Feel the excitement when you stay at our Kauai vacation rentals and play the new Hokuala Golf Ocean Course near Kalapaki Beach. With a mix of tropical jungle and stunning ocean views, this revamped Jack Niklaus course in Lihue has 18-holes to conquer. Formerly the 27-hole Kauai Lagoons, the new Ocean Course features the best greens of its predecessor and will please the most discerning Kauai golf enthusiast.
Hokuala stands for “rising star” and the Ocean Course lives up to that honor.
Accolades and awards have been coming in since the course reopened. MSN Travel Guide dubbed it one of the world’s most beautiful courses with a half mile of stunning ocean vistas. Golf Digest rated the Ocean Course as 9th best in Hawaii. Zagat Survey called the Ocean Course “Extraordinary to Perfection.”
Play the longest stretch of continuous oceanfront holes in Hawaii.
While the front 9 is set within a lush jungle and will keep you entertained with a mountain backdrop, it is the famous back 9 that are the most interesting and striking with ocean views.
There is a good mix of short and long holes to dare you. The short holes will tempt you to go for it, and on the long holes, you can let loose without fear. Bunkers and water hazards in the form of inland lagoons are strategically placed. Trade winds come into play because of the oceanfront location. Rise to the challenge with Jack Niklaus’ advice to have as little spin as possible when the wind blows.
The Ocean Course signature hole is the 14th, and one of the most beautiful in Hawaii. Its tee shot plays downhill, framed by the harbor and sandy beach.
Hole 16 is the most photographed, with a lighthouse standing on the rocks to the left of the fairway as pictured above. This is golf in paradise, and a course not to be missed on your Kauai vacation.
Hokuala Golf: Ocean Course Information.
Designer: Jack Nicklaus in 1998 with renovations in 2011 and 2016.
Rate Category: Budget – Moderate – Splurge
Over $200 during peak hours. Lower rates later in day. See their Rates and Specials for more details.
Location: Ocean Course is between Lihue Airport and Nawiliwili Harbor at the new Hokuala Resort.
Phone Number: (808) 647-2800.
Learn from PGA Instructors: Inquire about their Hokuala Teaching Center.
Fun for Kids: Try the barefoot mini course for kids of all ages and abilities.
See More Posts on the Best Kauai Golf Courses.
Kiahuna – Tight fairways and stellar greens stand ready to challenge our Kauai vacation rental guests to “18 holes of Aloha.”
Kukuiolono – Called “Kooks” by locals, this decent mid-length, nine hole public course has laid back atmosphere and no scheduled tee time. Best value on Kauai.
Poipu Bay – Named “Pebble Beach of the Pacific” with its PGA Tour pedigree.
Makai Course at Princeville – First course ever designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. now returns to international acclaim.
Wailua – Public course that plays more like a 5-star resort. One of Arnold Palmer’s favorites.