If your Waikiki vacation is starting to feel a little too sandy (and the beach crowds are reaching “excuse me, sorry, pardon me” levels), a round of golf is the perfect reset. Oahu’s courses turn everything you already love about golf—smooth greens, lush fairways, and that satisfying thwack off the tee—into a tropical highlight reel… with mountain backdrops, palm-lined fairways, and ocean views that make you forget you just chunked an iron.
Below is an updated, traveler-friendly list of the best golf courses near Waikiki—plus a few important updates (like what’s private, what’s public, and what’s currently not operating).
Quick Picks: Best Golf Near Waikiki (At a Glance)
Closest & easiest from Waikiki
- Ala Wai Golf Course (public municipal) – the “play a quick round without leaving town” option.
Most unforgettable scenery
- Royal Hawaiian Golf Club – jungle valley vibes that feel like a movie set.
- Turtle Bay (Arnold Palmer Course) – North Shore ocean views for days.
Best resort-style day trip
- Ko Olina Golf Club – polished, scenic, visitor-friendly (and known for Waikiki transportation options).
Best “serious golfer” brag-worthy option
- Waialae Country Club – legendary PGA TOUR venue (but private).
Best value off the beaten path
- Kahuku Golf Course (9-hole coastal links) – casual, breezy, and beautifully local.
The Best Golf Courses Near Waikiki
1) Ala Wai Golf Course (Honolulu) — The Convenient Waikiki Classic
If you want golf without turning it into an all-day expedition, Ala Wai is your move. It’s the closest full-size option to Waikiki—easy to fit in between a late breakfast, some shopping, and a sunset dinner. It’s also one of the most popular public courses on Oahu, so it feels like a true local experience.
Why you’ll love it
- Super close to Waikiki (great for tight schedules)
- Casual, affordable vibe compared to resort courses
- You’ll be playing where locals play—always fun energy
Good to know
- Book tee times early—this course gets a lot of action.
- Expect a lively pace and lots of groups (you’re in Honolulu, after all!).
2) Waialae Country Club (Honolulu) — Iconic PGA TOUR Golf (Private)
Waialae is one of the “bucket list” names on Oahu—famous for hosting the Sony Open in Hawaii and showcasing a classic, strategic layout that looks gorgeous on TV… because it is gorgeous in person.
Important update: This is a private country club. That means most travelers can’t simply book a tee time unless they’re a member or a guest of a member (or attending a special event).
Why it’s famous
- PGA TOUR pedigree and immaculate conditioning
- A “classic” course feel—strategic, traditional, and timeless
- Ocean breezes and a historic Honolulu setting
Best for
- Golfers who have access through a member connection (and want to play a course with serious legacy)
3) Royal Hawaiian Golf Club (Kailua) — The “Jurassic Valley” Experience
Royal Hawaiian is one of the most visually dramatic courses on Oahu—set in a lush valley with steep green mountains rising all around you. People don’t just remember their score here… they remember the scenery.
Why you’ll love it
- Wildly scenic: rainforest vibes, streams, and towering Ko‘olau mountains
- A memorable “once in a lifetime” feel (even if you play twice)
- Great for photos—especially early morning when the light hits the valley
Good to know (important visitor note)
- Royal Hawaiian has operated with limited tee times and specific policies at times (for example, pairing requirements and restrictions on riders). Always double-check current booking rules before you go.
- This course can play challenging depending on conditions—embrace the adventure.
4) Ko Olina Golf Club (Kapolei) — Resort Golf Done Right
Ko Olina is a favorite for visitors because it’s polished, well-organized, and set up for a smooth “vacation golf” day. Think: wide fairways, great service, beautiful water features, and that relaxed resort atmosphere where nobody’s judging your swing—because they’re too busy admiring the view.
Why you’ll love it
- Beautiful resort setting with water features and immaculate landscaping
- Visitor-friendly services (less stress, more fun)
- Known for transportation options from Waikiki for non-resident guests (availability and rules apply)
Pro tip
- Pair golf here with a West Oahu day: lagoons, dinner, sunset… it’s a great “date-day” plan.
5) Kapolei Golf Club (Kapolei) — Championship Feel with Playable Fairways
Kapolei is often described as one of the best “all-around” public/resort-style courses on Oahu. You get a premium experience—great conditioning, dramatic bunkering, water features—without feeling like you have to play perfect golf to enjoy your day.
Why you’ll love it
- Polished facilities and a modern clubhouse
- Strategic design that’s fun for many skill levels
- Great option if you’re staying in Waikiki but want a true “golf day”
Good to know
- Like many popular Oahu courses, mornings book fast—especially in peak travel seasons.
6) Turtle Bay Golf (Kahuku) — North Shore Views + Vacation Mode
If you have time to make the trip, Turtle Bay is absolutely worth it. The North Shore is a different rhythm—more open, more breezy, more “Hawaii.” The Arnold Palmer Course is the main championship layout and delivers the kind of ocean-side golf you’ll talk about long after you’re home.
