The Ocean Course at Hokuala

4 stars out of 5
(based on 11 reviews)
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3351 Hoolaulea Way
Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii 96766
Kauai County
Phone(s): (808) 647-2800
Web: www.golfhokuala.com

The Ocean Course at Hokuala is known for having the longest stretch of continuous oceanfront holes in all of Hawaii. You'll find half a mile of stunning ocean vistas on what MSN Travel has called one of the world's most beautiful golf courses.

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A view from The Ocean Course at Hokuala.Aeria view from The Ocean Course at HokualaA view from The Ocean Course at Hokuala.View from the 5th tee at The Ocean Course at HokualaKauai Lagoons Golf Club's 4th green is surrounded by bunkers and mounding. No. 10 begins a stretch of holes from the former Mokihana course. The par-5 14th hole on Kauai Lagoons plays towards the coast and into the trade winds. Kauai Lagoons Golf Club is located next to the Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach.Kauai Lagoons Golf Club's original 36 holes were designed by Jack Nicklaus. The par-5 2nd hole plays uphill at Kauai Lagoons Golf Club. Animal statues sit at every tee box of the former Kiele holes, like the third hole: Kauai Lagoons Golf Club's par-3 fifth hole is a daring shot over a ravine. The par-3 eighth hole on Kauai Lagoons plays downhill to a green guarded by water.The final two holes play along the lagoon at Kauai Lagoons Golf Club.The fairway of Kauai Lagoons Golf Club's par-4 16th hole narrows and heads downhill towards the green.Kauai Lagoons Golf Club's 16th green is drivable off the tee but most balls kick left into the ocean. The par-3 17th hole at Kauai Lagoons Golf Club plays over water. Kauai Lagoons Golf Club's 18th hole is a long par 4 that requires carry over water and into the trade winds.Kauai Lagoons Golf Club on Kauai got three new holes in a recent renovation, including the par-3 fifth on the Kiele Moana nine.Kiele Mauka, the inland nine, is usually the opening course at Kauai Lagoons G.C. This is the opening hole, a 438-yard par 4.Large bunkers provide protection on the par-4 third on the Kiele Mauka nine at Kauai Lagoons Golf Club.Here's the tee shot on the 216-yard par-3 fifth on the Kiele Mauka nine at Kauai Lagoons G.C.Hit a good tee shot over the ravine on the short par-5 sixth Kauai Lagoons' Kiele Mauka nine and you can reach the green in two.The eighth on Kauai Lagoons' Kiele Mauka nine is a medium-length par 3 with a small green protected by water and a bunker.One of the toughest holes at Kauai Lagoons G.C. is the 459-yard, par-4 ninth on the Kiele Mauka nine.The easiest hole at Kauai Lagoons Golf Club is the 367-yard par-4 third on the Kiele Moana nine.The par-4 fourth on Kauai Lagoons' Kiele Moana nine heads out to the ocean.You putt above the Pacific on the green of the par-3 fifth on Kauai Lagoons' Kiele Moana nine.Looking back from the tee box of Kauai Lagoons' Kiele Moana fifth is the Ninini Point Lighthouse, which was built in 1906.The difficult 473-yard, par-4 sixth on Kauai Lagoons' Kiele Moana nine does play shorter than its yardage.The short par-4 seventh on Kauai Lagoons' Kiele Moana nine is drivable, but it comes with great risk.The finishing hole at Kauai Lagoons Golf Club (Kiele Moana's ninth) is the no. 2 handicap hole on the course.
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The Ocean Course at Hokuala is known for having the longest stretch of continuous oceanfront holes in all of Hawaii. You'll find half a mile of stunning ocean vistas on what MSN Travel has called one of the world's most beautiful golf courses. The layout meanders through forests of mango and guava trees, and then skirts along the Pacific. Located on the southeastern coast of Kauai, the course is conveniently situated near Lihue Airport and next to Nawiliwili Harbor.

The Ocean Course was formerly the 27-hole Kauai Lagoons course, but the Jack Nicklaus Signature design received a major update in 2015 that shortened it to 18 of the best holes from the original layout. The course renovation was part of an expansion of the entire Kauai Lagoons resort community that included the addition of a new clubhouse and restoration of the lagoon waterways. The resort's aptly chosen new name, Hokuala, is Hawaiian for "rising star."

The new 18-hole course still has all the unique qualities of a Jack Nicklaus Signature layout. There is even a challenging stretch of holes known as Amen Corner. The front nine starts out gently but steadily becomes more difficult, incorporating more forced carries and especially tough par 3s. The first half of the golf course is set within a lush jungle and while the tropical scenery is stunning, the coastal back nine is what the course has become known for. The oceanfront views are unrivaled even in Hawaii where there is no shortage of beautiful scenery. The waterfront location also means that the tradewinds really come into play on these holes. In addition to the wind, you'll be faced with water hazards in the form of inland lagoons and numerous bunkers strategically placed throughout. Though the course has some tough holes, it's one of the more playable Nicklaus resort courses.

