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Rating Index Rating
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4.3
453 Reviews (453)
5 Stars
175
4 Stars
203
3 Stars
53
2 Stars
12
1 Stars
10
Conditions
4.2
Value
4.3
Layout
4.6
Friendliness
4.7
Pace
4.5
Amenities
4.1
92.9%
Recommend this course
419 out of 453 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.1
17 Reviews (17)
5 Stars
7
4 Stars
7
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.1
Value
4.3
Layout
4.3
Pace
4.3
Amenities
4.2
StaffFriendliness
4.7
94.1%
Recommend this course
16 out of 17 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.4
42 Reviews (42)
5 Stars
23
4 Stars
15
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
2
Conditions
4.3
Value
4.4
Layout
4.6
Pace
4.4
Amenities
4.2
StaffFriendliness
4.7
95.2%
Recommend this course
40 out of 42 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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Course Highlights
Puakea's varied, challenging layout delivers beautiful mountain views and consistently solid conditions at an outstanding value compared to other Kauai courses. Exceptionally friendly staff and a smooth pace of play make every round an enjoyable island experience.

About

Holes 18
Type Public
Par 72
Length 6954 yards
Slope 130
Rating 73.1

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.

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Puakea Golf Course
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Course Details

Year Built 1997
Fairways Bermuda Grass
Greens Bermuda Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect Robin Nelson (2003) Robin Nelson (1997) Mark Miller (1997)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - included in green fees
GPS No
Caddies No
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Bunker Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Dress code Appropriate golf attire.

Food & Beverage

Bar, Grill, Restaurant

Available Facilities

Clubhouse

Accolades

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Reviews

4.3
453 Reviews (453)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 23
Brunch 10
19th Hole Specials 7
Course Challenges Include:
Bunkers 50
Elevation Changes 40
Water Hazards 37
This course/club is great for:
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 38
Locals 29
Seniors 29
This Course's Location is:
Convenient to the City 53
Near the Airport 51
Near Local Attractions 13

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

golfing in hawaii

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.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Previously Played

I have played this course several times this November & December

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.

Conditions Fair
Value Average
Friendliness Fair
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Better than curb appeal

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.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

Starts out ordinary and continues to get better, especially the back nine. Greens could be faster.

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

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great deal for a good course on Kauai!

$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.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Good Value for $60

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.

Conditions Poor
Value Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Nice course for less $

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.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Poor
Pace Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

this course is good for average golfers

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

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once every three months
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Always a Good Experience

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.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Nice layout, great views.

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.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Its a very nice golf course.

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

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great place to enjoy golf!

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!

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Probably the best value on Kauai!

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.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Slow greens

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.

Conditions Poor
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 25+
Skill Beginner
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Beautiful course, and great value through GolfNow

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.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

This course is awesome for the price, layout, and scenery.

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. :)

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Good place to play middle of the week

Should be able to get around in about 4 hours, the girls had a harder time

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Poor
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Fun golf course, some great holes

Played Puakea on 9/30/13 and the course was in great shape and the staff couldn't have been nicer. This is a hidden gem on Kauai and one of the best values on the island. With the exception of the Costco in the background on the 1st & 9th holes you will find this to be a very beautiful and enjoyable golf course. The back nine has some spectacular holes, especially #12 & 13. When you go to Kauai play the resort courses but make sure you don't miss Puakea.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

the course is great and staff friendly.

Great course loved it. Will go back on our next vacation in Kauai....

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Enjoyed the round

2nd time I've played Pueka, we enjoyed the course. Some interesting holes,great pace of play and fair price for Hawaii golf.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
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Golf Packages

Maui Golf Around Package

REQUEST QUOTE BELOW*
MAUI | Enjoy lodging accommodations at Napili Kai Beach Resort and golf at Kapalua Resort Plantation Course, the Royal Ka'anapali Course, Ka'anapali Kai Course, or King Kamehameha Golf Club.
Kapalua Resort Bay Course

Maui Golf Around Package

REQUEST QUOTE BELOW*
MAUI | Enjoy lodging accommodations at Napili Kai Beach Resort and golf at Kapalua Resort Plantation Course, the Royal Ka'anapali Course, Ka'anapali Kai Course, or King Kamehameha Golf Club.
Kapalua Resort Plantation Course - Hole 18

Best of Maui Golf Package

REQUEST QUOTE BELOW*
MAUI | Enjoy lodging accommodations at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua and golf at the newly refined Kapalua Resort Plantation Course, the Royal Ka'anapali Course, the Ka'anapali Kai Course, or the King Kamehameha Golf Club.

Best of Maui Golf Package

REQUEST QUOTE BELOW*
MAUI | Enjoy lodging accommodations at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua and golf at the newly refined Kapalua Resort Plantation Course, the Royal Ka'anapali Course, the Ka'anapali Kai Course, or the King Kamehameha Golf Club.
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