Hawaii has some of the most amazing golf courses in the world. Scroll to find out everything you need to know about golfing on Oahu and the best Oahu golf courses to visit!
This Oahu golf courses post was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Are you planning a trip to Hawaii and want to golf? Hawaii is pretty famous among golfers as an awesome golfing travel destination!
While it can be a long flight from the Mainland and flight costs are something of a splurge, golfers will be in absolute heaven.
There are several ways to indulge in A-level linking while being on a trip with family or spouse.
After all, the world agrees that Hawaii is the perfect destination for family vacations, honeymoons, romantic escapes, corporate getaways, and even destination weddings.
And once you step on the island, your Hawaiian trip will not be complete without hitting at least one of its scenic Oahu golf courses.
With the abundance of things to do and places to see in Hawaii, prioritizing golf is not the most convenient task.
But golfers visiting Oahu will be well-served when they manage to slip a little time out from the itinerary to fit in some time on the links.
These Oahu golf courses neither break the bank nor require you to be a champion of the game.
With that said, should you be interested to challenge yourself at one (or more) of these fairways, the island of Oahu will ensure exotic and enjoyable rounds of golf.
With prestigious, private, and public golf courses, there is variety galore. Explore these Oahu golf courses Hawaii.
Don’t have time to read a bunch of Hawaii blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Oahu.
Popular Oahu Tours/Activities
- Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour (this is a fun adventure with the prettiest views)
- Full Pearl Harbor Tour (this is the BEST way to do everything at Pearl Harbor)
- Hawaii Bucket List Tour (you get to pick where you stop on this custom Oahu Circle Island tour)
- Toa Luau (this is my all-time favorite Oahu luau)
- CLIMB Works Ziplining (this is the longest zipline on Oahu)
- Book a Photo Shoot (this is a Hawaii souvenir you’ll treasure forever)
Favorite Oahu Resorts/Hotels
- Hilton Hawaiian Village (this is our favorite Waikiki resort because of the amazing pool area and nearby restaurants)
- Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa (this is a splurge that is totally worth it)
- Royal Hawaiian Hotel (this is a luxury resort in Waikiki that is pink and gorgeous)
Want to Rent a Car in Hawaii?
One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.
Top Oahu Golf Courses You Need to Check Out
If this is your first trip to Hawaii, you might not have a particular Oahu golf course in mind. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best golf courses on Oahu.
Turtle Bay – Arnold Palmer Golf Course
Located just 45-minutes away from downtown Honolulu, the Turtle Bay course is a stunning gem of Oahu’s North Shore and one of the most well-kept golf courses on the North Shore.
Set adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, the Arnold Palmer Course at the Turtle Bay Resort has an attractive oceanfront layout that drives players all the way from the south. Surrounded by other adrenaline-gushing spots like Pipeline, the course enjoys a vacation vibe.
It was intentionally designed by Arnold Palmer in a way that the course meanders through natural wetlands and dense Hawaiian jungle. The reason was to protect the players from ever-present coastal winds.
Here you will also find an award-winning restaurant, excellent customer service, a club house, sand traps, generous landing areas, and so much more. It truly is the best of the best on Oahu.
There is also the George Fazio course at Turtle Bay Resort as well which offers stunning beachfront views, and is an easier course to enjoy.
Kid-Friendly Note: When traveling with family, there will be plenty of activities to keep kids and spouses entertained if they don’t golf. The age bar or age limit for children is not defined.
So, it is best to call before driving to the Palmer course. You can also snag in early hours or late-day tee time to ensure golfing doesn’t take too many daylight hours.
This is definitely one of the best golf courses in Oahu!
Kahuku Golf Course
Located 40 miles away from downtown Honolulu on the North Shore, Kahuku is one of Oahu’s public golf courses.
It is a simple, 9-hole golf course that does not want you to dig deep into your pocket. And yet it offers the same waterfront layout as Turtle Bay.
However, there are definitely some things missing, which is important to note. Kahuku Golf Course has no frills like an on-site restaurant or pro shop. But it does have Coke and snack vending machines in the clubhouse for a convenient and easy snack shop. Players come here to enjoy instead of indulging in serious play.
Kahuku golf is the best if you are a beginner. However, sometimes the ever-present wind on even the beginner Oahu public golf courses can create a challenge.
Kid-Friendly Note: Players can bring their families here to enjoy a picnic while getting to play some rounds of golf. The golf course allows you to bring your own snacks, beverages, and lunch to enjoy at the seaside. There are picnic tables on the golf courses.
Kids are welcome here, but the age bar is not defined. We recommend skipping Kahuku if you are traveling with a kid who is 7 or younger.
Ala Wai Golf Course
Oahu golf courses span across the entire island, so you won’t need to drive far away from the hotel for the links. If you wish to stay closer to your accommodation, you can play at Ala Wai Golf Course, which is located just across the Ala Wai Canal.
