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.
Okay, so here’s the thing about golfing on Oahu.
You get world-class courses with ocean views, mountain backdrops, and trade winds that’ll either make you look like a pro or humble you real quick.
As a Hawaii travel expert who’s spent 40+ visits exploring these islands, I’ve watched my husband tackle quite a few of these courses (including one memorably difficult round at Ko’olau where I lost half my pink golf balls… thank goodness I golf with pink ones or I’d have lost ALL of them).
Whether you’re squeezing in a quick nine holes between beach days or planning your whole trip around golf, Oahu’s got options.
From municipal courses where locals play for $30 to resort courses where you’ll pay premium rates but get premium conditions, there’s something for every skill level and budget.
Planning a family trip but want to sneak in some golf? I get it.
I’ve got the perfect Oahu travel guide for families that’ll help you balance tee times with everyone else’s must-dos.
The Best Golf Courses on Oahu
Turtle Bay Arnold Palmer Course
This North Shore gem is about 45 minutes from Waikiki, and honestly? It’s worth the drive.
The Arnold Palmer Course at Turtle Bay Resort is consistently ranked as one of the best public courses you can play in Hawaii.
Here’s what makes it special: the front nine plays like Scottish links golf (hello, wind and strategy), while the back nine winds through more tropical terrain.
You’ll spot the ocean on the 17th hole, which is the signature view everyone posts on Instagram.
The course is in good shape, with GPS-equipped carts, a solid pro shop, and Lei Lei’s restaurant if you want to grab food before or after your round.
They’ve got Titleist club rentals if you didn’t bring your own.
Greens fees run around $200+ for non-residents, but early morning or twilight rates can save you some cash.
Turtle Bay also has the George Fazio Course if you want something a bit easier and less crowded.
Book hotels near Turtle Bay on Expedia
Ko’olau Golf Club
Look, I’m just going to be straight with you. Ko’olau is HARD. Like, one of the hardest courses in the world hard.
It’s got a slope rating of 152 (that’s only three points away from the maximum possible), and it’s carved into the rainforest on the windward side with ravines, elevation changes, and jungle that swallows golf balls whole.
My husband and I played here, and I started with 12 pink golf balls. I finished with 6.
The pink ones are the only reason I found ANY of them because anything that goes off the fairway disappears into thick jungle vegetation.
The scenery is absolutely stunning though – cascading waterfalls, Ko’olau Mountain views, and this wild Jurassic Park vibe.
Should you play it? If you’re up for a challenge and can laugh about lost balls, absolutely.
If you get frustrated easily… maybe pick another course. Bring extra balls. Like, a lot of extra balls. And maybe don’t keep score.
Current rates are around $150-160 for visitors. The course conditions can be soggy after rain (it’s in a rainforest, so…), but the sheer beauty and challenge make it memorable.
Kahuku Golf Course
This is Oahu’s hidden gem. It’s a 9-hole municipal course right on the North Shore that costs like $30 for 18 holes (you just play the nine twice).
No frills whatsoever – there’s no clubhouse, no restaurant, just vending machines with snacks and drinks.
But here’s the magic: it sits right on the oceanfront with stunning views from almost every hole.
The trade winds blow constantly, and the links-style layout on sandy soil feels totally different from typical Hawaii golf.
It’s perfect if you’re a beginner, if you want to squeeze in a quick round without spending three hours or $200, or if you’re traveling with family and want to golf without it taking your whole morning.
My advice? Grab lunch at one of the nearby food trucks before or after, and plan to hit some North Shore beaches the same day.
Since there are no tee times, just show up and play. Weekday mornings are usually pretty quiet.
Tropics Mini Golf
Got kids? This is your spot.
Located in Aiea, Tropics Mini Golf is an 18-hole course surrounded by lush tropical plants, complete with a faux volcano, geckos in the bushes, and challenging holes that keep everyone entertained.
The best part? They serve Texas-style barbecue and shave ice, so you can easily spend a couple hours here.
The course is shaded (huge win in Hawaii heat), flat enough for little ones, but has enough tricky shots to keep teens and adults from getting bored.
Prices are super reasonable – under $20 for adults, less for kids.
They do birthday parties too, so if you’re planning one during your trip, this could work.
