GolfPass Icon
Rating Index Rating
Tooltip Information Icon
4.3
448 Reviews (448)
5 Stars
175
4 Stars
199
3 Stars
52
2 Stars
12
1 Stars
10
Conditions
4.2
Value
4.3
Layout
4.6
Friendliness
4.6
Pace
4.4
Amenities
4.0
93.3%
Recommend this course
414 out of 448 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.4
18 Reviews (18)
5 Stars
12
4 Stars
4
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.3
Value
4.3
Layout
4.6
Pace
4.3
Amenities
4.2
StaffFriendliness
4.8
94.4%
Recommend this course
17 out of 18 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.4
50 Reviews (50)
5 Stars
28
4 Stars
18
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
2
Conditions
4.4
Value
4.4
Layout
4.6
Pace
4.4
Amenities
4.1
StaffFriendliness
4.6
96.0%
Recommend this course
48 out of 50 reviews
Read Reviews
frame.svg
AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
circle-star.svg
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.

Book a Tee Time at
Puakea Golf Course
Powered by GolfNow.com

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

The Best Way To Book Is With GolfPass+ Annual
waivedfees
10 rounds of waived fees
golf ball.svg
$120 in tee time credits
teetime protection.svg
Tee Time Protection
redeemtrophy
Redeem GolfPass points

Reviews

4.3
448 Reviews (448)

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 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser

A fun golf day experience.

Generous fairways with some challenging, but fair, holes. Two par three holes are over water and one has an approximately 150 foot drop. Great to see and fun to play. The pro-shop and restaurant are not large but are adequate. The staff is super friendly and very helpful. The whole experience was so pleasant, we played it again the next day.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser

Good course for the money

Slow play, but partially due to rainy conditions. Nice fairways and greens, and nice layout. Great snack bar, and friendly staff. Wish I had seen a Marshall out on the course. Would like to play it again.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Poor
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser

Good course for the price.

When traveling to Hawaii, and especially playing golf, it can be hard finding affordable options. This is one of those. We booked a 'hot rate' and thought it was a real nice course for the money. Located directly behind the Costco on the island, it was convenient and in good shape, especially the greens. I would say the greens were average in speed but in very good shape. Course also had some real nice mountain views, no true ocean views however. Would play again on another trip to the island.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Difficulty Extremely Easy
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Beginner
Plays Twice a year
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser

Beautiful setting, challenging holes, back 9 is super.

We had delays due to rain that just wouldn't quit, but greens drained well and played well. Third time here, would come back again in a minute. Had the back 9 to ourselves due to the rain and loved it!

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser

Bested me

This was the first time that I have played this course and had some difficulties with it (darn sand) but overall it was a nice round. Some interesting holes and the course was quiet so there was no pressure to hurry the round and you could take that extra shot on the par 3s. I would like to come back and give this course another go.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 49
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0

A fun course..great views and not crowded

I joined up with 2 locals and had a great time. We were first ones out and played quickly. Course had some pretty holes and some bland holes. The view of the mountains were great. Price is far less than the resorts but course is not as scenic but was still fun.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 25+
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser

Good value for money

Enjoyed all the way throughout the course, with beautiful weather. It's not crowded.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser

Best value on Kauai

Puakea is a fun track right in Lihue. The fairways are in good condition and wide enough for any skill level. (but stay on the fairways) The greens are well protected by bunkers, but large and friendly. The grass on the greens were inconsistent and putting was difficult. If you are looking for a fun round at a challenging course with a relatively low price... Think Puakea.

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

An excellent value compared to other quality courses on the island

Very friendly personnel - a good layout (don't let the 1st 2 holes fool you) - the bunkers are a bit inconsistent, but the course is a very good golfing experience. Difficulty depends upon your choice of tees. Use the internet to get a good price.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 43
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser

Fun course with reasonable challenges

A good course to get your "golf" legs early in the season. A lot of interesting holes; none have unreasonable challenges.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser

Challenging for high handicappers

This is a really good course with a variety of holes. Lots of sand traps and some water but generally user friendly for amateurs. The staff from the pro shop, the starter and grounds keepers were all very friendly and made the day for us.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser

greens inconsistent, and slower than comparable courses, fairways need attention.

Bunkers have great sand, very playable, but greens inconsistent and slower than comparable courses. fairways need some attention, but generally good.

Conditions Poor
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser

This course required some planning of shots. There was a good variety of holes.

I was a little concerned about not being able to finish our round before sunset. The starter let us out on the quieter back nine first. The grass conditions were rough in a couple of spots but overall I had a great time playing this course. I will play it again when I come back to Kauai.

Conditions Poor
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser

Great course for all levels of casual golfers

Puakea is a great course for all levels of casual golfers. The course lays out in front of the players with very few blind shots and very easy to navigate directions and cart paths. The price is reasonable, facilities are fine and the Staff is player friendly. We only played it once but would recommend it and will play it again on next trip!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser

Subject to more rain than Poipu courses

We were rained out the first day on the first hole - they gladly rescheduled for the following day.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 30
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser

Well maintained. Fairways very generous.

Lots of couples playing which slowed the pace down, but most were golf savvy and let me play through. Course was in great shape.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 8
Handicap 15-19
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser

great

friendly staff
good condition, very lush
challange from blue tees; tips are too hard for most golfers
nice vistas
bunkering a bit unusual
Highly recommended I am returning in 2 days

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser

A good mix of challenging holes and some easy.

This is a great course for the price. No two holes alike. The wind can make some of this very tricky.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 15-19
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser

Scenic challenge

From the nearby roads, this course appears almost simple. But, the challenging & interesting holes are in the back country, and they require some thought. The scenery is gorgeous, with long views of the area around Lihue. The value for the money is well above average.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser

Beaufiful surrandings and not a whole lot of houses around

The majority of holes are unique and not just the run of the mill back and forth. Lots of blind drives and curvy greens. Plenty of bunkers to find your ball. Water on quite a few holes. All which add up to a wonderful golfing experience here in Kauai.

Looking at all the lush green scenery can help get your mind off the cold weather and brown fairways back home in Texas this time of year. You will find the staff very helpful and the conditions are always great. Have played here every year since they opened and still find it fun and challenging!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Difficulty Moderate
Nearby Courses
Lihue, Hawaii
Resort
4.0861928105
127
Kapaa, Hawaii
Municipal
4.2857142857
14
Koloa, Hawaii
Resort
4.7212052653
198
Koloa, Hawaii
Resort/Semi-Private
4.2665130568
235
Koloa, Hawaii
Private/Resort
3.8333333333
3
Kalaheo, Hawaii
Semi-Private
2.3333333333
5
Princeville, Hawaii
Resort
4.4574007821
114
Golf Packages

Savannah Harbor Stay & Play Golf Package

CLICK BELOW
SAVANNAH, GA | Enjoy lodging accommodations at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa and golf at The Club at Savannah Harbor.
The Club at Savannah Harbor

Savannah Harbor Stay & Play Golf Package

CLICK BELOW
SAVANNAH, GA | Enjoy lodging accommodations at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa and golf at The Club at Savannah Harbor.

Princeville Makai Stay & Play Package

Click Below for Pricing*
KAUAI | Enjoy lodging accommodations at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, or The Cliffs at Princeville and golf at Princeville Makai Golf Club.
Princeville Makai Golf Club

Princeville Makai Stay & Play Package

Click Below for Pricing*
KAUAI | Enjoy lodging accommodations at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, or The Cliffs at Princeville and golf at Princeville Makai 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.
Now Reading
  • Home

  • Memberships

  • Library

  • Account