Ko'olau Golf Club

4.5 stars out of 5
(based on 7 reviews)
See all reviews | Submit your rating
45-550 Kionaole Rd
Kaneohe, Oahu, Hawaii 96744
Honolulu County
USA
Phone(s): (808) 236-4653
Web: www.koolaugolfclub.com

Tropical splendor stars at Ko'olau Golf Club in eastern Oahu. The Dick Nugent-designed course encompasses three distinct climate zones and is carved out of a tropical rain forest. The course, located on the side of a mountain range, features winding ravines, elevation changes and picturesque views of waterfalls.

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Beauty meets tropical splendor at Ko'olau Golf Club in eastern Oahu.

Ko'olau Golf Club encompasses three distinct climate zones and is carved out of a tropical rain forest on the side of a 2,000-foot mountain range. The golf course features winding ravines, memorable elevation changes and exceptional views of waterfalls.

The targets for the holes are ravines, and the rugged landscape also features lush vegetation and gigantic sand bunkers. With a slope rating of 152, the Dick Nugent-designed course is considered the toughest in the nation, and it was named in 1997 by Golf Digest as one of the top two golf courses in Hawaii.

Before you hit the golf course, hone your swing at the five-acre practice facility. Amenities include a natural grass driving range, an elevated chipping green and a two-tier putting green. Golfers can also enjoy an elegant clubhouse that features a full-service pro shop and a golf school. End the day at Honey's, restaurant that's been drawing crowds for years. The eatery was also the career birthplace of Don Ho.

4.5 stars out of 5
(based on 7 reviews)
See all reviews | Submit your rating

Koolau

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Golf course details

  • Holes: 18
  • Designed by: Dick Nugent
  • Public/Private: Public
  • Year opened: 1992
  • Golf Season: Year round
  • Guest Policy: Open
  • Tee times welcomed: Yes
  • Fairways: Bahia
  • Greens: Bahia

Facilities

  • Pro in house: Yes
  • Driving range: Yes
  • Rental clubs: Yes
  • Rental carts: Included in fee

Green fees price ranges

Course policies

  • Metal spikes allowed: Yes
  • Dress code:
  • Credit cards accepted: VISA, MasterCard, Amex Welcomed

Length, slope and rating for each tee

Tee Par Yardage Slope Rating
Tournament 72 7310 152 75.7
Forward 72 5102 129 72.9
Championship 72 6797 145 73.5
Resort 72 6406 138 71.7
 

Reader Ratings / Reviews

  • 5 stars out of 5
    by Lewis Greer
    on June 11th, 2010 14:09
    If you love beautiful and challenging golf courses, you have to play Ko'olau.

    I'd read for years about just how tough it was and frankly was a little intimidated, but decided I had to see for myself. I am glad I did.

    On the first hole I pulled one left into a hazard, dropped a ball with a penalty stroke, and played the rest of the day with that ball. A moral victory!

    The course was not crowded at all (weekday), so I also took several pictures on the first and second holes. I could have done that all the way around, because the holes and the vistas were amazing.

    I played the first 14 alone and the last four with a local. He said a lot of the locals don't play there because it is too difficult. It holds its own, but it is fair. Just keep the ball in front of you and enjoy the views.

    The course was in excellent condition, the staff was very friendly and helpful, and I can't wait to go back again.
  • 5 stars out of 5
    by j long
    on April 21st, 2010 12:11
    best golf course ive ever played i have now traveled back to oahu 5 times in the past 5 years. the one reason why is ko'olau golf club.
  • 4 stars out of 5
    by Scott
    on March 27th, 2010 20:41
    Without a doubt the hardest course I have ever played. This course challenges every part of your game instead of gripping and ripping you have to be smart and leave the driver in the bag on alot of holes. I now know why the professionals avoid this place. I had the time of my life though and will be back out to play it again "SOON".
  • 4.5 stars out of 5
    by Wm. Lin
    on March 05th, 2010 11:19
    Superb challenge...every hole unique...best deal on the island for locals and visitors alike. The course provides a good measure for your game. Current management team is doing a good job on improving playability and making the course an enjoyable experience. Never a bad choice to play Ko'olau Golf Course.
  • 5 stars out of 5
    by Ho Chien Mien
    on February 21st, 2010 19:35
    Played there in 2004. It was the most spectacular course I played in Oahu. Very scenic and very challenging. Very reasonably priced too for such a fantastic golf course.
  • 4.5 stars out of 5
    by young kim
    on January 17th, 2010 18:46
    we played twice in this course. absolute gem with beautiful scenery.
    other than dampness during wet winter season, I will rate this one better than other well known, over- priced courses around other islands.
  • 4 stars out of 5
    by David Dimmich
    on January 08th, 2010 07:18
    We played Ko'olau during the winter, which is the wet season, so the course was damp, but absolutely the most scenic track I've ever been on. It's very difficult, but I knew that going in, and I was there for the experience, not the score. Some of the holes are simply breathtaking, and you often catch yourself just standing and looking around, instead of concentrating on your game.

    It's the only course I've ever played in the islands, but I'd play it again in a heartbeat.
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