The five best golf courses near Waikiki are Ko Olina Golf Club (premier LPGA-caliber resort experience), Kapolei Golf Club (championship conditioning at fair value), Royal Hawaiian Golf Club (dramatic jungle scenery), Hawaii Kai Golf Course (ocean views from every hole), and Ala Wai Golf Course (walkable municipal classic).
Each course sits within 45 minutes of Waikiki and offers public access, but they serve completely different needs—from $86 budget rounds to $275 waterfall-lined luxury.
Keep reading to find out which course matches your priorities, what you'll actually pay, and how to avoid the pace-of-play nightmares that plague island golf.
Ko Olina Golf Club – Oahu's Premier Resort Experience
Ko Olina sits 30 miles west of Waikiki in Kapolei, about 45 minutes by car. This is the course that sets the standard for resort golf in Hawaii.
Ted Robinson Sr.—known as “The King of Waterscapes”—designed the 170-acre layout in 1990, and it's hosted the LPGA Championship from 2012 through 2019.
The course just won “Hawaii's Best Golf Course” for 2024, which tells you where it stands in the local hierarchy.
You'll play among true luxury here. The course sits within the Ko Olina Resort complex, right next to Disney's Aulani and the Four Seasons.
Robinson built 16 water features across 8 holes, including cascading waterfalls that define the experience.
The signature moment comes at the par-3 8th, where a lateral waterfall sweeps errant shots into a pond—it's one of the most photographed holes in Hawaii.
The 18th delivers drama too, with water threatening both your tee shot and approach into a severely tiered green.
Layout and Playability
The course stretches 6,815 yards from the blue tees at par 72 with a slope of 138.
You get four tee options that drop all the way down to 5,147 yards, so there's room for different skill levels.
Robinson designed it so no two fairways run parallel, which gives each hole its own character and keeps the round from feeling repetitive.
Mid-handicappers will find it playable but engaging—you won't get bored, but you won't get destroyed either.
Low-handicappers should stick with the blue tees if they want a real test.
What You'll Pay
Pricing breaks down like this:
- Visitor green fee: $275 ($245 if you're staying at the resort)
- Twilight rate: $210 (starts after 1-2 PM depending on season)
- Kama'aina rate: $100 weekday, $105 weekend
- Club rental: $80 for TaylorMade Qi10 clubs
- Cart: included with GPS
The $275 price tag is the steepest criticism you'll hear about Ko Olina, and it's legitimate—even by resort standards, that's aggressive. But you're paying for immaculate conditioning and world-class amenities, not just 18 holes.
Facilities That Match the Price
The 35,000-square-foot clubhouse houses an award-winning pro shop, full locker rooms with steam and jacuzzi access, and OMAJ spa services.
The driving range is all grass, not mats, and you get a short-game practice area plus Hawaii's only Golf Channel Academy.
If you book with at least one other golfer, they'll shuttle you from Waikiki for free.
The Reality Check
Golfers rate Ko Olina 4.7 out of 5 on 18Birdies across 521 reviews, which is genuinely impressive.
The course delivers what it promises.
But there's a pace-of-play issue you should know about: afternoon rounds can stretch to 5 hours when “kids play free” policies bring families out.
Nothing kills a premium experience faster than standing around waiting.
Book early-morning weekday tee times up to 90 days in advance if you want the course at its best—fewer people, better conditions, and you'll finish before the heat builds.
This course works best for golfers who want a premium, all-inclusive resort experience and don't mind paying for it. If you're looking for value or a quick round, keep reading.
Kapolei Golf Club – Tournament Conditioning at Fair Price
Kapolei delivers the best quality-to-value ratio among Oahu's top-tier courses.
It sits 24 miles west of Waikiki—about 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic—and offers championship conditioning at $65 less than Ko Olina.
If you're a serious golfer who cares more about the test than the amenities, this is where your money goes furthest.
Ted Robinson Sr. designed this course too, opening it in 1995 on a former sugar cane plantation.
The site was completely flat, so Robinson moved massive amounts of earth to create five lakes, over 80 bunkers, and rolling elevation changes that make you forget you're standing on reclaimed farmland.
The result is a lush, tournament-proven layout that's hosted the LPGA Lotte Championship, PGA Champions Tour events, and the Hawaii State Open.
These aren't token celebrity exhibitions—this course gets tested by professionals who play for money.
A Legitimate Length Challenge
At 7,001 yards from the gold tees, Kapolei is the longest course on this list and the only one that cracks 7,000 yards. It plays par 72 with a slope of 136.
