Oahu Golf Guide: Best Courses, Tee Times & Where to Stay

Top Courses, Planning Tips & Exclusive Hotel Deals

Oahu Golf Guide

Oahu is one of the best places in Hawaii for a golf vacation, with more than 40 golf courses ranging from championship resort layouts to affordable local courses. The island has a mix of resort courses, local favorites, mountain views, and oceanfront layouts, and the weather can vary depending on where you play. Some of Oahu’s best-known courses are around Kapolei and Ko Olina, while the Windward Coast offers scenic mountain courses and Honolulu has several convenient options closer to the city.

Whether you are planning a full Hawaii golf vacation or simply want to fit in a round during your stay in Waikiki, there are plenty of courses to choose from. In this guide, we will cover some of the best golf courses on Oahu, what to expect from local playing conditions, and ways to make the most of your time on the course. If you need a place to stay, be sure to check out Luana Waikiki Hotel’s current offers before booking your stay so that you can save a little extra on your golf getaway.

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Featured Partnership: Kapolei Golf Club & Waikiki Hotel Perks

Just about 30 minutes west of Honolulu, Kapolei Golf Club offers an 18-hole championship course designed by Ted Robinson. The Par 72 course stretches 7,001 yards and features wide fairways, 80 bunkers, multi-tiered greens, and water features throughout the course. Kapolei has also hosted LPGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions events.

Exclusive Guest Discounts
When you stay at Luana Waikiki Hotel, your daily resort fee includes special savings at Kapolei Golf Club:

Discounted Tee Times: Enjoy preferred guest rates, including a power golf cart.
15% Off the Pro Shop: Save on golf apparel, balls, equipment, and more.
15% Off Dining: Enjoy 15% off food and drinks at the Kapolei Golf Club restaurant.

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Planning a Golf Trip to Oahu? Start Here

Best area for resort golf: West Oahu and Kapolei
Best for mountain scenery: Windward Oahu
Best for North Shore golf: Turtle Bay
Best golf near Waikiki: Hawaii Kai and other Honolulu-area courses
Best hotel for a Waikiki golf trip: Luana Waikiki Hotel
Best golf partnership for Luana guests: Kapolei Golf Club

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Best Golf Courses on Oahu by Region

Oahu has golf courses across the island, from resort courses in West Oahu to mountain-lined layouts on the Windward Coast and convenient courses closer to Honolulu. Where you play can make a big difference in scenery, weather, course style, and drive time from Waikiki.

Sunny Weather & Championship Layouts

West Oahu & Ewa Plains

West Oahu is a popular area for golf thanks to its generally drier weather, sunny conditions, and several well-known courses.

Ko Olina Golf Club (Par 72 | 6,867 yards): A resort-style course with wide fairways, multi-tiered greens, and water features throughout the layout. It is a popular choice for golfers looking for a polished resort experience.
Royal Kunia Country Club (Par 72 | 7,007 yards): Set above the Ewa Plains, this course combines elevated views with a challenging layout and views toward Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head.
Ewa Beach Golf Club (Par 72 | 6,711 yards) & Coral Creek Golf Course (Par 72 | 6,808 yards): Two options in the Ewa area for golfers looking for a more local Oahu golf experience away from the larger resort courses.

Scenic Mountains & Ocean Views

Windward Oahu & North Shore

The Windward Coast and North Shore offer a very different golf experience, with lush mountain scenery, tropical landscapes, and courses surrounded by the Koʻolau Range.

Turtle Bay Palmer Course (Par 72 | 7,218 yards): Located on Oahu’s North Shore, the Palmer Course offers a challenging resort golf experience with natural landscapes, wetlands, and views of the surrounding coastline.
Royal Hawaiian Golf Club (Par 72 | 6,595 yards): Located in Maunawili Valley, this scenic course is surrounded by the dramatic Koʻolau Mountains and lush tropical vegetation.
Olomana Golf Links (Par 71 | 6,306 yards): A Windward Oahu course with views of the Koʻolau Mountains and a mix of water hazards, tree-lined fairways, and rolling terrain.

Convenient & Accessible

Central Oahu & East Honolulu

If you want to stay closer to Honolulu, several courses offer convenient access from Waikiki while still providing a variety of playing experiences.

Hawaii Prince Golf Club (27 holes | Par 72): A 27-hole facility in Ewa Beach with three nine-hole courses that can be combined into different 18-hole layouts.
Pearl at Kalauao (Par 72 | 6,787 yards): Located near Pearl Harbor, this course offers a convenient option for golfers looking to play closer to Honolulu.
Hawaii Kai Golf Course (Par 72 | 6,614 yards): Located on the southeastern side of Oahu, about 13 miles from Waikiki, with views of the surrounding coastline and mountains.

Essential Tips for Oahu Golfers

Keep an eye on the wind: Trade winds can affect club selection and shot direction, particularly on Windward Oahu and North Shore courses.
Check the forecast before your round and be prepared to adjust your club selection.
Book tee times in advance: Popular Oahu golf courses can fill up, especially during busy travel periods. Booking ahead is a good idea if you have specific courses or tee times in mind.
Check what’s included: Cart fees, club rentals, range balls, and other amenities vary by course. If you are traveling without your clubs, check rental options when booking your tee time.
Plan your golf around the island: If you are playing multiple courses, group them by area to spend less time driving. West Oahu courses work well together, while a North Shore round can easily be combined with other activities in that part of the island.
Make time for sightseeing: Golf can easily be part of a larger Oahu itinerary. Pair a round in West Oahu with Pearl Harbor or Ko Olina, or make a day of playing on the North Shore and exploring the area’s beaches, food trucks, and surf towns.

Spacious Stays for Every Golf Trip

Why Luana Waikiki Is a Great Home Base for an Oahu Golf Trip

Luana Waikiki makes a convenient home base for an Oahu golf trip, whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or a larger group. Many rooms and suites include full kitchens or kitchenettes, giving you space to prepare breakfast before an early tee time or relax with a meal after a round.

The outdoor pool and BBQ area are ideal for unwinding after 18 holes, while private balconies overlooking Fort DeRussy Park and the Waikiki skyline give you space to relax at the end of the day. Located in Waikiki with easy access to the H-1, Luana makes it simple to reach golf courses across Honolulu and West Oahu while still being close to Waikiki Beach.

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Golfing on Oahu FAQs

April through October typically brings the least rain, making it the most dependable window for outdoor tee times.

Boutique hotels like Luana Waikiki Hotel, White Sands Hotel, and Holiday Inn Express Waikiki are top choices for golf travelers. In addition to central Waikiki locations, guests at these properties receive exclusive golf club perks, including discounted tee times, rental club savings, and 15% off retail/dining at Kapolei Golf Club.

Renting clubs on-island is often more convenient than paying airline oversize bag fees. Major courses like Kapolei, Ko Olina, and Turtle Bay offer current-model rental sets from manufacturers like Titleist, Callaway, and TaylorMade. With our partnership with Kapolei Golf Club, when you book a discounted tee time, rentals are included.

It is recommended to book tee times 14 to 30 days in advance, particularly for popular morning slots in sunny West Oahu (Kapolei and Ko Olina) or weekend play.

West Oahu (Kapolei, Ewa Beach) is dry, warm, and sunny with traditional resort layouts. Windward Oahu (Kaneohe, Maunawili) features lush rainforest surroundings, frequent tropical showers, cooler mountain breezes, and narrower fairways.