The Ocean Course at Hokuala
Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii 96766
Kauai County
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.
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.
At same facility
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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
- Week days: $179 - $219
- Weekends: $179 - $219
- Tee times from $179 - Check prices
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
- 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. - 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
- 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.
- 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...... - 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. - 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.
And front is beautiful jungle layout with gorgeous views and carry’s that are tough. Blessed to have played any round in Kauai.