Just ask ahead if there’s a party scheduled before you, or you might get stuck behind a big group of excited 8-year-olds.
Ala Wai Golf Course
This is literally the busiest golf course in America. It’s also five minutes from Waikiki, which explains the popularity.
Ala Wai holds a Guinness World Record for 500 rounds played in a single day.
Here’s the deal: yes, it’s crowded. Yes, you might wait for a tee time. But it’s affordable (municipal rates), convenient if you’re staying in Waikiki, and honestly pretty decent for a super-busy city course.
The pro shop rents clubs, there’s a snack bar, and they’ve got a driving range if you want to warm up.
Book your tee time in advance online, or try showing up right when they open.
The course plays 18 holes right along the Ala Wai Canal with views of Diamond Head. It’s flat, straightforward, and totally playable for all skill levels.
If you’re planning your whole Oahu trip and want help figuring out how to fit in golf plus all the other must-dos, grab my free 7-day Oahu planning course.
Find Waikiki hotels on Expedia
Hawaii Prince Golf Club
Located in Ewa Beach, this 27-hole facility (three different nine-hole courses you can mix and match) offers some of the most challenging golf on the island.
The courses wind through 270 acres with views of the Waianae Mountains, 90 sand bunkers, and 10 lakes.
It’s not cheap – you’re looking at premium pricing – but you get what you pay for with pristine conditions, a nice clubhouse, practice facilities, and a restaurant.
They offer club rentals and have junior rates for kids under 17.
This is where you go when you want a serious golf day, not a quick casual round.
Ko Olina Golf Club
Ko Olina is the resort golf experience. It’s been rated one of the top 100 courses by Golf Digest, and it shows.
The Ted Robinson design features multi-tiered greens, water features, immaculate conditions, and views of the Pacific.
The clubhouse is gorgeous, the pro shop is well-stocked, and everything runs smoothly.
You’ll pay resort prices (think $200+), but if golf is a priority for your trip and you want the full resort experience, this delivers.
Ko Olina Resort on the west side of Oahu is also home to Disney Aulani, so if you’re planning a family trip and want to mix resort golf with family beach time, this area works really well.
Browse Ko Olina hotels on Expedia
Pali Golf Course
This 18-hole municipal course sits in the foothills of the Ko’olau Mountains (yeah, where they filmed Jurassic Park) about seven miles from Honolulu.
The hillside location means you get incredible views but also some elevation challenges.
It’s got everything you need – clubhouse, pro shop, club rentals, restaurant, snack bar, even a banquet hall.
Prices are reasonable for municipal rates, and they offer junior golf for kids 17 and under.
The course itself is well-maintained and offers a good challenge without being brutal.
If you’re staying on the windward side or want to combine golf with visiting Kaneohe, this is a solid choice.
Olomana Golf Links
Olomana has this interesting layout where the front nine is flat with water hazards on every hole, while the back nine winds through rolling forested hills with tons of bunkers.
You get views of the Ko’olau Mountains and Mount Olomana itself.
This was one of President Obama’s favorite courses to play when he visited Hawaii.
The course is known for having reliably sunny weather on the windward side, and it’s a local favorite.
They’ve got club rentals, a restaurant with a beer garden, and even Glow Golf for night putting practice.
Rates are moderate – around $100+ for visitors, $43 for residents.
Ted Makalena Golf Course
This 18-hole municipal course in Waipahu is about 15 miles from Honolulu.
It’s relatively flat and super beginner-friendly, which makes it perfect for families or anyone who wants a casual round without stressing about difficulty.
They’ve got a clubhouse, driving range, pro shop, restaurant, bar, and club rentals. Electric carts are available, and junior golf rates apply for kids 17 and under.
It’s one of those courses where you can just relax and enjoy playing without feeling like every hole is trying to destroy your scorecard.
Moanalua Golf Club
This is the oldest golf course in Hawaii – it’s been around since 1898. That’s the same course where Amelia Earhart landed her plane back in the day.
It’s a semi-private 18-hole course with two sets of tees for different skill levels.
The closing holes (par 3 and 4) are notoriously challenging and require serious accuracy. They’ve got multi-tiered greens that’ll test your putting skills.
