Royal Hawaiian Golf Club

Front nine beautiful and extremely challenging. Back nine scenic and a little less challenging. Overall a truly unique golfing experience.

I was told to bring a lot of balls, but I really did not think that applied to me, as I rarely lose a ball. well this course is impossible, if you don't play it very strategically. At times, I had to tee off with an iron to avoid the ball rolliing off the fairway down a cliff. Yes, if you go over the green, down a cliff. A bit too far to the right or left, down a cliff or woods. But, I loved it. I am playing it again tomorrow and I hope I will remember all that I learned the first time I played it. The staff were fanstastic, giving you a 10 minute run down on the course before letting you out. But disappoiinting is the range is not open; first hole, several mulligins are permitted.

Cathy

So I've been seeing a lot of reviews about greens being slow. I think a couple on the back 9 where thicker, still playable but thicker.

I had a 254 they accommodated me because of traffic which was cool, I thought at the time. Got there at 330 and everyone was saying, " you won't finish, you won't finish." As if I where to come at 254 that would gave me the full 18. 4 people told me that. That same 4 people said make sure carts are in by 530.

Like I get you guys gave lives and don't want to be there all day but four people on repeat was a bit rude imo

Did our research and read all the reviews so knew what we were getting into. Course is a about a 30 minute drive east from Honolulu on the Pali Highway. Absolutely stunning mountains, jungle, and scenery. Unfortunately, the positives kind of stop there.

Front nine was spectacular but does not reward even good shots. If you don't like balls severely above or below your feet, even after a decent shot, do not play this course. And, as all the other reviews mention, bring lots and lots of balls. Anything that even trickles off the fairways disappears. The front nine greens had been sanded maybe a month prior and had 3 to 5 inch craters and holes throughout. Pro shop and starter did not mention any local rules or greens issues. Almost impossible to putt on the front nine.

Back nine is more open, out of the jungle, with greens in better condition, but still a lot of blind shots where local knowledge would be essential. The whole track layout had a kind of disjointed, "trying way too hard to impress" feel. There's no way to get into a flow or rhythm.

By the time we got back to the clubhouse (3:30 pm), everything was closed, aside from a couple cart attendants. Complete tumbleweeds blowing through the place. Kind of eerie. No restaurant or bar or snack shop open or even a pro shop thank you. You're probably a 25 minute drive from the nearest post-round 19th hole in Kailua Beach. (the famous Buzz's Steakhouse is the place!)

Bottom line? Incredible Jurassic Park kind of setting but the whole operation feels a bit down-at-the-heels, 1980s without an apparent whole lot of fresh investment. Getting kind of dingy and worn. Oh, and good luck on the first few target-shooting holes without a driving range or even a net to warm up on prior.

For the price, cannot recommend. Was very disappointed in the overall experience for our one opportunity to play golf on this trip.

Range closed, restaurant closed, thin grass on tee boxes and fairways, unmowed crap grass in rough, exposed dirt spots on most greens.

The clubhouse entry and building is ran down, the restaurant is closed as well as the driving range. The course has a few holes that the greens are in question. Over all the setting of playing in/near a rain forest made for a pleasant experience. Take plenty of balls as it’s a course with a lot of blind shots and tight fairways!

Golfing in the jungle bring rain gear and extra balls worth it

Course layout was nice. Views were amazing. Greens were poor. If the Greens were taken care of, this course would be a 10 out of 10 with the layout and views.

I love the scenery course layout except for the putting greens in very poor condition need to be maintained more.

Course had amazing views. Every turn had views from different angles. From the Mountains to the Tree lines. Fairways were above average, but the Greens very disappointing. Overall rating is a 4. If Greens were maintained I would’ve gave this course a 5+.

Front 9 greens are awful. Too many blind shots for visitors. Cart path only did not help

Needs more signs for general directions

This course looked amazing. Cut out of the jungle. Played from the blue tees and was faced with super tight tees shots with tight landing areas. Some blind tee shots. Some of the greens were rough and slow. Played in December so maybe not the best time for pristine conditions. Paid 165 USD, which was not worth for the condition it was in. There were some stunning holes though. Bring a few extra balls if you go. Uber from Waikiki was 65 USD with tip. Each way.

Royal Hawaiian GC has a very nice layout in the rain forest. Like they advertised, Jurassic Park with no dinosaures. The scenery is spectacular with the surrouding mountains and between holes the rain forest is beautiful. Cart is a must. The course might prove challenging for amateurs but we played from the red starts and enjoyed a fun day on a nice course with still several challenges. We played late morning so no rush at all. The staff is friendly and give proper instructions. Only downside, it rained a lot that morning so the whole course was car parh only, so it made us walk quite a bit. I would play there again and recommend it for the experience of the forest and quietness.

Everything is solid 5 stars except for the crummy pro shop guy he is so unfriendly I don’t know why. We will definitely be back once he is fired.

FYI we spent $10k on this vacation please don’t think we want to cheat you on the $35 rider fee I was so excited seeing the awesome course for the first time and went outside to admire lol.

Also some greens could use TLC.