4 stars out of 5
(based on 11 reviews)
See all reviews | Submit your rating

Golf course details

  • Holes: 18
  • Designed by: Jack Nicklaus, Jack Nicklaus
  • Public/Private: Resort
  • Year opened: 1988
  • Golf Season: Year round
  • Guest Policy: Open
  • Tee times welcomed: Yes
  • Fairways: Bermuda Grass
  • Greens: TifEagle Grass

Facilities

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

Green fees price ranges

Course policies

  • Metal spikes allowed: No
  • Dress code: Standard golf attire is required at Ocean Course at Hokuala. No t-shirts, tank tops, halter tops, cut-off shorts or denim. Covered footwear or golf specific sandals only.
  • Credit cards accepted: VISA, MasterCard, Amex Welcomed

Length, slope and rating for each tee

Tee Par Yardage Slope Rating
Ke'oke'o (White) 72 6257 130 71.6
Ke'oke'o (White) (W) 72 6257 136 77
'Alani (Orange) 72 5369 122 67.5
Polu (Blue) 72 6681 134 73.5
'Alani (Orange) (W) 72 5369 124 72.4
Blue 72 6681 133 72.4
'Ele'ele (Black) 72 7156 142 76.2
 

Reader Ratings / Reviews

  • 5 stars out of 5
    by Page
    on December 07th, 2017 14:40
    From the club house to the best starter u will ever meet Ricky friendly staff they made for and amazing rounds of golf best service great food ocean views back nine are stunning the in
    And front is beautiful jungle layout with gorgeous views and carry’s that are tough. Blessed to have played any round in Kauai.
  • 5 stars out of 5
    by Linda Ermalinski
    on May 12th, 2017 06:20
    Beautiful course. I have playing here for many years and I would say the course is the best it has ever been. The course has a couple of signature holes that will make you want to come back. It is a little pricey but you are in Hawaii.
  • 5 stars out of 5
    by Steve Solomon
    on May 07th, 2014 19:59
    We've been coming to Kauai for over 15 years and have always looked forward to playing Kauai Lagoons.

    Excellent, friendly staff and the course is phenomenal and one of the best in Hawaii. A great test of golf and the course is always in excellent condition. Call ahead to check aeration schedule.
  • 1 stars out of 5
    by Steven Harker
    on April 22nd, 2013 21:46
    Avoid this poorly run golf course. The golf attendants (Ed) are rude and could care less about the patrons and it shows. The inland course is poorly groomed and I'm sure Jack Nickalas would be assumed of the course he designed. Management did not seem to care about our complaints. There are many other great golf venues on the island, avoid this one
  • 4.5 stars out of 5
    by Terry M from Australia
    on March 18th, 2013 15:38
    What a course. Played Kauai Lagoons 2/21/13. Staff were great. Course was in great condition. The inland nine is a resort style layout with generous fairways & large & receptive greens. Playing from the Tournament tees, the course is toughened once the Tradewinds kick in. Forced carries over ravines of jungle add to the diffculty, but also add to the feeling of satisfaction if negotiated without incident. Turning into the wind the Kiele Ocean Nine is a huge contrast to the iinland nine. Playing two holes into the wind before turning south down the coast, this nine is a challenge in distance control, club selection and accuracy off the tee. The stretch of holes from 13-16 is some of the most spectacular scenery and challenging golf design you could hope to find.From the 14th's carry over the ocean and cliffs, regardless of the tee played, to the risk/reward of possibly knocking it on the green with a well placed drive on 16,this course will challenge high-handicappers and low-markers alike,(play from a tee suited to your abilities, you will enjoy the day so much more). Turning back into the wind for 17,18 is a tough finish, with water carries on both holes.(played 2-3 clubs longer the day i played) Overall, from the moment I stepped off the bus, the staff did all they could to ensure a fantastic day, the course was in excellent condition, the practice facilities were great, I played some good golf (78 off 6 handicap with wind and a little rain), and the Mai Tai at the finish was awesome. What more could you want.
  • 5 stars out of 5
    by Darrel Clement
    on February 10th, 2012 08:24
    The deceptive first and manageable par 5 second hole is a great warm-up going into the Amen corner holes of 3-6. What a great challenge. If there is any wind at all (and there will be), swallow your pride and play one tee box forward of where you play at home. You will enjoy the course so much more and be able to relax and take in the truly unique character of this Nicklaus gem. The second nine starts reasonably enough leading to the ocean stretch of 13-16. We were fortunate to come to the 13th green just as several humpback whales got into a breaching and splashing contest just behind the hole. We held up play a little to watch...WOW. Miss long on the par 3 14th across the inlet; grip it and rip it on 15 and then play smart and lay-up from the tee to 100 yds short of 16, the signature hole. Big hitters can drive it but your living room rug is larger than the green with nowhere to miss other than the Pacific.

    We absolutely love this facility and the staff are magnificent. We will play this again and again and again and......
  • 4 stars out of 5
    by Mick Toller
    on May 17th, 2010 16:56
    The first nine are good holes, particularly the 5th, and the last three are stunning and fun. At the moment though the course is let down by 10-15, which are pretty dull. It will be five star course again when they are replaced by the original holes, but at the moment it looks like development has stalled through lack of money.
    Excellent rental clubs - new Taylor Made - the best in Kauai.
  • 4 stars out of 5
    by Chad
    on April 02nd, 2010 22:46
    A lot of fun to play a Nicklaus course, I don't have anywhere I live.
  • 4 stars out of 5
    by B. Tucker
    on April 02nd, 2010 19:59
    I played here two years ago when the finishing stretch of Kiele was not available for play. Now it is, starting with the incredible 16th hole, and it's a lot better. 17 & 18 are tough holes on the lagoon. Though the course still has some work to do before it can get the signature 13th hole back into the rotation, the current set is still solid.
  • 4 stars out of 5
    by Tim R
    on March 26th, 2010 10:26
    I came in on a cruise ship and saw hole 16. I decided then and there that I would return to play that hole. I did and it was great. The whole course is beautiful especially those holes that hug the coast.
  • 3.5 stars out of 5
    by Kim
    on January 10th, 2010 23:11
    Very beautiful. Has been under construction but still worth playing.
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