Facilities include an on-site restaurant, pro shop, and rental clubs. Junior rates are available, but I’d call ahead if your kids are under 13 to confirm they’re welcome.
Hawaii Kai Golf Course
This course on the east side actually has two courses – a championship course and an executive course.
Both offer stunning views across Maunalua Bay and out toward Molokai.
The championship course has elevation changes and strategic doglegs, while the executive course (par 54) is shorter and more forgiving.
The executive course is great for families since they offer junior golf for ages 7-17.
It’s about 20 minutes from Waikiki and offers a nice escape from the busy Honolulu side without having to drive all the way to the North Shore.
Waikele Country Club
This course overlooks Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head and has hosted PGA Tour events.
It’s only 20 minutes from Waikiki Beach but feels worlds away once you’re on the course.
The layout challenges you without being overwhelming – good for both experienced players and improving beginners.
They’ve got a driving range, pro shop, restaurant, and full club and shoe rentals. Juniors can play on both the range and course.
Greens fees are in the mid-range, making it a good option if you want quality without resort prices.
Makaha Valley Country Club
Out on the west side in Waianae, Makaha offers elevated greens, rolling terrain, and tropical landscaping designed by William F. Bell.
One of the most challenging parts? The closing holes.
The course has views of the Waianae Mountains and offers a different vibe from the busier east side courses.
It’s definitely more of a locals’ spot, and you’ll want to call ahead about bringing kids.
Ewa Villages Golf Course
This 18-hole municipal course about 34 miles from Honolulu has a links-style layout with skinny fairways and coastal winds that seriously affect play.
If you’re good at reading wind and adjusting your shots, you’ll love it. If not… well, it’ll be a learning experience.
The setting is scenic with lakes and streams throughout. Just know that errant shots can easily end up in the water. They offer junior golf for kids 17 and under.
George Fazio Course at Turtle Bay
This is the easier, more relaxed cousin of the Arnold Palmer Course at Turtle Bay.
The George Fazio Course has spacious fairways and nice greens without being as challenging as the Palmer.
It’s perfect if you want the Turtle Bay experience but don’t want to stress about every shot.
The beachfront views are gorgeous, and since it’s less busy than the Palmer Course, you often get a faster, more peaceful round.
Tips for Golfing on Oahu
A few things I’ve learned from watching my husband golf on these courses:
The wind is real. Those trade winds aren’t just refreshing – they’ll push your ball around. Club up or down depending on wind direction.
Book tee times early. Popular courses fill up fast, especially in winter when everyone escapes cold weather to golf in paradise.
Rent clubs if you’re flying in. Most courses have decent rental sets, and you avoid lugging your clubs through airports.
Municipal courses = best deals. Ala Wai, Pali, Kahuku, Ted Makalena, and Ewa Villages all offer affordable golf with decent conditions.
Combine golf with other activities. Play early morning, then hit the beach or explore the rest of the island. You’re in Hawaii – don’t spend your entire day on the course.
Bring sunscreen. The Hawaii sun is no joke, even when it feels breezy and perfect.
Planning Your Golf-Friendly Oahu Trip
Look, I get that planning a Hawaii vacation where someone wants to golf while others want to beach/snorkel/hike can be tricky.
I’ve helped dozens of families figure out how to make everyone happy.
If you need help creating an itinerary that balances golf with family activities, book a Hawaii travel consultation with me.
As a professional tourist who’s visited Oahu more times than I can count and a Certified Hawaii Destination Specialist, I can help you pick the right courses for your skill level and budget while planning the rest of your trip.
Want more Oahu planning help? Check out these guides:
And if you’re still deciding between islands, my Hawaii Island Hopping Guide breaks down the golf (and everything else) on each island.
The Bottom Line on Oahu Golf
Oahu has more golf courses than any other Hawaiian island, which means you’ve got options no matter your budget or skill level.
Play a $30 round at Kahuku with ocean views, tackle the ridiculously hard Ko’olau (with plenty of extra balls), or treat yourself to resort golf at Ko Olina or Turtle Bay.
The courses are stunning, the weather’s usually perfect, and honestly? Even a bad golf day in Hawaii beats a good golf day most other places.
Just remember to book tee times early, bring sunscreen, and maybe pack a few extra pink golf balls if you’re playing Ko’olau. Trust me on that last one.
