Princeville Makai Golf Club
4.4
•107 reviews•⛳ 18 holes•championship•$$$ocean viewmountain backdropsignature par 3 over cliffs
touristsadvanced playersall skill levels
🌺 Why Kai Loves It
I've played my fair share of courses on Kauai, but Princeville Makai Golf Club absolutely blows me away every time! 🏌️ This Robert Trent Jones Jr. masterpiece sits on the North Shore with some of the most jaw-dropping oceanfront holes you'll ever experience. The course winds through native woodlands and along dramatic coastal bluffs, offering incredible views of Hanalei Bay and the Pacific. What makes Makai special is how it balances challenge with pure beauty. The 2009-2010 renovation really elevated the experience – the Seashore Paspalum turf is pristine, and with six different tee options, everyone from beginners to scratch golfers can enjoy it. The par-72 layout stretches up to 7,223 yards, but honestly, you'll be so distracted by the scenery you might forget to keep score! I'd recommend this course to anyone wanting that quintessential Hawaiian golf experience. Sure, it's pricier than municipal courses, but you're paying for world-class conditions and views that'll make your Instagram followers jealous. Pro tip: book an afternoon tee time if possible – the lighting on those oceanfront holes during golden hour is absolutely magical ⛳ The trade winds can pick up, so bring an extra club for coastal holes!
Course Details
Princeville Makai Golf Club on Kauai’s North Shore is renowned for its spectacular oceanfront setting, world-class design, and memorable playing experience. Below is a detailed, well-sourced overview addressing each aspect of your research request.
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Course Overview
- Designer and Year Built/Renovated
- Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. as his first solo project, the course opened in 1971 and underwent a major $6 million renovation in 2009–2010, also overseen by Jones Jr.
- Course Layout and Style
- 18-hole, par-72 championship course stretching up to 7,223 yards from the tips, with six sets of tees to accommodate all skill levels.
- The layout winds through native woodlands, serene freshwater lakes, and along dramatic coastal bluffs, offering both oceanfront and inland holes.
- Seashore Paspalum turf is used on all fairways and greens, providing a lush, resilient playing surface.
- Signature Holes
- The 7th hole is the standout: a 213-yard par 3 requiring a tee shot over a cliff to a green surrounded by white bunkers, with panoramic views of the Pacific and mountains.
- Other memorable holes include the 3rd (par 3, downhill to a water-guarded green) and the 14th (short par 4 returning to the ocean).
- Overall Difficulty and USGA Rating
- Slope: 134 from the back tees, indicating a challenging but fair test for skilled golfers.
- The course is designed to be playable for all levels, with multiple tee options and strategic bunkering.
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Playing Experience
- What Makes This Course Unique
- Six oceanfront holes and sweeping views of Hanalei Bay and Bali Hai set it apart from most courses in Hawaii.
- The blend of tropical flora, dramatic elevation changes, and coastal cliffs creates a visually stunning and varied round.
- Best Time of Year to Play
- Year-round play is possible, but the driest, most pleasant months are April–October. Winter can bring more rain, especially on Kauai’s North Shore.
- Typical Pace of Play
- Expect a 4.5–5 hour round during peak times, as the scenery encourages photo stops and the course attracts many visitors.
- Dress Code and Etiquette
- Collared shirts and golf attire are required; denim, swimwear, and tank tops are not permitted.
- Standard golf etiquette applies—respect pace of play, repair ball marks, and rake bunkers.
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Scenery & Setting
- Ocean Views, Mountain Views, Tropical Features
- The course offers unmatched vistas of the Pacific Ocean, Hanalei Bay, and the Na Pali Coast.
- Lush tropical landscaping, native woodlands, and serene lakes are integrated throughout.
- Wildlife Commonly Seen
- Endangered Hawaiian birds such as the nene (Hawaiian goose) and albatross are frequently spotted, especially near the coastal holes.
- Best Photo Opportunities
- The 7th hole is the most photographed, with its cliffside green and ocean backdrop.
- Sunset rounds offer dramatic lighting over Hanalei Bay and Bali Hai.
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Pricing & Value
- Typical Green Fees (Range)
- $250–$350 per round for visitors, with rates varying by season and time of day.
- Twilight rates (after 2–3pm) are often available at a discount, typically $175–$225.
- What’s Included
- Golf cart with GPS, use of the practice facility, and range balls are included in the green fee.
- Rental clubs (premium Callaway sets) are available for an additional fee.
- Is It Worth the Price?
- The course is consistently ranked among the Top 100 Public Courses in America and is considered a bucket-list experience for its scenery and conditioning.
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Amenities
- Clubhouse Facilities
- Modern clubhouse with locker rooms, showers, and event spaces.
- Practice Facilities
- Extensive practice area: two large tees, a fairway bunker, seven target greens, a teaching tee, and a short game complex.
- Pro Shop
- Well-stocked with top golf brands (Travis Mathew, Peter Millar, Adidas, etc.) and logo merchandise.
- Restaurant/Bar
- On-site restaurant and bar with indoor/outdoor seating and panoramic views of the course and ocean.
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Insider Tips
- Best Tee Times to Book
- Early morning for calm winds and fewer crowds, or late afternoon for sunset views and twilight rates.
- Local Knowledge About Specific Holes
- On the 7th hole, club up to account for wind off the ocean and don’t miss left—anything short is lost to the cliffs.
- The 14th hole is drivable for long hitters, but the smart play is a layup to avoid trouble.
- How to Prepare
- Bring rain gear (showers can pass quickly), sunscreen, and a camera.
- Book tee times well in advance, especially in peak season.
- Common Mistakes Tourists Make
- Underestimating the wind, especially on ocean holes.
- Not allowing extra time for photos and enjoying the scenery.
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Who Should Play Here
- Skill Level Recommendations
- The course is playable for all skill levels due to multiple tee options, but low handicappers will appreciate the challenge from the back tees.
- Best For
- Couples and groups seeking a memorable golf experience.
- Solo golfers are welcome and can often be paired.
- Families: Juniors are welcome, and rental sets are available for all ages.
- Accessibility for Non-Golfers
- Non-golfers can enjoy the clubhouse, restaurant, and spectacular views.
- The club offers Sunset Golf Cart Tours for sightseeing, and the adjacent 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay provides luxury amenities, spa, and dining for spouses or family members not golfing.
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Princeville Makai Golf Club is widely regarded as one of the most scenic and enjoyable golf experiences in Hawaii, offering a blend of world-class golf, breathtaking scenery, and top-tier amenities.
Course Information
North Shore
4080 Lei O Papa Rd, Princeville, HI 96722, USA
Holes18
Difficultychampionship
Price Range$$$