Mastering Hawaiian Golf
Local expert tips for playing golf in paradise
Written by Local Golf Expert
Leilani AkoLeilani's Kōkua (Help): Mastering Golf in Paradise
Playing golf in Hawaii is different. The elements aren't just a backdrop. They are a real part of the game. The sun is stronger, the wind is trickier, and the grass has a mind of its own.
But with a little local knowledge—my kōkua (help) to you—you'll be ready to take on the challenge and embrace the unique conditions of our island courses.
🌬️ Conquering the Trade Winds
The cooling trade winds are a blessing that makes our tropical climate so pleasant, but on the golf course, they are a constant challenge. The number one mistake visitors make is trying to fight the wind by swinging harder.
"When it's breezy, swing easy"
This only adds more spin to the ball, causing it to balloon up and go nowhere. The local wisdom is simple: Instead of swinging harder, take more club—often one, two, or even three clubs more than the yardage suggests—and make a smooth, controlled swing.
This will produce a lower, more penetrating ball flight that cuts through the wind.
Into the Wind
Take 2-3 more clubs, swing smooth, keep ball flight low
Downwind
Take 1-2 less clubs, ball will carry farther and roll more
🌱 Reading the Grainy Greens
This is the most crucial piece of insider knowledge for putting in Hawaii. Unlike the bentgrass greens common on the mainland, our warm-weather grasses like Bermuda and seashore paspalum grow year-round and develop a very strong "grain".
The Secret to Reading Grain
When you get to the green, look closely at the edge of the cup. One side will look sharp and cleanly cut, while the other will look a bit rough or "burnt." That rough edge is the direction the grain is growing.
With the Grain
Putts will be very fast, ball releases quickly
Against the Grain
Putts will be very slow, need firm stroke
This grain can influence the speed and break of a putt more than the slope itself. It's strong enough to make a putt turn uphill or feel twice as fast going downhill. Master this, and you'll save yourself countless strokes.
🌿 Tackling Tropical Turf
The grasses here are tough and wiry. In the rough, grasses like Kikuyu can be incredibly dense, with a thick mat of roots that will grab your club and shut the face down at impact.
From the Rough
Take a steeper backswing and hit down sharply on the ball to ensure solid contact. Be aggressive - you have to power through the thick grass.
Key: Steep angle, firm grip, confident swing
Chipping
From just off the green, chipping into the grain requires a firm, confident stroke. Don't be timid. You have to hit through the grass to get the ball to the hole.
Key: Firm stroke, accelerate through impact
☀️ Respecting the Sun
Our sub-tropical sun is no joke. It is intense and can drain your energy quickly, even on an overcast day. Preparation is key.
🧴 Sunscreen
High-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen. Reapply at the turn.
👒 Sun Protection
Wide-brimmed hat beats baseball cap for face, ears, neck.
💧 Hydration
Drink far more water than you think you need. Use course coolers.
Pro Tip: Taking a cool, wet towel from the ice chest in your cart can be a lifesaver on a hot day.
Quick Reference: Hawaiian Golf Conditions
🌬️ Wind Strategy
- • "When it's breezy, swing easy"
- • Take more club, not bigger swing
- • Lower ball flight cuts through wind
- • Crosswind affects putts too
🌱 Green Reading
- • Check cup edges for grain direction
- • Rough edge = grain direction
- • With grain = faster putts
- • Against grain = slower putts
🌿 Turf Tips
- • Steep swing from rough
- • Hit down, power through grass
- • Firm chipping strokes
- • Stay in fairways when possible
☀️ Sun Safety
- • High SPF, reef-safe sunscreen
- • Wide-brimmed hat preferred
- • Hydrate constantly
- • Use cart towels for cooling
💡 Essential Tips
- #1 Rule: "Swing easy"
- Best Tee Times: Early morning
- Key Skill: Reading grain
- Pack: Extra water
🌤️ Daily Patterns
- 6-8 AM: Calm, cool
- 9 AM-12 PM: Moderate winds
- 12-3 PM: Strong trades
- Afternoon: Hottest, windiest
🗺️ Golf Courses
🌺 Aloha Spirit
Remember, golf in Hawaii isn't just about your score. It's about connecting with the ʻāina (land) and experiencing the beauty of paradise.
— Leilani's Hawaiian Golf Philosophy