A star on Kauai's south shore: Poipu Bay Golf Course is one of Hawaii's most scenic plays
Poipu Bay Golf Course is one of Hawaii's most scenic plays, set on 210 acres of all-natural terrain on Kauai's south shore. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., the golf course hosted the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from 1994-2006 and plays at more than 7,100 yards from the championship tees.
The tradewinds often play a big factor at Poipu Bay Golf Course, and the design reflects such. Many holes with the tradewinds at your back are long par 4s and par 5s but play much shorter. Consequently, holes into the tradewinds are generally shorter. The golf course is most known for its finishing holes along the ocean, starting with the 15th hole through the par-3 17th. The 18th hole plays back inland toward the clubhouse.
In the spring of 2010, Poipu Bay Golf Course closed for renovations and is expected to open in December. The golf course sits next to the Grand Hyatt, set on 50 oceanfront acres and home to the Anara Spa. The resort is also upgrading its guest rooms in 2010.
![The par-3 seventh hole is the shortest hole at Poipu Bay Golf Course.](/photo-galleries/images/small/33847.jpg)
![The par-4 12th hole at Poipu Bay Golf Course plays gently uphill and usually into the trade winds.](/photo-galleries/images/small/33848.jpg)
![The 15th hole at Poipu Bay Golf Course is a straightaway, downhill par 4.](/photo-galleries/images/small/33849.jpg)
![The par-4 16th hole wraps around the coastline at Poipu Bay Golf Course on Kauai's south shore.](/photo-galleries/images/small/33850.jpg)
![Holes 15 through 17 all hug the Kauai south shore coastline at Poipu Bay Golf Course on Kauai's south shore.](/photo-galleries/images/small/33851.jpg)
![The 16th hole is considered Poipu Bay Golf Course's signature hole.](/photo-galleries/images/small/33852.jpg)
![The par-3 17th hole at Poipu Bay Golf Course plays up to 225 yards from the championship tees.](/photo-galleries/images/small/33853.jpg)
![The closing stretch at Poipu Bay Golf Course generally plays with the trade winds at your back.](/photo-galleries/images/small/33854.jpg)
![The par-5 18th hole at Poipu Bay Golf Course plays back off the coast toward the clubhouse.](/photo-galleries/images/small/33855.jpg)
![Black, ancient stone rock walls, known as heiaus, can be spotted at numerous spots at Poipu Bay Golf Course on Kauai's south shore.](/photo-galleries/images/small/33856.jpg)