Hokuala, a Timbers Resort (Kauai)

After undergoing a renovation a few years ago, the back nine (Kiele Moana) stands up to just about any stretch of golf in Hawaii in terms of its wow factor. Holes 4, 5, 6 & 7 represent the longest continuous stretch of holes on the ocean in the Aloha State and they're more than scenic, they're interesting. The other nine has merit, too, though, even without the ocean views. Overall, Kauai Lagoons is one of the more memorable courses in all of Hawaii.

A sensational, very challenging course. Beautiful scenery to boot. Not for hackers. Some tee offs required to hit 200 yards to clear danger, lost ball. A pleasure to play, would not hesitate to recommend. Only complaint was couldn't find anywhere for a drink after round. Staff very friendly, especially in clubhouse

Change has been a constant for Kauai Lagoons Golf Club, the only Jack Nicklaus design on Kauai.
Nicklaus originally designed 36 holes before constant tinkering cut the course to just 18 holes for awhile.
A renovation completed in May 2011 brought the club back to 27 holes and, more important, created the longest continuous stretch of ocean holes in Hawaii. Work also upgraded bunkers, moved several traps around and put Tif-eagle grass on the greens.
Golfweek ranked Kauai Lagoons eighth among the top public golf courses in Hawaii in 2013. Sweeping views of the Pacific and beautiful bays highlight the Kiele Moana nine (translating to "ocean"). The trade winds really kick into high gear on this nine, making the ocean holes from nos. 4-7 play ultra tough.
The Kiele Course's front nine -- named Mauka, which means "to the mountains" -- crawls through the jungle. This demanding par-37 loop features three par 5s in the first six holes. A new back tee on the fourth hole turned a monstrous par 4 into a reachable par 5. The do-or-die tee shot at the par-3 fifth hole might seem tough until you reach the feared 18th hole, a 459-yard par 4 playing into the howling trade winds with water up the right side and jungle along the left. It takes an all-carry poke over the water to reach the green.

It's tough not to fall in love with any golf course on Kauai and particularly here, which has such a unique setting. The course winds through both forest and jungle, not to mention some man-made lagoons from the resort's more opulent days. It's good to see the course is finally wrapping up its long transition period and the oceanfront holes are back. But I still really love a lot of the front nine holes that play more inland. All-in-all, it's one of the more playable Nicklaus resort courses you'll play (and you're Hawaii, so that's kind of the point).

You can't beat the views on the back nine. The front nine with the tropical landscaping is scenic too. The entire course was in pristine condition and the staff was extremely friendly. The starter did an excellent job spacing groups so we were never bunched up. We got a terrific Sunday rate which made it even better. If you are traveling to Kauai this is a must.

The course is in excellent condition. Staff is great. Some holes along the coast are spectacular. It is a long and challenging course.

We enjoyed ourselves very much! Course was in good shape!

Good rate on Sunday special. Course in good shape, greens rolling fairly fast. Pace of play fairly good. Not an easy course, need to hit it good to score well. Not sure that I would come back at the $165 rate, other options on Kauia at a better rate.

We loved this course, we played well, maybe because we rubbed the Buddha's tummy on 1. Read the course description and where to aim when trade winds are up, might be hard to aim that far left or right, but trust the advise. Also when they say three clubs more, they mean it! Greens were true, wide fairways, great course for women. I shoot a lower ball flight than my husband so the wind bothered me less. I actually beat him (with handicap). Views are spectacular. This is a must play. We were there in July and had no players in front of us. It was 84 and wind felt very nice.

The views on this course were absolutely beautiful, mountains, ocean, had a hard time concentrating on golf.
We will be playing here again.

The only negative was that the Bev cart cost a small fortune? $35. 50 for 2 bottle of booze, a can of juice and 2 beers. They charge $10 for the airplane bottles and then charge my wife $4 for the juice she mixed with the $10 rum.

This was a great course. Especially for the price. I booked a twilight tee time through GolfNow.com for $75 plus $35 for club rentals. I played with another twosome in 3 hours. I'm used to playing at home in about 5 1/2, so this was a treat. The course was in great shape and had awesome views. I was planning on playing Poipu Bay, but may just go back to Kauai Lagoons again.

Kauai Lagoons was the most beautiful golf course I have played in Hawaii.

Beautiful course right by LIH airport. There are 3 9's: All are breezy. Moana is on the ocean. Fairways were in perfect shape when we played in June. Entire staff was super friendly and helpful. Not crowded at all.

The daily pin placement/"local knowledge" card on the cart provided great tips, complemented by the on-cart GPS. Pace of play could be improved upon by sending out foursomes instead of twosomes - not everyone wants to play with strangers, but we seem to always meet nice folks on the golf course, so we don't mind getting paired up.

We had a minus 29% deal ($145 i.s.o. $205) and I still think it's quite a lot of money for a round of golf next to an airstrip. However, the course was in a fine condition and the layout and the scenery are amazing. Spectaculair views of the Pacific, teeshots over the jungle and every chance to see whales playing in the background. One thing was a real bummer though. After a challenging round of golf, I long for a big icecold beer. Guess what? No clubhouse. We were referred to the poolside bar in the adjoining Marriott hotel. Aside from that we had a wonderful time there. A fine Nicklaus design definitely worth playing.

Ocean holes are awesome. Great course, you will be challenged and enjoy the views. Bring a camera. Stop by the Marriott on the beach and have a beer afterwards.

I have always wanted to play this course and recently Golf Now afforded me the luxury. The ocean side has some fabulous views, but overall a course I would not play at full price. Even after Nicklaus' redesign, some of the holes are kind of gimmicky, so much so that they give you a tip sheet on where and what club to hit. I strongly recommend you follow the tips.

Everything you want in a resort golf experience; excellent practice facility, practice balls and cart included in price, fantastic ocean views, really nice clubhouse and setting.

Good views from course,
With rain drops some areas stay wet