Water comes into play on 12 of the 18 holes, which means you're managing risk constantly throughout the round.
The 10th hole features a dramatic island tee box that makes for great photos.
The 18th gives you a finishing approach over a lake to an elevated green flanked by a waterfall—Robinson's signature move shows up here too.
The turf is Seashore Paspalum, and reviewers consistently compare the fairway conditions to “living room carpet.” That's not marketing fluff.
The playing surfaces here are genuinely excellent, often better than courses charging significantly more.
Pricing That Makes Sense
Here's what you'll spend:
- Visitor green fee: $210
- Twilight (after 1:30 PM): $155
- Kama'aina rate: $80 weekday, $90 weekend
- Club rental: $75
- Cart: included with GPS
- Waikiki shuttle: $100 round-trip add-on
The $210 rate puts Kapolei in the premium category, but it's substantially less than Ko Olina while delivering comparable course conditions.
That $65 difference matters when you're booking multiple rounds.
The four tee boxes make the length accessible to different skill levels, so you're not locked into playing something beyond your ability.
Facilities Worth Mentioning
The 12,000-square-foot clubhouse contains a full-service restaurant with Japanese-inspired and American menus, plus a glass-walled pro shop that won the 2025 AGM Platinum Award.
The driving range is notable for a reason you don't find elsewhere on Oahu: 30 stalls with LED lighting that allows night practice.
You also get one of the island's largest putting greens and a TruSpec club-fitting studio if you want to dial in your equipment.
The Pace Problem
Golf Digest rates Kapolei 4.5 out of 5, and it ranks #8 on GolfPass's Top 25 Hawaii courses.
The conditioning, layout, and facilities justify those ratings.
But there's one persistent issue that shows up across every review platform: pace of play routinely exceeds 5 hours.
This is the most consistent complaint about Kapolei, and it's not a minor inconvenience—5-hour rounds turn golf into an endurance test.
Troon Golf manages the course, and you can book up to 90 days in advance.
Morning tee times on weekdays will give you the best chance at a reasonable pace, though there are no guarantees.
This course works best for golfers who want championship-caliber conditions and a genuine test of golf without paying resort prices.
The length and four tee options make it accessible to all skill levels, but you'll get the most out of Kapolei if you can handle the yardage and appreciate what tournament-grade conditioning actually feels like.
Royal Hawaiian Golf Club – Jurassic Park Comes Alive
No course on Oahu—or arguably anywhere—matches Royal Hawaiian for pure visual drama. The nickname “Jurassic Park” is completely earned.
This course sits in Maunawili Valley between Mount Olomana and the Ko'olau Range, just 12 to 15 miles from Waikiki (20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic).
You're playing through 100-foot jungle trees, crystal-clear streams, and fairways carved through primordial rainforest that genuinely feels prehistoric.
Native wildlife wanders through. The mile-long cart ride from the 1st green to the 2nd tee is worth the green fee on its own.
This is the only course Pete and Perry Dye ever co-designed together, opening in 1993.
Greg Norman later came through and redesigned portions, adding Platinum Paspalum greens and slightly widening the fairways to make the course more playable.
At 6,609 yards from the back tees (par 72, slope 138), you get five tee options that drop down to 4,492 yards.
The length is manageable, but the design demands accuracy and course management.
Two Completely Different Experiences
The front nine is the star attraction.
You're hitting through tight, claustrophobic fairways punched through thick rainforest with forced carries, blind shots, and dramatic elevation changes.
The 2nd hole ranks among Hawaii's most beautiful—a par 3 over a large pond to a peninsula green backed by soaring mountains.
Every hole on the front feels like you're discovering something hidden.
The back nine opens up significantly. Fairways get wider, and you start seeing valley-to-ocean views instead of jungle walls.
It's still gorgeous, but the character completely changes. Some golfers prefer the drama of the front, others appreciate the breathing room on the back.
The Operational Reality
Royal Hawaiian is currently in what they call a “soft opening” phase, and you need to understand what that means before you drive out there.
The 45,000-square-foot clubhouse is impressive in scale, but the restaurant and driving range are closed. Practice putting, chipping, and bunker areas are still available.
Tee times are limited to mornings only, and they won't let single players book—you need at least two people.
Call ahead to confirm operational status before making the trip.
