Articles

Discover Over 80 Golf Courses in Hawaii
by Roy Witman © 2008

Anyone who plays golf understands the passion involved with the game. Movies have been made about it in every vein from the comedy of Caddyshack to the drama of The Legend of Bagger Vance and the action of The Greatest Game Ever Played. Household names developed from the athletes who perfected the game, including Bobby Jones, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. The PGA, LPGA and Champions tours all hit Hawaii courses repeatedly every year. Playing Hawaii is the ultimate in beauty, strategy and ego!

All six of the Hawaiian Islands deliver exceptional golf to millions of tourists and pros. Thanks to the mild climate, every season is golf season. The question is, will you be able to play? One glimpse across many a fairway and you'll come face to face with some of the most show-stopping scenery you've ever encountered. Peer across electric-blue water edged by soot-black lava rock with palms swaying in the breeze. Go ahead; take your shot- if you can.

Golf on Oahu

You'll have ample opportunities to play during your visit regardless of the island on which you stay. Oahu boasts nine courses including the famed Turtle Bay Golf Club courses. The Arnold Palmer course is home to the PGA Champions Tour. This par 72 has over 800 acres. The George Fazio course is the only Fazio course in Hawaii and delivers stunning ocean views on repeated holes.

Kauai Golf

Eight courses give you a diverse selection to choose from. With two Jack Nicklaus courses, one Robert Trent Jones, Jr. course, one course with the most spectacular views in the world and one that was used in the filming of Jurassic Park, you can truly say you've played the best. Situated between grandiose mountains and crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, Kauai treats visitors to a magical golf kingdom.

Lanai & Molokai Golf

Lanai's two courses are must-plays for any golfer. Golf legend Greg Norman and famed architect Ted Robinson teamed to create Experience at Koele, a Four Seasons property. With lush greens and amazing mountain views that seem to stretch on forever, this par 72 is as much a photo opp as it is a golf course. You'll also want to take advantage of the Jack Nicklaus signature links-style course - The Challenge at Manele - while you're on Lanai. Ocean views from every hole lend themselves to an exciting afternoon surrounded by gorgeous scenery.

Molokai also offers two courses, one designed by Ted Robinson and the other at a 1,200-foot elevation with exceptional views.

Golf on Maui

The Royal Kaanapali Golf Course on Maui is home to the 2008 Wendy's Champion Skins Game as well as the three award-winning Wailea courses: Blue, Emerald and Gold. With a total of eight courses to choose from, you're guaranteed to find some of the most outstanding holes in the world.

While each island offers golf packages on its own, the best way to enjoy everything all six islands offer is to tour Hawaii's golf courses via cruise ship. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) was recently named the newest partner of the PGA TOUR and the Champions Tour. NCL's Golf Hawaii program gives golfers special amenities and packages that help them live out their golf dreams in royal style.

Read more about Hawaii Cruises.