Puakea Golf Course

I have played this course many times in the past but this is the first time in four years due to Covid19 restrictions and construction work on the course. The construction of housing on the back nine is ongoing but doesn’t adversely affect the course too much. The greens were in decent shape as were the fairways, but traps were somewhat overgrown due to recent neglect. The grounds crew seemed to be playing “catch up “ with some of the mowing and trap maintenance.

My main complaint is the steep increase in cost which has more than doubled for nonresidents. The pace of play wasn’t an issue since there were so few players on the course. I think they would be a lot busier if their prices were more reasonable.

I have played this course numerous times in the past. It was closed during Covid19 lockdown and additionally due to extensive construction on the back nine causing course renovations. The traps were poorly maintained during closure and are starting to be overgrown. Many tee boxes don’t appear to have been mowed in several weeks. Fairways and greens mostly fine. Used to pay about $60-65 / round. Now at least double that. Course was relatively empty probably due to above issues.

I think kauai tourists and locals are an available market for reasonably priced golf and perhaps local membership pricing. Each course has to choose their market and the high end market is plentiful and competitive on Kauai.

Puakea has a nice atmosphere much of which will disappear as more residential development spreads around the course.

Puakea used to have afternoon rates, resident guest rates etc but these have gone away which will increase play at Wailua.bottom line I don’t think Puakea can compete in the market they’re shooting for.

Good to play again after being closed so long cause of Covid. New management doing a great job I really enjoyed playing golf at Puakea again!

Great course, Cost through GolfNow 2x what is was prior to Covid, Course in very good shape. Greens not too fast. Pace of play great.

This course is a nice layout but in rough shape. Definitely not worth the $179 rack rate, and not even the GolfPass discounted rate of $127. It will take many months of maintenance to get this course into a condition where you want to pay more than $100.

This course is excellent for the money. GREAT shape. Does not have the ocean views/on the ocean like the other course in Kauai BUT YOUR not paying 250-400 per round either. GREAT course!!!!!!!!

This course is closed. Why is there any “TeeTimes”???

Golf now sold me a non refundable rate for a golf course that hasn't been open since covid. Now they are refusing to refund me. Shady business practices.

Puakea is a beautiful course on Kauai. The views are exquisite. Nice layout. Some very challenging holes that are well defended as well as some beautiful par 3’s. Wished I lived closer (am in NY!)

First, we were met in the parking lot with a cart by a friendly manta o take our clubs. We checked in and were told of a great deal for golf 5 days $350. If you ever play in Hawaii, you know this is a deal. Large putting green, practice bunker and driving range. The course was well groomed, wide open-but challenging. True , and well maintained greens. Beautiful mountains surround the course. It is where some of Jurrasic Park was filmed. Number 6 is an over-water shot with elevated tees. I never used the right club. Fun times every time, great staff, a great restaurant. Many locals are there just for the food. We like to arrive first thing at 7am, or between 10-12, when we are the only ones teeing off.

My favorite course in Kauai! So beautiful in the mountains, layout is great same for the conditions, not crowded... a must play!

We really liked the course and the great landscape. Also the course was in great shape. The price for our rental clubs (40$ each) on the other hand was nearly as high as the green fee.

This course is a winner and I will definitely play there again.

Course was ok for the money. Club house staff were unfriendly. Beverage cart staff was very friendly.

We loved everything about Puakea Golf course! We didn't expect much as it wasn't as pricey as other courses in Hawaii but we got amazing value and were very impressed by the immaculate golf course. Fun to play, beautiful views of the mountains, friendly staff. What is there not to like about this course? Even if you book the special, arrive early as they are flexible and will let you play earlier if there are earlier tee times. A must go! My second best golf score in Golf. Thank you!

Booked on GolfNow and we were not told course closed at 6:00 instead of sunset at 7:30. Upon arrival, told carts had to be returned by 6:00 - we thought that meant we could choose to walk last few holes if needed. However, when we arrived at 6:05, we were met rudely and threatened with having our cars locked inside the gate. I work in the industry, and am a pretty reasonable person and have not left a negative review for anything, anywhere before this. However, I’ve never been treated more rudely in my life - first by cafe employee, then by cart service employees, then by the manager I spoke with the next day after hours trying to reach the actual Pro Shop (they almost never answer, instead using a booking service).

The course is nice, but the staff does not care about your business.

From a purely golf standpoint, I would recommend Puakea as a good value for the money on Kauai. The layout is interesting and offers good challenges to average players

like me and my wife. The mountains offer a beautiful

backdrop. Greens are in good shape but you have to get used to how slow they roll. Lag putts really have to be

hit HARD.. You seem to putting against the grain a lot. Many

of the holes are a lot more scenic than you'll find at the

average muni. Puakea is several cuts above that level for sure. The downsides are as follows: Cart guy Christian was a pompous, arrogant jerk who didn't even turn around to acknowledge me when I walked up to get the cart. Someone

needs to school this guy in basic customer etiquette. Or fire him. Second, the course does ZERO to help you with

yardages: no yardage stakes, no markers in the fairway,

nothing. You want more business, then make it easy and speed play with aids to the golfer -- especially the first time player. Food in restaurant was good but here again, the service was poor, slow, and indifferent. Hire people who show they care. If you don't have GPS then help the golfer in other ways: other courses that aren't of Puakea's quality do it and so should Puakea. Do a better job of keeping weeds out of fairway grass -- 17 or 18 had issues with this. you can too. Only a few things to make a good day a whole lot better; we'll be back!