Costs and Logistics
- Visitor green fee: $200
- Kama'aina/military rate: $80 weekday, $90 weekend
- Club rental: $70 (TaylorMade)
- Cart: included with GPS and Bluetooth audio
The $200 rate is $75 less than Ko Olina and $10 less than Kapolei, which positions Royal Hawaiian in the middle of the premium tier.
You're not paying for facilities here—you're paying for scenery that you can't get anywhere else.
What You Need to Know
Google reviewers rate it 4.4 out of 5 across 224 reviews.
The scenery draws universal praise, but course conditioning gets mixed feedback.
Fairways can be patchy, and you're not getting the carpet-like surfaces you'll find at Ko Olina or Kapolei.
The windward location means frequent rain, especially from November through March. Plan accordingly.
Here's the most practical advice: bring an extra dozen balls.
The jungle swallows wayward shots permanently.
You're not going in there to look for anything. Intermediate-to-advanced players will get the most out of this course—beginners should play forward tees and pack patience along with those extra balls.
This course works for golfers who prioritize a once-in-a-lifetime visual experience over immaculate conditioning. If you want perfect fairways and full amenities, go elsewhere.
If you want to play through a setting that looks like it belongs in a movie, and you can handle some operational quirks and variable turf quality, Royal Hawaiian delivers something genuinely memorable.
Hawaii Kai Golf Course – Ocean Views from Every Hole
Hawaii Kai holds a geographic distinction that no other course on this list can claim: it's the only golf facility on Oahu's eastern coastline.
That matters because you get panoramic Pacific views from every hole of the Championship course.
Koko Head crater, the Makapuu Cliffs, and the Ka'iwi coastline frame your entire round.
On clear days, Molokai and Maui shimmer on the horizon. During winter months, whale watching from the fairways is a genuine possibility.
The course sits 13 miles east of Waikiki, about 20 to 30 minutes depending on where you start. William F. Bell and Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed the facility, which actually gives you two completely different experiences on the same property.
Two Courses, Two Price Points
The Championship Course opened in 1973 and stretches 6,614 yards at par 72.
You're playing rolling hillside terrain with the largest greens in Hawaii and six par 5s, which is unusual for a course this length.
Water hazards concentrate on holes 6 through 9, then the rest of the layout lets you focus on the views and the slopes.
The terrain keeps things interesting without being punishing.
The Executive Course opened earlier in 1962 and runs 2,323 yards at par 54 across 18 holes—all par 3s.
It snakes along the base of the Makapuu Cliffs and delivers a perfect short-game workout with equally stunning views at a fraction of the Championship price.
For beginners or anyone working on their iron game, this is one of the better values on the island.
What You'll Spend
| Course | Visitor Fee | Twilight | Cart | Club Rental |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Championship | $115-165 | ~$70 | Included | $35 |
| Executive | $55-65 | Lower | Optional (walking permitted) | $35 |
The Championship pricing varies depending on when you book and which platform you use.
The value proposition improves significantly through discount sites like GolfNow, where rates drop to $90-115.
That makes Hawaii Kai competitive with municipal courses while delivering resort-quality views.
Facilities That Cover the Basics
The two-story clubhouse houses a pro shop, restaurant, and two event rooms with a combined capacity of 250 people (Koko Head Room and Molokai Room).
You get a driving range with two practice tees, a putting green, and a chipping area for warmup.
Everything you need is here, but this isn't trying to compete with Ko Olina's 35,000-square-foot luxury clubhouse.
The Reviews Tell a Split Story
Hawaii Kai gets polarized feedback—3.0 to 3.1 out of 5 on TripAdvisor and GolfPass.
Golfers consistently praise the spectacular ocean views while criticizing inconsistent course conditions. Brown fairways and patchy greens show up repeatedly in reviews.
Pace of play is also an issue, similar to other courses on this list.
The Executive course draws much more positive feedback.
Reviewers call it an affordable, scenic option for beginners and a smart choice when you want golf without the 5-hour commitment.
Who This Course Serves Best
Hawaii Kai works for view-seekers who want coastal drama at a moderate price.
The two-course format makes it ideal for mixed-skill groups—advanced players can tackle the Championship while beginners enjoy the Executive, then everyone meets up afterward.
You're 13 miles from Waikiki, which puts you close to Sandy Beach and Hanauma Bay.
Combine all three for a full east-side day that gives you golf, swimming, and snorkeling in one trip.
You're not coming here for pristine conditioning or world-class facilities.
You're coming because nowhere else on Oahu lets you play every hole with the Pacific Ocean stretching out beside you.