In fact, it is not unusual for golfers to stick to Waikiki. It holds a Guinness World Record for hosting 500 single rounds of Hawaiian golfing in a single day, especially on one of these Honolulu public golf courses.
Despite being the busiest, it does not hold you in a tee-time queue for longer than an hour. You may even get lucky to be around its lush playable without a tee time. The chances may be slim, but it happens.
There is a Pro Shop at the golf course. Club rental, golf merchandise, and hand cart rental are available here. Though just 5 minutes away, it has an on-site restaurant and snack bar for quick bites. This place is one of the best Oahu municipal golf courses you’ll find.
Kid-Friendly Note: The golf course is open to everyone – beginners and intermediate golfers alike. There is a kid-friendly driving range. It does have a minimum age requirement. The kid should be at least 5 years old to be allowed in the driving range.
Tropics Mini Golf Course
When it comes to kid-friendly golf courses, miniature golf wins fair and square. And there is a plethora of mini golf courses on Oahu scattered throughout the island.
However, one that combines golf with family outdoor fun is Tropics Mini Golf Course.
True to its moniker, it is laden with foliage and gives off tropical vibes. The theme is elaborated a little more by geckos that can be spotted in the lush vegetation, a faux volcano in the golf course, and greenery abound.
It is easy to forget that the verdant golf course is located in a commercial district. If you are celebrating your kid’s birthday in Oahu, you can even plan a private party on this tropical golf course.
Tropics has no age bar or limit. From a month old to 60 years old, everyone is welcome to play here. The 18-hole golf course of Tropics is easy and flat, save a few challenging holes that will keep kids of all ages engaged.
Kid-Friendly Note: Before playing, inquire beforehand if there is a birthday party ahead of you. Otherwise, you may find yourself stuck behind a big, slow-moving group.
Hawaii Prince Golf Club
Located in Ewa Beach, Hawaii Prince Golf Club spans 270 acres, offering captivating views of the Waianae Mountains. It is a golf oasis with three 9-hole courses, making 27 playable greens. They are intermixed to make 18 holes, making the most challenging combination. It is an excellent choice for those who love a challenge. Who wouldn’t love playing golf here?
Prince Waikiki golf course also has a clubhouse, restaurant, practice facility, and an impressive driving range. Incorporated into the sprawling field are 90 pristine sand bunkers and 10 lakes. They have some of the best golf club rentals Oahu has available, alongside the convenient options of lodgings and lockers.
Kid-Friendly Note: While there are junior rates available for kids under 17 years old, we won’t recommend taking kids who are below age 13 to Hawaii Prince Golf Club.
Ko’olina Golf Club
Rated one of the world’s top 100 golf courses by Golf Digest Magazine, Ko Olina Golf Club is an immaculate facility for the golf enthusiast.
Located on Oahu’s West Side, The Ko Olina Resort has 6,868 yards of immaculate green real estate. There are rolling hill fairways, tee box greens, palm trees, and eye-catching water features throughout the golf course, creating a challenging combination.
Ko Olina Golf Club includes renting out golf clubs if you need them. Beginners can take on-field or private golfing lessons here. The well-groomed golf course expects its players to be sharply dressed too. Make sure you are in proper golf attire when you enter its fairways and green keep.
This was where the LPGA Tour’s Hawaiian Open played back between 1987 to 2001.
Kid-Friendly Note: Junior golf is available here for kids ages 17 and younger. The facility is free after 3 pm.
Moanalua Golf Course
Moanalua is the state’s oldest golf course that is one of the best golf courses in Honolulu. This green keep has been attracting golfers since 1898.
The golf course is also known for the famous plane landing by Amelia Earhart.
It has 18 holes set across a massive fairway. Two closing holes are located at par 3 and 4. They are the most challenging, even for an adept golfer, and require pinpoint accuracy. It also has multi-tiered greens as well.
This semi-private golf course features 2 sets of tees for different skill levels. The club also offers an on-site restaurant, Pro facility, and rental cars. It is definitely one of the golf courses near Waikiki that you will love to explore and have fun on.
Kid-Friendly Note: While junior golf is available here, it is best to contact the golf club before heading to it if your kid is under age 13.
Ewa Villages Golf Course
Located 34 miles from downtown Honolulu, Ewa Villages is another 18-hole golf course that challenges its players and is close to Ewa Beach.
In addition to having a challenging link style layout, Oahu’s sunny Ewa plain course has skinny fairways and ever-present coastal wind that plays a critical part. Only the golfers who are skilled at reading the winds win here.
Surrounding the golf course is a scenic landscape with lakes and streams. Errant or unmeasured shots can end up in one of the streams, lakes, or even in the rough perimeters. Although challenging, it does over spectacular scenery here.
