Kauai Golf Courses — Map, Fees & Local Guide

For a 33-mile-wide island, Kauai punches far above its weight in golf. The Garden Isle has eight notable courses across four categories — public daily-fee, resort, municipal, and private — ranging from Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones Jr. signature layouts to a scrappy 9-hole hilltop course locals swear by. If you're planning your tee times before you fly, the map above shows every course and where it sits on the island.

Below is the guide we wish we'd had for our first Kauai golf trip: what to expect from each shore's courses, when to tee off, and how to handle the trade winds and afternoon showers that shape every round.

Courses by shore

South shore (Poipu): Poipu Bay Golf Course (former PGA Grand Slam host) and Kiahuna Golf Club anchor the sunniest, driest golf on the island. If the north or east shore is rained out, Poipu is usually playable.

North shore (Princeville): Makai Golf Club and the surrounding Princeville layouts deliver the postcard shots — ocean cliffs, taro valleys, and Bali Hai in the background. Wetter than the south, but the views are unmatched.

East shore (Lihue / Wailua): Wailua Golf Course is the municipal option — walkable, oceanfront, and consistently ranked one of the best value public courses in the country. Puakea Golf Course sits inland and plays through a former plantation valley.

West shore (Waimea): Small-course territory. Kukuiolono Park on the hill above Kalaheo is a 9-hole donation-based course with 360° views that locals fiercely protect — it's a Kauai experience more than a golf destination.

Best time to tee off

Book the earliest slot you can. Trade winds pick up mid-morning and can turn a calm morning round into a 25-mph battle by noon. Afternoon showers are common on the north and east shores from November through March. First tee times also mean faster rounds — pace slows dramatically after 9am at the resort courses.

Weather and dress

Kauai's weather changes fast. Bring a light rain shell in your bag — it may rain for 10 minutes and then dry off completely. Sunscreen (reef-safe if you'll swim after), a hat, and 25% more water than you think you need. Most courses enforce collared shirts and non-metal spikes.

Booking & pricing

Resort courses (Poipu Bay, Makai, Princeville) run $180–$300+ in peak season with twilight rates often 30–50% cheaper. Wailua Municipal is the standout value — typically under $50 with a cart, and playing along the ocean. Book 2–4 weeks out for peak season; walk-ups are sometimes possible at Wailua and Kukuiolono.

Frequently asked questions

What's the best public course on Kauai?

Wailua Golf Course (municipal) for value and character — oceanfront and consistently ranked among the top public courses in the country. Poipu Bay for a premium resort round.

Can I walk instead of taking a cart?

Wailua Municipal and Kukuiolono allow walking. Most resort courses are cart-required — the routing between holes and the elevation make walking impractical.

Do I need to book far in advance?

For peak season (Dec–Apr, Jun–Aug), 2–4 weeks out for resort courses. Shoulder season is often bookable a few days ahead.

Are clubs available to rent?

Yes — every course listed here rents clubs. Quality varies; premium resort courses typically offer newer sets.

What if it rains?

Kauai showers pass quickly. Most rounds continue through a shower; refunds are rare. Bring a small towel and a rain shell and keep playing.

Kauai golf.