If that view matters more than perfect fairways, Hawaii Kai delivers at a price point that makes sense.
Ala Wai Golf Course – Waikiki's Walkable Classic
Ala Wai's greatest asset is location: it's the only golf course you can walk to from a Waikiki hotel.
The course sits adjacent to the tourist district, separated only by the Ala Wai Canal—less than 1 mile away, walkable in 10 to 30 minutes depending on where you're staying.
That changes the entire value equation. You don't need a rental car, you don't need to budget drive time, and you can play a round before breakfast without disrupting your day.
This is a municipal course that's been operating since 1931, making it the first public course in Hawaii.
It once handled a staggering 500 rounds per day, which tells you how popular it was (and still is with locals).
The course hosted the 1960 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship, and at one point, Japanese investors offered $2 billion to develop the land. The city said no.
That decision preserved a piece of Hawaii's golf history and kept affordable golf accessible in one of the world's most expensive tourist markets.
The Layout's Simplicity Is Deceptive
Donald MacKay originally designed Ala Wai, and Robin Nelson redesigned it in 1986.
The course plays a compact 6,208 yards at par 70 from the blue tees with a slope of 118.
The terrain is completely flat, which makes this one of the most walkable courses anywhere—no carts climbing hills, no elevation exhaustion.
Diamond Head, the Ko'olau Mountains, and the Waikiki skyline provide the backdrop.
The scenery is legitimately beautiful, even if the turf conditions don't match the resort courses.
What looks like an easy layout on paper becomes a genuine test once the trade winds start blowing.
The 186-yard 11th hole plays directly into the breeze and routinely demands 2 to 3 more clubs than the yardage suggests.
The 18th finishes with a narrow fairway running along the Ala Wai Canal, with a stream bisecting the green.
It's a hole that can wreck your scorecard if you're not careful.
Municipal Pricing That Can't Be Beat
- Visitor green fee: $86 (weekday and weekend—same rate)
- Resident rate: $28 weekday, $32 weekend
- Junior resident: Free
- Cart: $26 for 18 holes
- Club rental: $12
- Pull cart: $4
The $86 visitor rate is unbeatable given the location. You're paying less than a third of what Ko Olina charges, and you didn't have to rent a car to get here.
Amenities Match the Municipal Status
The pro shop is currently closed, so don't expect retail therapy.
The driving range recently reopened in November 2025 and operates until 11 PM via a concession—that late-night access is actually useful if you're jet-lagged or want to practice after a day at the beach.
L&L Hawaiian Grill serves affordable food on-site from 6 AM to 7 PM. The 24,000-square-foot clubhouse has locker rooms and ample free parking under a new solar carport.
Everything here is functional, not fancy. You're not getting steam rooms or spa services. You're getting what a municipal course provides.
The Reviews Reflect Two Different Experiences
Ala Wai gets a 3.7 out of 5 on 18Birdies across 513 reviews, and opinion divides sharply.
Fans celebrate the unbeatable location, historic character, and friendly local atmosphere.
Critics cite brown fairways, inconsistent greens, and brutal pace of play—peak-time rounds can exceed 5 hours with 20 to 40 minute waits at backup holes.
The starter manages traffic aggressively via loudspeaker, and practice swings on the course are prohibited to keep things moving.
How to Play Ala Wai the Right Way
Timing is everything here. Arrive at 5:40 AM for walk-on standby, or book online through ForeUP 3 to 7 days in advance.
Early-morning weekday rounds can finish in 3 hours—that's the Ala Wai you want to experience.
Afternoon weekend rounds are a completely different story, often stretching past 5 hours with significant waiting.
This course works best for budget-conscious visitors who want a genuine local golf experience without renting a car.
You're trading pristine conditioning and modern amenities for convenience, affordability, and a piece of Hawaii's golf history.
Treat it as a cultural experience rather than a destination golf round, and you'll appreciate what Ala Wai offers.
Show up expecting Ko Olina conditions at $86, and you'll be disappointed.
How to Choose the Right Course for Your Waikiki Golf Trip
There's no single “best” course on this list because each one serves a different need.
The right choice depends entirely on what you value most—pristine conditions, dramatic scenery, convenience, challenge, or price.
Here's how to match your priorities to the course that delivers them.
Quality vs. Value: The Premium Tier
Ko Olina and Kapolei deliver the highest overall quality among these five courses.
You get pristine conditioning, excellent facilities, and layouts that have been tested by LPGA professionals playing for money.
