Oʻahu Golf Courses
The Historic Heart and Bustling Hub of Hawaiian Golf
Written by a Local Golf Expert
Leilani AkoWhere Hawaiian Golf Began
Oʻahu is where it all began. The first swing, the first course, the first handshake at the 19th hole. From the historic, tree-lined fairways of Moanalua, founded in 1898, to the modern resort luxury of the leeward coast, golfing on "The Gathering Place" is a journey through time.
You can play in the shadow of the Koʻolau mountains, where the air is thick with jungle mist, or under the endless sun of the Ewa plain, with Puʻuloa (Pearl Harbor) shimmering in the distance.
From windward jungles to leeward sunshine, Oʻahu offers the most diverse golf experiences in Hawaiʻi. Every course tells the story of the island's unique microclimates and rich history.
Premier Oʻahu Golf Courses
Ko Olina Golf Club
The Vibe: A premier, sun-drenched resort experience on the leeward coast, known for its immaculate conditions and championship pedigree. Ko Olina means "place of joy," and this course lives up to its name.
Designer: The course is a masterpiece of renowned architect Ted Robinson, built in 1990. Robinson's signature water features and multi-tiered greens create a spectacular visual experience.
Landscape: Typical of Robinson's designs, Ko Olina is defined by its spectacular water features, multi-tiered greens, and generous fairways. A key feature is that there are no parallel fairways, giving each hole a feeling of private immersion.
Signature Holes:
- Hole 8: Beautiful par 3 guarded by a large water hazard
- Hole 12: Stunning par 3 where you drive through a cascading waterfall to reach the tee box
- Hole 18: Formidable par 4 finisher with water threatening both tee shot and approach to a severely sloped, two-tiered green
Amenities
- • Top-rated golf academy
- • Full-service locker rooms with jacuzzi
- • Roy's Ko Olina restaurant
- • Complimentary Waikiki shuttle
Rates & Booking
- • Dynamic pricing model
- • Book directly online for best rates
- • Resort guest discounts available
- • Kamaʻāina rates with valid ID
Turtle Bay Resort - Palmer Course
The Vibe: A legendary North Shore championship test against the raw elements of wind and water. This is where you come to challenge yourself against a course that has tested the pros.
Designer: A classic collaboration between Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay that opened in 1992, designed to test players against the natural elements.
Landscape: The Palmer Course is a tale of two distinct nines. The front nine plays like a rugged Scottish Links course, exposed to coastal winds. The back nine transitions into a tropical setting, weaving through the Punahoʻolapa marsh, a natural wetland and bird sanctuary. Water comes into play on 14 of the 18 holes.
Signature Hole:
The par-4 17th hole is the course's iconic challenge. Set against the scenic marsh with panoramic ocean views, it features nine bunkers and requires a precise approach to a well-guarded green.
Resort Amenities
- • "The Breaks" 18-hole seaside putting course
- • 3-hole "Pitch n' Putt" for families
- • Lei Lei's Bar & Grill at the course
- • Golf academy and pro shop
Royal Hawaiian Golf Club ("Jurassic Park")
The Vibe: A wild, untamed adventure into a lush, prehistoric-feeling valley. This is not a gentle resort course. It's a battle against an epic landscape, earning its nickname "Jurassic Park."
Designer: Originally a collaboration between the famously challenging father-son duo of Pete and Perry Dye, the course was later redesigned by Hall of Famer Greg Norman.
Landscape: Just 20 minutes from Waikīkī, the course feels a world away. Molded from the tumbling, dramatic terrain of Maunawili Valley, nestled between Mount Olomana and the fluted cliffs of the Koʻolau Mountains. Ancient jungle with 100-foot trees, natural water features, and swirling winds.
The Challenge:
Known for its difficulty, with a formidable slope rating of 138 from the back tees. The par-3 12th hole is a standout—an island green completely surrounded by dense jungle vegetation, a true test of nerve and accuracy.
Great Value
- • Visitor rate: $180
- • Twilight rates from $125
- • Kamaʻāina weekday rates: $70
- • 45,000-sq-ft clubhouse with full amenities
Oʻahu Golf at a Glance
Ko Olina Golf Club
Leeward • Resort • $$$$ • Manicured perfection
Turtle Bay - Palmer Course
North Shore • Resort • $$$$ • Championship links
Royal Hawaiian GC
Windward • Public • $$$ • "Jurassic Park" adventure
Kapolei Golf Club
Leeward • Public • $$$ • Pro events, water features
Waikele Country Club
Central • Public • $$ • Pearl Harbor views
Hawaii Prince Golf Club
Leeward • Public • $$ • 27 holes Arnold Palmer
Pearl at Kalauao
Central • Public • $$ • Newly renovated
Pali Golf Course
Windward • Municipal • $ • Mountain views
Ala Wai Golf Course
Honolulu • Municipal • $ • World's busiest
Navy-Marine Golf Course
Pearl Harbor • Military • $ • Historic setting
🔗 Explore Hawaiian Golf
ℹ️ Oʻahu Golf Facts
- Total Courses: 25+ courses
- First Course: Moanalua 1898
- Climate Zones: Windward/Leeward
- PGA Events: Sony Open, LOTTE
- Best Value: Municipal courses
🌤️ Oʻahu Weather
- Leeward (Ko Olina) Sunny, dry
- Windward (Royal Hawaiian) Lush, occasional rain
- North Shore (Turtle Bay) Windy, dramatic
- Central (Pearl Harbor) Moderate conditions
⏰ Best Tee Times
- Early morning (6-8 AM) - Calm winds
- Late afternoon (3+ PM) - Twilight rates
- Weekdays - Lower rates, less crowded
- Book 30-90 days ahead