About
Ranked the 13th Best Golf Course You Can Play in Hawaii by Golfweek Magazine in 2009, Puakea is a one of Hawaii's best kept golf secrets. Designed by Robin Nelson, Puakea is a fun golf experience for the recreational golfer while still a challenge for the better player when played from the back tees. Located in Lihue across from the Kukui Grove Shopping Center, Puakea is easy to get to no matter where you are staying on Kauai. With its fully stocked pro shop, large grass driving range and practice bunkers and practice green Puakea is a great place to spend the day working on your game. Be sure to visit the Grille for a burger, salad, sandwich or cold beer.
Course Details
Rentals & Services
Practice & Instruction
Policies
Food & Beverage
Available Facilities
Golfer Photos
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Par three Photo submitted by MrsJones on 09/28/2025
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Photo submitted by tspeters11 on 07/18/2025
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Photo submitted by u345335751 on 09/28/2024
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Photo submitted by GlenHampton on 08/07/2024
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Photo submitted by GlenHampton on 08/07/2024
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Photo submitted by GlenHampton on 08/07/2024
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Photo submitted by GlenHampton on 08/07/2024
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Par 3 with elevation Photo submitted by Roach8623 on 04/09/2024
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Photo submitted by Clifford7195090 on 03/10/2024
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Photo submitted by Clifford7195090 on 03/10/2024
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Photo submitted by Clifford7195090 on 03/10/2024
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Photo submitted by Clifford7195090 on 03/10/2024
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Photo submitted by Clifford7195090 on 03/10/2024
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Photo submitted by Clifford7195090 on 03/10/2024
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Photo submitted by u314159637207 on 02/27/2024
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Photo submitted by u000001363079 on 02/14/2024
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Photo submitted by johnb15 on 07/09/2023
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Photo submitted by Nickhedr on 01/18/2023
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Photo submitted by lmyers4371 on 10/04/2022
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Number 6 @Puakea Photo submitted by rcsacstate on 12/07/2019
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The sixth hole at Puakea plunges downhill. Photo submitted by JasonDeeganGA on 01/29/2014
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Photo submitted by garngarn on 10/30/2013
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Photo submitted by garngarn on 10/30/2013
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View from 6th hole tee box Photo submitted by u000007520885 on 07/03/2013
Golfer Reviews
fairways in great shape
Very good golf couse, interesting layout
interesting elevation changes
deep bunkers
Puakea golf
The course is easy to get to and the check in process was well done. The starter was friendly and provided an overview of the practice facilities and introduced us to the single that joined up with us. Overall the course was in good shape however the greens were a bit slow and shaggy. Pace of play was good with no issues. The value for dollar spent was good. For the first time around it is a bit tricky to know where to best position your shots. Yardage markers were hard to find so having a range finder would be helpful. Windy day added to the challenge but overall a good day was had by all
A very nice parkland type course
I had reservations about playing a course that was very near the Costco and such a reasonable price for Hawaii. What a pleasant surprise, I am going to buy the multi-play pass for sure. The course has everything I wanted, challenging but not overly difficult.
User Friendly
Nicely conditioned course with some great mountain backdrops. Meandering layout through houses on some holes. A couple of dramatic elevated tees on part 3s with forced carries over water. Very playable with generous fairways & strategically placed bunkers in fairways & around greens. A lot of fun to play. Decent Nike rentals.
Great option right off the plane
Along with Wailua Municipal, Puakea is one of the best bargains on Kauai and a must-play, especially right off the plane or before you leave since it's just minutes from the airport. This Robin Nelson design might not have the ocean holes like the resort courses, but it's pretty scenic in its own right with mountain backdrops, elevation change and well above average conditioning. A par 3 that drops more than 100 feet are among the highlights.
Excellent Value
Booked as a Golf Now Hot Deal! Great course with varied holes, all in excellent shape! Go play! You will have fun.
Watch out for the bunkers
This course has lots of bunkers strategically placed. The front nine has a totally different feel from the back nine. The day we were there it seemed like we had our own private course. There were other golfers but we seldom saw them.
Good or all handicap players
Great course -Course employees excellent- made things very pleasant for us!
What a deal!
Courses here for vacationer are extremely expensive and this was the only course available through golfnow so I was a little apprehensive of what to expect. I have played Prince Course (approx $200) and this course for $35. While the Prince Course is very upscale and extremely challenging, I found Puakea to be a nice layout, beautiful backdrop of mountains and in great shape. Not a fancy club house, but nice staff there. And what a deal! I would definitely go back.
Great Course
As a visitor I have played here about 10 times the last three years. This course is the best maintained course I play. Overall an excellent value. Only warning to visitors is to bring an umbrella and a towel as short intense bursts of rain is normal on the Garden Isle.
Good , Course, pace of play terrible
Course is in very good shape. would have rated it 4 stars except for pace of play.. We played mid week at 10 AM. Took more than 5 hours to play.. Had extremely slow 5 some a couple of groups ahead of us. Called clubhouse twice to try to speed things along. They did send someone out to move things along, but pace continued to be slow. A couple of players in groups ahead quit after 12 holes because of pace of play. I am not sure I would play course again due to the slow play.
Wind can effect your shots, have fun
Staff very friendly , course offers many options, great views, some pin placements tough but fair. Plan to play again soon.
Fun course, good views,
Great round and good value for the money. It always irritates me to show up and be greeted by rude starters or pro shop personnel that act like they are doing me a big favor to let me play and take my money. Well, not here. These folks couldn't have been nicer and it sets the tone for the round. Very well organized as well. Course conditions were good but the greens were pretty slow the day I visited. Overall it was Avery nice day of golf and the course is centrally located.
The Par 3 6th hole was just magical
My husband and I loved playing this course. It was very well maintained and interesting. The surroundings were just beautiful.
First time golfing in Hawaii
On the island of Kauai there is plenty of courses to choose from. My son & I wanted to play on a course that was nice but would'nt break the bank so we picked the Puakea course. Reserved a tee time on golf now, and really enjoyed our golfing. The rental clubs despite being well used were a good quality brand, and as for the course, it was in very good condition. Would DEFINATELY play again
This course has great features
What a great course and close in town. I never would have known the course was located there, almost hidden from view. The elevated par three over a pond is a real challenge. I will play this course again!
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