Why you’ll love it
- North Shore setting = ocean views, wide skies, and a more laid-back pace
- The Palmer Course is the headline act: scenic, memorable, and legitimately fun
- Great for couples and groups who want golf + exploring the North Shore
Important update
- Turtle Bay has historically offered both the Palmer Course and the George Fazio Course, but the Fazio course has been listed as temporarily closed. The resort also offers alternative golf-style experiences (like a putting course) that can be perfect for families or a casual evening.
7) Kahuku Golf Course (Kahuku) — A Windy, Wonderful 9-Hole Coastal Gem
Kahuku is a walking-friendly 9-hole seaside course that feels like a hidden local treasure. It’s the kind of place where you can play a quick round, enjoy the wind and waves, and then grab food nearby while you explore the North Shore.
Why you’ll love it
- Coastal links feel (and yes, the wind is part of the fun)
- More budget-friendly than many resort courses
- Perfect if you don’t want to commit to 18 holes
Good to know
- It’s simple and charming—don’t expect a big resort clubhouse scene.
- Bring water and sun protection. The North Shore sun doesn’t play around.
8) Mililani Golf Club (Mililani) — Central Oahu, Green & Peaceful
Mililani is a strong choice when you want a classic “local club” feel with lots of greenery and a cooler, more central-Oahu vibe. It’s not oceanfront, but it’s scenic, enjoyable, and a nice change of pace from the resort scene.
Why you’ll love it
- Lush, tree-lined golf with a relaxed atmosphere
- Good option for golfers who like a traditional parkland feel
- A solid “mid-island” choice that can be easier to access than North Shore drives
9) Navy-Marine Golf Course (Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam area) — Great Course, Limited Access
This course is highly regarded, well-maintained, and conveniently located near Pearl Harbor—but it’s not an “open to everyone” situation. Access is typically limited to eligible patrons (military, DOD, etc.) under MWR rules.
Why it’s notable
- Well-kept course with strong reputation
- Convenient if you’re already planning Pearl Harbor sightseeing
Good to know
- Eligibility rules apply—confirm access requirements before building your plans around it.
Bonus “Worth It” Courses (If You Want More Options)
Hawaii Prince Golf Club (Ewa Beach) — 27 Holes of Variety
Hawaii Prince is a popular visitor pick with 27 holes, which means you can often find a combo that fits your mood and skill level. Great for groups who want flexibility (or a second round).
Waikele Country Club (Waipahu) — Solid Value + Great Views
Waikele is often mentioned as a strong “value meets quality” option—good scenery, a fun layout, and typically easier on the wallet than some resort rounds.
A Few Big Updates (So You Don’t Waste Vacation Time)
- Ko‘Olau Golf Course (Kaneohe): Closed
Ko‘Olau was once famous for rainforest beauty and serious difficulty, but it has been reported as permanently closed. If this was on your list from older guides, swap it for Royal Hawaiian (similar lush-valley vibe) or one of the West Oahu favorites. - Waialae Country Club: Private
Legendary? Yes. Easy to book as a visitor? Usually no. Plan it only if you have member access. - Turtle Bay: Check course availability
The Palmer Course is the main attraction, and other golf offerings may be available, but confirm what’s open when you book.
Tips for Golfing on Oahu From Waikiki
1) Book tee times early
Oahu has a lot of golfers and a lot of visitors—morning times disappear quickly.
2) Consider morning tee times for calmer wind
Trade winds can pick up later in the day. Morning rounds are often smoother and a bit cooler.
3) Club rentals are common
Most visitor-heavy courses offer rentals. Expect rental costs to vary widely by course and package.
4) Build a “golf day” instead of a “golf hour”
Even if the course is only 30–45 minutes away, add time for traffic, checking in, warm-up, and enjoying the views (that’s half the point!).
5) Pack like a pro
- Sunscreen + sunglasses
- Light rain layer (island weather changes fast)
- Extra glove (humidity happens)
- Water and a small snack, just in case
Related Questions
How much does it cost to rent golf clubs near Waikiki?
Rental pricing depends on the course and season, but most travelers should budget roughly $50–$90+ for a standard set (sometimes more at premium resort courses). If you’re trying to keep costs down, ask about twilight rates and club-and-shoe packages.
Do you have to be a resident or member to play golf on Oahu?
Not usually. Many of the best courses near Waikiki are open to the public (especially municipal, resort, and daily-fee courses).
However:
- Some are private (like Waialae Country Club).
- Some have eligibility rules (like Navy-Marine).
Do I need a rental car to golf outside Waikiki?
A rental car is the easiest option, especially for North Shore or West Oahu rounds. That said, some courses are known to offer transportation options from Waikiki (with conditions), and taxis/rideshares can work—just plan return timing carefully.
Final Thoughts: Yes, You Should Golf in Waikiki (Even If You Didn’t Plan To)
Waikiki is famous for beaches—and it deserves the hype—but Oahu golf is one of the best “surprise highlights” you can add to your trip. Whether you squeeze in a quick local round at Ala Wai, go full resort mode at Ko Olina, or chase North Shore ocean views at Turtle Bay, you’ll get a fresh perspective on the island… and a vacation story that isn’t just, “we laid on the beach (again).”
If you’re traveling with a non-golfer, don’t worry—many of these picks make a fantastic shared outing: scenic drives, great food nearby, and plenty of “wow” moments even if only one person is keeping score.
