closer than many realize. Several Oʻahu courses like Ted Makalena Golf Course and Pearl at Kalauao offer poignant views of Puʻuloa (Pearl Harbor). Spend a morning in reflection at the memorials, then play an afternoon round where the historic backdrop provides constant, meaningful reminder of the stories this land holds.
🌺 Cultural Experiences
- • Traditional luau experiences
- • Hawaiian cultural centers
- • Ukulele and hula lessons
- • Local farmers markets
- • Hawaiian language workshops
🎨 Arts & Crafts
- • Lei making workshops
- • Traditional Hawaiian quilting
- • Kapa (bark cloth) demonstrations
- • Local artist studio tours
- • Traditional wood carving
For the ʻOhana: Pairing Greens with Grins
A golf vacation in Hawaiʻi doesn't have to mean leaving the family behind. In fact, the spirit of ʻohana (family) is woven into the fabric of the islands' best resorts, extending from the beach to the back nine.
Family-Friendly Golf Resorts
🏖️ Ko Olina (Oʻahu)
Four man-made lagoons fronting the resorts offer calm, protected waters perfect for swimming and paddleboarding.
- • Aulani Disney Resort & Spa
- • Dolphin watching cruises
- • Beginner surf lessons
- • Family-friendly beaches
🐴 Turtle Bay (Oʻahu)
North Shore resort offering adventure activities for all ages in a beautiful natural setting.
- • Keiki pool with waterslides
- • Hands-on pony experiences
- • Ukulele and hula lessons
- • Jr. Waterman Adventure program
🌺 Wailea (Maui)
Championship golf with exceptional family programming and beautiful resort amenities.
- • "Kids Play Free After 3pm"
- • Junior golf programs
- • Beach clubs and pools
- • Cultural activities
Off-Course Family Adventures
🎬 Kualoa Ranch
Step into the world of movies where many scenes from "Jurassic Park" were filmed. Multiple tour options available.
- • Movie site tours
- • ATV adventures for families
- • Horseback riding
- • Zipline experiences
🍍 Dole Plantation
A sweet family adventure with train rides through pineapple fields and the famous Dole Whip treat.
- • Pineapple Express train
- • World's largest maze
- • Garden tours
- • Gift shop and cafe
🏙️ Honolulu Family Attractions
🦁 Honolulu Zoo
Beloved local institution in the heart of Waikiki with diverse animal exhibits and interactive experiences.
🐠 Waikiki Aquarium
Discover Hawaii's marine life and Pacific Ocean ecosystems in this beautifully designed aquarium.
🌋 Bishop Museum
Hawaii's premier natural and cultural history museum with planetarium and interactive exhibits.
🔗 Explore Hawaiian Golf
🎯 Activity Categories
- Adventure ATV, zipline, tower
- Historical Pearl Harbor
- Cultural Luau, museums
- Family Zoo, aquarium
📍 Distance from Golf
- Coral Crater: 15 min from Ko Olina
- Pearl Harbor: 20 min from Ko Olina
- Waikiki: 30 min from Ko Olina
- Kualoa Ranch: 45 min from Ko Olina
- Dole Plantation: 30 min from Ko Olina
💡 Planning Tips
- Book Pearl Harbor tickets 8 weeks ahead
- Coral Crater great for non-golf days
- Cultural activities best in morning
- Family activities for rest days
🌤️ Weather Tips
- Morning Best for outdoor activities
- Afternoon Indoor attractions ideal
- Rainy days Museums, aquarium