Oahu golf course with Diamond Head in background

Oʻahu Golf Courses

The heartbeat of Hawaiian golf with 40+ courses

Leilani Ako, golf expert

Written by Local Golf Expert

Leilani Ako

Oʻahu - The Heartbeat of Hawaiian Golf

Oahu is the piko, the navel or center, of Hawaiian golf. It's where our history meets a vibrant, modern energy. With more than 40 courses, it offers the greatest variety in the state, a dynamic landscape where you can play a historic nine-hole track in the morning and a PGA TOUR-host course in the afternoon.

From the municipal links in the shadow of Diamond Head to the serene, world-class resorts of the Leeward Coast, Oahu is the island that has it all.

Featured Courses: Oahu's Can't-Miss Rounds

Royal Hawaiian Golf Club

Kailua • Public • Perry & Pete Dye, Greg Norman

The "Jurassic Park" Adventure: Playing at Royal Hawaiian is like stepping into another world. Tucked into the historic Maunawili Valley, nestled between the majestic Koʻolau and Olomana mountains, the course feels less like a golf club and more like a prehistoric sanctuary.

Royal Hawaiian Golf Club nestled in Maunawili Valley with Koolau Mountains backdrop

Turtle Bay Resort (Palmer Course)

Kahuku • Resort • Arnold Palmer, Ed Seay

The North Shore Legend: The North Shore has a raw, powerful energy, and the Palmer Course at Turtle Bay is its premier golfing expression. This is a true championship layout, designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, that hosted the PGA TOUR Champions and LPGA for years.

Moanalua Golf Club

Honolulu • Semi-Private • Donald MacIntyre

The Historic Gem: To play Moanalua is to touch the very origins of golf in Hawaii. As the oldest course west of the Mississippi River, it's a living piece of history. Established in 1898 by prominent businessman Samuel Mills Damon on land inherited from Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop.

Ko Olina Golf Club

Kapolei • Public • Ted Robinson

The Polished Resort Experience: On the sunny Leeward coast, Ko Olina represents the pinnacle of the Oahu resort golf experience. A frequent host of LPGA and PGA TOUR Champions events, this Ted Robinson-designed course is known for its immaculate conditions.

Beyond the Fairway: Oahu's Essential Adventures

Oahu's adventure doesn't stop at the 18th green. The same spirit of challenge and discovery you find on the course extends across the island.

🎢 Coral Crater Adventure Park

Trade your golf glove for a harness! Soar through jungle canopy on ziplines up to 900 feet long, tear through rugged trails in ATVs, and conquer the 50-foot freefall Adventure Tower.

Perfect adrenaline rush after your round

⚓ Pearl Harbor Historic Sites

Connect with Oahu's profound history. Visit the USS Arizona Memorial and Battleship Missouri where the Japanese surrender was signed. Free reservations required - book weeks in advance.

A journey through history

Complete Guide to Oahu Golf Courses

Royal Hawaiian Golf Club

Kailua • Public • Perry & Pete Dye, Greg Norman

The Ultimate Challenge: A stunning, jungle-clad course as tough as it is beautiful.

Turtle Bay Resort (Palmer)

Kahuku • Resort • Arnold Palmer, Ed Seay

North Shore Legend: A true championship test against a backdrop of raw, ocean beauty.

Ko Olina Golf Club

Kapolei • Public • Ted Robinson

Pristine Resort Conditions: Walk in the footsteps of the pros at this immaculate LPGA host course.

Kapolei Golf Club

Kapolei • Public • Ted Robinson

Tournament Pedigree: Host to PGA and LPGA events with beautiful floral landscaping.

Moanalua Golf Club

Honolulu • Semi-Private • Donald MacIntyre

Best for History Buffs: Play a round at Hawaii's very first golf course, dating back to 1898.

Waikele Country Club

Waipahu • Public • Ted Robinson

Great Views & Value: Overlooks Pearl Harbor and offers a fantastic round for the price.

Ewa Beach Golf Club

ʻEwa Beach • Public • Robin Nelson

A classic, challenging layout popular with locals on the sunny Ewa Plain.

Olomana Golf Links

Waimānalo • Public • Bob Baldock

Local Favorite: A relaxed course with majestic views of the Ko'olau Mountains.

Ala Wai Golf Course

Honolulu • Municipal • N/A

Busiest Course on Earth: An iconic local track with unbeatable views of Diamond Head.

Pali Golf Course

Kāneʻohe • Municipal • N/A

Scenic Muni: A picturesque course on the windward side with views of Kaneohe Bay.

🏝️ Oahu Golf Facts

  • Total Courses: 40+
  • Oldest Course: Moanalua (1898)
  • Most Challenging: Royal Hawaiian
  • Best Value: Waikele CC
  • Municipal Options: Ala Wai, Pali

🌤️ Playing Conditions

  • Year-round playable
  • Trade winds 15-25 mph
  • Morning tee times best
  • Afternoon winds stronger

💡 Oahu Golf Tips

Best Tee Times

Early morning (6-8 AM) for lighter winds

Traffic Tip

Allow extra time for North Shore courses