Luana Hills Golf and Country Club on Oahu

[EDITOR'S NOTE: THIS COURSE IS NOW KNOWN AS ROYAL HAWAIIAN GOLF CLUB.]

KAILUA, Hawaii -- Luana Hills Golf and Country Club is one of the most unusual and lush golf courses in the world.

Designed by Pete Dye, Luana Hills is carved out of a jungle on the eastern side of Oahu. With the Koolau Mountains in the background, the scenery is constant, and so is the treachery. For first-timers, the golf course can be intimidating, and it plays way longer than its posted 6,600 yards. In fact, even top players usually play it one tee up because of the difficulty of the shots.

Still, if you can get by the front nine with a reasonable score, there are opportunities on the back nine, which sits in a valley and is more protected from the wind. Patience here is the key. Bring plenty of golf balls and Luana Hills Golf and Country Club will be an experience you won't soon forget.

Luana Hills Golf and Country Club - hole 1

From the get-go, you find out you have to hit precise shots at Luana Hills Golf and Country Club.

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Luana Hills Golf and C.C. - hole 11

The par-3 11th at Luana Hills Golf and Country Club on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.

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Luana Hills Golf and Country Club

The towering Koolau Mountains are a spectacular backdrop to Luana Hills Golf Club on Oahu.

Mike Bailey/WorldGolf.com

Luana Hills golf course - hole 13

At just over 400 yards, the 13th hole at Luana Hills Golf and Country Club is one of the most unusual and difficult par 5s you'll ever play.

Mike Bailey/WorldGolf.com

Luana Hills Golf and Country Club - hole 2

From behind the green, the short 569-yard par-5 second hole at Luana Hills Golf and Country Club isn't exactly a pushover.

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Luana Hills Golf and Country Club - hole 3

The island par-3 third at Luana Hills Golf and Country Club presents a very small target usually affected by wind.

Mike Bailey/WorldGolf.com

Luana Hills Golf and C.C. - hole 5

The 555-yard par-5 fifth hole at Luana Hills Golf and Country Club plays uphill off the tee.

Mike Bailey/WorldGolf.com

Luana Hills Golf & Country Club - hole 10

Even without an ocean view, Luana Hills Golf and Country Club is one of the most stunning golf courses in Hawaii.

Mike Bailey/WorldGolf.com

Luana Hills G. & C.C. - hole 18

Don't miss the green left on the par-4 finishing hole at Luana Hills Golf and Country Club on Oahu.

Mike Bailey/WorldGolf.com

Luana Hills Golf and Country Club - hole 10

Once you get to the par-4 10th hole, Luana Hills Golf and Country Club actually gets easier, but not much.

Mike Bailey/WorldGolf.com

Luana Hills Golf and Country Club - hole 16

The par-3 16th at Luana Hills Golf and Country Club is 218 yards, but because of the drop-off from the tee, it plays three or four clubs shorter than its yardage.

Mike Bailey/WorldGolf.com

Luana Hills Golf and Country Club - hole 18

There's not much of a target from the tee on the par-4 18th at Pete Dye's Luana Hills Golf and Country Club.

Mike Bailey/WorldGolf.com