These aren't just pretty courses—they're legitimate championship tests.
Between them, Ko Olina wins on ambiance and amenities.
The 35,000-square-foot clubhouse, waterfall features, and resort setting justify the premium if that experience matters to you.
Kapolei offers better value and a longer, more demanding test at $210 versus Ko Olina's $275.
That $65 difference adds up quickly if you're booking multiple rounds, and serious golfers who prioritize the challenge over the resort experience will find Kapolei more compelling.
When Experience Trumps Everything Else
Royal Hawaiian is the most memorable visual experience on the island.
Nothing else comes close to the jungle scenery and dramatic terrain.
But you need to call ahead about operational status—the restaurant and driving range are currently closed, tee times are morning-only, and single-player rounds aren't permitted.
The conditioning is variable, and you should temper expectations about everything except the scenery.
If you're chasing a once-in-a-lifetime round through prehistoric rainforest and can handle some operational quirks, Royal Hawaiian delivers.
Hawaii Kai fills the mid-price gap and combines golf with Oahu's most dramatic coastline.
You get ocean views from every Championship hole at $115-165, or you can drop down to the Executive course for $55-65.
The Executive layout is arguably the island's best bargain for beginners—18 holes of par-3 golf with equally stunning views and the option to walk instead of riding.
Convenience and Budget Considerations
Ala Wai is the ultimate convenience play.
You can walk there from your Waikiki hotel, which eliminates rental car costs and drive time entirely.
The $86 green fee is unbeatable for the location.
But treat this as a cultural experience rather than a golf destination.
You're playing Hawaii's first public course on completely flat terrain with municipal-grade amenities.
Pace of play can be brutal during peak times—early-morning weekday rounds finish in 3 hours, while afternoon weekends stretch past 5 hours.
The experience varies wildly based on when you play.
Universal Tips That Apply Everywhere
Book the earliest tee time available, period.
Pace of play is a chronic island-wide issue, and morning rounds consistently move faster than afternoon or weekend rounds.
You'll also avoid the heat and get better course conditions before hundreds of golfers have churned up the greens.
Respect the trade winds. They add 1 to 2 clubs on exposed holes and transform innocent-looking par 3s into genuine tests.
This isn't a minor adjustment—the wind fundamentally changes how you need to play.
Oahu golf is playable year-round, but weather patterns vary by location.
The leeward courses (Ko Olina, Kapolei) offer the most reliable sunshine because they're sheltered from prevailing weather.
Royal Hawaiian sits on the windward side and gets significantly more rain, especially from November through March.
All five courses offer kama'aina discounts of 50-70% off visitor rates for Hawaii residents.
If you're traveling with local friends who can book, this can cut your costs dramatically.
Matching Your Skill Level
| Skill Level | Best Course Options |
|---|---|
| Beginners | Hawaii Kai Executive, Ala Wai forward tees |
| Mid-handicappers | Ko Olina (playable but engaging), Hawaii Kai Championship |
| Low-handicappers | Kapolei blue tees, Ko Olina blue tees |
| Mixed groups | Hawaii Kai two-course format |
Booking Windows and How to Save Money
Ko Olina and Kapolei both allow booking up to 90 days in advance.
Ko Olina includes a complimentary Waikiki shuttle if you're traveling with at least one other golfer.
Kapolei charges $100 round-trip for shuttle service, which you need to factor into your total cost.
Royal Hawaiian only offers morning tee times and requires calling ahead to confirm operational status.
Don't just show up—the current “soft opening” phase means things can change.
Hawaii Kai's rates improve significantly when you book through discount platforms like GolfNow, where prices drop to $90-115 instead of the standard $115-165.
That's the difference between mid-tier pricing and near-municipal rates for ocean views from every hole.
Ala Wai operates through ForeUP for online bookings 3 to 7 days in advance, or you can show up at 5:40 AM for walk-on standby.
The walk-on option works best on weekday mornings when tee times are less crowded.
Conclusion
The best golf course near Waikiki depends entirely on what you're willing to trade off—Ko Olina and Kapolei deliver premium quality, Royal Hawaiian offers unforgettable scenery, Hawaii Kai combines ocean views with moderate pricing, and Ala Wai gives you walkable convenience.
All five are public-access and sit within 45 minutes of Waikiki, which means you have legitimate options regardless of your budget or skill level.
Book early morning tee times, pack extra balls for the jungle courses, and respect the trade winds that define island golf.
