The Legendary North Shore: Princeville Makai Golf Club
Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s crowning jewel on the edge of paradise
Written by a Local Golf Expert
Jade KawanuiThe Legendary North Shore: Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s Crowning Jewel
The North Shore of Kauai is a different world. It's wilder, lusher, and possesses a raw, mystical beauty. The mountains are sharper, the rain falls a little more frequently, and the golf is absolutely epic. Here, you'll find one of the most visually stunning courses on the planet.
Princeville Makai Golf Club: Golfing on the Edge of the World
The Vibe & Scenery
Prepare to have your breath taken away. Perched on the cliffs above the legendary Hanalei Bay, the Princeville Makai Golf Club is, without exaggeration, one of the most stunning golf settings in the world. This was Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s first-ever solo design, and it's clear he was inspired by the epic scale of the landscape.
The views are relentless: the iconic, waterfall-draped mountains of the Hanalei region (often called Bali Hai), the turquoise bay, and the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. It's no surprise that Golf Digest ranked it among the Top 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses in America and National Geographic Traveler named it one of the "Top 5 Great Golf Settings" in the world.
The experience is defined by this constant interplay between the challenging golf course and the overwhelmingly beautiful, and often distracting, scenery. Many first-time visitors find themselves so captivated by the views that they forget to focus on their golf game—a delightful problem to have.
Strategy Session: Course Layout & Signature Holes
After a major renovation in 2010, the Makai course emerged with pristine Seashore Paspalum turf and re-contoured bunkers, making it a modern masterpiece. The RTJ Jr. design philosophy is on full display, with strategic bunkering, serene lakes, and a routing that uses the natural contours of the land to create six spectacular oceanfront holes.
The course measures 7,223 yards from the championship tees and plays to a par 72. The slope rating of 134 from the blue tees reflects the challenge presented by both the design and the ever-present trade winds.
Hole 3, Par 3
An early taste of the drama to come. This beautiful downhill par three offers stunning views of the mountains and Hanalei Bay. The green is nestled between a lake on the right and bunkers and jungle everywhere else. Club selection is everything, as the downhill nature of the hole can add significant distance to your shot.
The par-4 6th hole represents a turning point in the round, where the course begins its march toward the ocean. Playing 434 yards from the blue tees, it requires a precise tee shot to a fairway that slopes dramatically from right to left. The approach shot is played to a green that's framed by the first glimpses of Hanalei Bay.
Hole 7, Par 3: The Signature Hole
This is the hole you see in the magazines, and it's even more dramatic in person. It's a long par three that requires a tee shot of over 200 yards from the back tees, carrying entirely over a chasm of the Pacific Ocean to a green perched on the cliffs.
My tip: The 7th hole is the one you'll tell your friends about for years. The wind is almost always a factor, and it typically blows from left to right, pushing your ball towards the ocean. My advice is to take one extra club to be safe, aim for the left-center of the green, and make a confident, committed swing. A timid shot here is guaranteed to end in disaster, but a purely struck iron that finds the green is one of the most satisfying feelings in golf.
The middle section of the course moves inland through rolling hills and past serene ponds. The par-5 10th hole is a strategic masterpiece, playing 561 yards and requiring three well-placed shots to reach a green protected by water and bunkers.
Hole 14, Par 4
A fantastic short par four that was redesigned to be more strategic. It plays along the cliffs and requires a precise layup to set up the best angle to a green sandwiched between a bunker and the ocean. The temptation is to try to drive the green, but the smart play is a mid-iron off the tee.
The par-3 17th hole provides another stunning ocean carry, playing 180 yards over a rocky coastline to a green that seems to float above the Pacific. The backdrop of the Na Pali Coast creates one of the most photographed settings in golf.
Hole 18, Par 5
A great finishing hole that brings water into play twice. An aggressive tee shot over the lake on the left can set up a chance to go for the green in two, but that approach is all carry over another lake to a shallow green. It's a classic risk-reward finish that can make or break your round.
The 19th Hole & Beyond
The amenities at Makai are top-notch. The clubhouse features the Makai Grill, which serves breakfast and lunch on a lanai with incredible views of Hanalei Bay. The menu focuses on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and Hawaiian-fusion cuisine that perfectly complements the golf experience.
The practice facility is excellent and has been significantly enhanced with multiple practice tees and a short game area. The driving range faces the mountains and provides a serene setting for warming up before your round.
For a unique experience, the club offers sunset golf cart tours, allowing non-golfers to experience the stunning beauty of the course without having to play. These tours have become incredibly popular with visitors who want to see the scenery but may not be interested in golf.
They've also added the Mauka Disc Golf Course on a separate part of the property, which has become a beloved activity for both visitors and locals. The disc golf course winds through native Hawaiian forest and offers spectacular mountain views.
ℹ️ Quick Info
- Location: North Shore
- Designer: RTJ Jr.
- Par / Yards: 72 / 7,223
- Slope Rating: 127-134
- Price Range: $$$$
⭐ Highlights
- Hanalei Bay views
- 6 oceanfront holes
- Top 100 course
- Makai Grill dining