Kid-Friendly Note: Junior golf is available here for kids aged 17 years old and under.
Pali Golf Course
Pali is an 18-hole course located approximately seven miles away from Honolulu and a great Kaneohe golf course to enjoy.
Set on the foothills of the Ko’olau Mountains, where Jurassic Park was filmed, the golf course is surrounded by captivating scenery. However, the hillside location also adds to a golfer’s challenges.
The course is jam-packed with all the necessary facilities. It provides a clubhouse, a Pro Shop, club rentals, and hand carts. There is also an on-site banquet hall, a restaurant, and a snack bar.
If you are looking for golf near Waikiki, it doesn’t get better than this Kaneohe Bay View golf course! With the views of the Ko’olau Mountain Range along with the Kaneohe Bay, it is truly a wonderful experience.
Kid-Friendly Note: Junior golf is available at the Pali Golf Course for kids aged 17 years old and under.
Ted Makalena Golf Course
The Ted Makalena Golf Course is an 18-hole golf course which is located at 93-059 Waipio Point Access road in Waipahu, Hawaii. The location is approximately 15 miles away from Honolulu and about an hour’s drive from Waikiki.
This course can be described as relatively flat and perfect for golfers of all ages and skill levels. It includes a clubhouse, driving range, Pro Shop, on-site restaurant, and even a bar. Club rentals are available here, alongside the option to hire an electric cart.
Kid-Friendly Note: Junior golf is available in the Ted Makalena Golf Course for kids 17 years old and younger.
Makaha Country Club
Makaha Valley Country Club, located in Waianae, is another one of the golf clubs to enjoy on Oahu. Here you can enjoy elevated greens and a nice clubhouse designed by William F. Bell.
From tropical plants, palm trees, rolling terrain, and more, it is a challenging course you will love. This course also offers one of the most challenging closing holes!
Kid-Friendly Note: While the website talks about having family-friendly events, it is unsure if kids are able to enjoy playing golf at Makaha Country Club. Be sure to call ahead to double-check.
Hawaii Kai Golf Course
At this Waikiki golf course, you will find a championship course and an executive course to enjoy. The courses have spectacular views of Molokai and Sandy Beach Park. Here you will find elevation changes, skilled dogleg holes, and casual golfing experience.
Hawaii Kai Golf Course is definitely one of the best golf courses in Waikiki and Honolulu, especially if you are looking for a championship golf course.
Kid-Friendly Note: The executive course at Hawaii Kai provides opportunities for junior golfing for ages 7-17. It is one of the Honolulu golf courses worth visiting with your family.
Olomana Golf Links
At Olomana Golf Links, you will see the beautiful Ko’olau Mountain Range while you play on this course. They have a driving range, beer garden, Pro shop, club house, banquet rooms, restaurant, and bar, providing you with plenty of amenities.
The first 9 holes at Olomana Golf are very open, while the last 9 holes are through a beautiful forest where you will find endangered species! Olomana Golf Links is the course that Barack Obama would frequently play on too!
Kid-Friendly Note: It is unknown if this course will let kids play golf here. You will have to call ahead to make sure.
Waikele Country Club
The Waikele Country Club overlooks Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head and is a public course that has hosted PGA Tour’s Sony Open ever since 1965. It is only 20 minutes away from Waikiki Beach and offers stunning views wherever you look.
It is a great course that challenges you but is not overwhelming for any golfer, experienced, and beginner alike. Enjoy a driving range, a Pro shop, a restaurant, clubs, shoe rentals, and other great amenities.
Kid-Friendly Note: Juniors can play here on the range or golf course.
Oahu Golf Courses FAQs
Oahu has 40 golf courses, which is more than any other Hawaiian island.
The prices vary greatly, and there’s a huge discount if you are a Hawaii resident. Public courses can be as cheap as $24, while private courses can run up to $200.
While many Hawaiian islands have gorgeous golf courses, I think Oahu is best simply because they have so many to choose from.
The Ko’olau Golf Club course is supposed to be the most difficult golf course in Oahu. It is located in Kaneohe and has some of the best golf on Oahu.
Every year, the PGA tour plays on Waialae Country Club, on of the best Honolulu golf resorts.
Final Tip on the Best Oahu Golf Courses:
With the most beautiful and exciting Hawaii golf courses, it almost becomes essential for an enthusiastic golfer to play on at least one of these golf courses in Oahu.
So, strike a balance with family responsibilities. It won’t be the worst thing if you find a suitable golf course that is kid-friendly. And thankfully, Oahu does have many such golf courses.
When in doubt, do not hesitate to contact any of these Oahu golf courses for more information regarding the age range of kids that is allowed on their green keep.
If nothing else works, either head to the fairway that is nearest to your hotel or settle for a mini golf course and prioritize family fun.
If you are looking for military golf courses on Oahu, there are plenty of options as well.