From municipal courses you can walk to from Waikiki to world-class resort layouts on the North Shore — here's how to plan golf on Oahu for any budget.
Oahu has some of the most diverse golf in the United States — ocean-view resort courses, lush jungle layouts, and affordable municipal tracks. The challenge is knowing which course fits your game and your budget. Here's the breakdown.
Best Scenic Course: Ko Olina Golf Club
Ko Olina Golf Club on the west coast is Oahu's most visually spectacular course. Designed by Ted Robinson, the layout winds through tropical gardens with ocean glimpses throughout. The par-72 course is challenging but not punishing, with wide fairways and well-maintained greens. Green fees for non-residents run $175-200. Worth every cent for the scenery alone.
Best Resort Experience: Turtle Bay Resort
Turtle Bay on the North Shore has two courses — the Arnold Palmer Course and the George Fazio Course. The Palmer is the star: a links-style layout hugging the coastline with ocean breezes that will humble even single-digit handicappers. The Fazio is more forgiving. Combined with the North Shore setting, Turtle Bay is a bucket-list golf experience. Book well in advance — it fills up.
Best Budget Option: Ala Wai Golf Course
Ala Wai Golf Course in Honolulu is one of the busiest golf courses in the world, and one of the cheapest. Non-resident rates are under $60 and the course is literally walkable from Waikiki hotels. It's flat, has no ocean views, and is crowded — but as a warm-up round before heading to Ko Olina or as a standalone affordable option, it's unbeatable value.
Best for Serious Golfers: Royal Hawaiian Golf Club
The Royal Hawaiian Golf Club in Kailua is carved through a dramatic jungle valley in the Ko'olau Mountains. The course plays through lush tropical forest with elevation changes, narrow fairways, and mountain views. Greens fees are in the $175+ range but the experience is unlike any other course on the island. This is for golfers who want a serious round in a jaw-dropping setting.
Golf Tips for Visitors
- Book tee times 2-4 weeks in advance for resort courses, especially in high season (Dec-Mar)
- Twilight rates (after 1-2pm) cut fees by 30-50% at most courses
- Trade winds pick up in the afternoon — morning rounds are usually calmer
- Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Bring reef-safe SPF 50+
- Many courses require shirts with collars — check dress code before you arrive
- Rental clubs are available at all major courses if you don't want to travel with yours
When to Play Golf on Oahu
Golf on Oahu is a year-round activity. Winter (December-February) brings slightly more rain but cooler temperatures — ideal for walking courses. Summer is drier but hot by midday. The sweet spot is April-June or September-November: moderate temperatures, less rain than winter, and smaller crowds than peak season. Early morning tee times are cooler and less windy regardless of season.
