Puakea Golf Course

I have played this course every yr for the past 5-6 ys during Jan/Feb. Quite easy to get a low price tee time on golfnow.com. and now the only course in Kauai where that is possible. Pace of play is reasonable taking a little more than 4 hrs. I did not find the staff with the usual customer friendly that I have seen in the past. Fairways are fine, but some of the greens have a variety of grass growing making putting difficult. Still it remains one of the best deals in Kauai.

We found this course on Golf Now and not by local ads. The staff met us in the lot and walked us through everything. Great Staff! The funny thing was he said, don't judge us by the first 2 holes (because they backed up to Costco and a strip mall), Once we played the first two holes the course opened into a beauty of nature and course design. It was a fantastic day of golf and I enjoyed it every bit as much as the Princeville course we played the next day. Only this course was $125 less! Thank you Golf Now!

Don't let the first impression of the Puakea Golf Course fool you. Beyond the trailer clubhouse and the flat holes behind the local Costco hides a tropical paradise.
Puakea opened as a 10-hole course in 1997 after a hurricane halted construction. It was rescued when AOL founder Steve Case purchased the land in 2000. Original architect Robin Nelson was brought back to complete all 18 holes, which opened in 2003.
The 6,954-yard layout remains a local favorite for its scenery and affordability. Green fees are a steal once golfers get outside of the housing development of the first five new holes and into the jungle for the original routing. Great views of Mt. Ha'upu come later in the round.
The sixth hole requires a heart-stopping 176-yard downhill shot over water. The two par 3s on the back nine -- the 228-yard 13th hole and the tiny 134-yard 16th hole -- are a study in contrast.
Puakea can be a little rough around the edges compared to the higher end resort courses on the island. The traps might be unkept and the greens slow, although they're minor annoyances considering the price. The clubhouse doesn't look like much, either, but the food inside is much-improved and a pretty good choice for lunch.

Puakea is a great option on Kauai for those who want a great Hawaii golf experience but without the resort price tag. The opening holes aren't much, but holes start getting really interesting midway thru the front nine and by the 11th hole you're playing a world class Hawaiian golf course. It's also a great place to hit balls and work on your game with full facilities.

absolutely beautiful day! great service from the parking lot to the end of the round. one person in pro shop - not so excited. must have had a hard day (was at the end of the day)
overall, nice to be able to use golfnow.com.

The person running the proshop is consistently irritable and difficult. The sand traps are in very poor condition.The back 9 is beautiful with exciting holes over canyons and water.

Golf course is fun and can play as long as 6900 if you want more length. I would play it again as it's actually better than it looks from the street. It's forgiving for the average golfer.

First few holes are boring but continues to get better with back nine holes being very good.

$55 or 59 is cheapest deal for a good course on Kauai. Even cheaper than wailua. Fun holes galore, staff is really good to us.

The course overall is laid out nicely with no blind shots. The 150 poles in the fairway give you a nice reference for yardage off the tee. I played by myself on Sunday at 11:24am and finished in 3 hours. A worker on the course helped me play though some groups so it really went fast. For the price I would play it again, however the greens were very slow, and the bunkers needed grooming. You still get a lot for $60 that included a cart, and range balls.

First 4 holes are nice but average. After that the course turns into a real beauty. Fairways in great condition, greens were shaved in some spots on most greens turning spots brown. Didn't really affect putts though.
Not a good first impression upon checking in. Female employee was short and rude to my guest when he asked if any balls came with his club rental. She was not a good representative for the club and was almost insulting at times. The rest of the staff we spoke with were all cordial and acted professionally .
Aside from her, this is a great course for the price. We paid $59 rate at 11:20 through golf now.

great course and wonderful weather, hey its HAWAII and whats not to like.

Pua Kea is an under-utilized but wonderful golf course. The staff is extremely friendly, the course beautiful and challenging, and prices very reasonable compared to courses like the Prince, Kiele, and Makai. Bunkers could use some improvement, but otherwise a terrific experience.

We arrived 15minuts late but the starter was very friendly and got us out in a few minutes. Greens were nice and fairways in very good shape. Pace of play was excellent. Had a very good time. Food in snack bar was also excellent.

This golf course is great that you will enjoy and come and play again.

Fun course! What else is there to say. Conditions were fine, course is open enough you can go a little astray, and some nice challenges along the way. The starter picked me up in the parking lot with my cart, loaded my bag and I was on my way. How much better can it get. Close to the club house, the course was "typical" but further out, the layout got a lot better. For bang for the buck, one of the best deals I've found for Hawaii golf! Play here, enjoy a nice course, and have fun!

The course is friendly with no killer holes but you still have to hit the shots. Most holes are straight so you get a good feel even if playing here the first time. Golf pro was cordial but Richard the starter is a great ambassador for the course. We'd never played the course before and didn't feel ambushed by any holes. Views of the mountains are great, but no ocean vistas. Would come back here anytime.

Good course with many challenges. Green are slow and if it were maintained better it could be awesome. Still a good course for the money.

The setting of Puakea is beautiful, and the course is in wonderful shape. The staff is friendly and the warm-up facilities are great. The driving range is turf, not mats.

Richard, the starter, greeted us with much aloha and kindness. Got us out on the course by ourselves and on time. Don't be fooled by the course being behind the mall. It meanders through the valleys and hills. It's views are breathtaking and picture-worthy. The course was awesome and super maintained. The greenskeepers were very nice and respectful of when you were teeing off while doing their job. Greens ran true but a little slower in the afternoon. Fairways were great and tee boxes were perfect! All in all an awesome experience! Would definitely play here again. Thanks to Puakea and the staff. :)