Princeville Makai Golf Club

Princeville Makai Golf Club - Cliffside Golfing in Hawaii
Local Expert's Rating:
4.5 / 5
The Bottom Line:

Princeville Makai Golf Club has a pristine 18-hole course in a location that’s picturesque enough to offer scenery tours. Tee off alongside inland lakes and the coastal cliffs, and make sure you hit that 7th-hole shot over the cliffs properly -- the Pacific Ocean below is one heck of a place to fetch your ball from.

- The HawaiianIslands.com Local Expert Team

Princeville Makai Golf Club offers world-class golfing in a setting that only Hawaii can create. The surroundings along bring in visitors who tour the vistas and watch the sunset, and golfers have even more to enjoy.

The links at Princeville Makai Golf Club are the first 18-hold course designed solely by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. The course is subdivided into the Lakes Nines and the Ocean Nines, and both are well-worth spending an afternoon on. A complete renovation in 2009 introduced Seashore Paspalum turf grass on all fairways and greens, while maintaining the character of the original 1971 course.

Several of the Robert Trent Jones, Jr.’s most cherished holes were also fully preserved during the renovation, the most noteworthy of which is the par-3 7th Hole. Make sure someone gets a picture when you hit the 213-yard shot across the cliffs and ocean below. Just in case you’re aim isn’t spot-on, the green here is surrounded by bunkers to minimize the chances of losing a ball in the Pacific.

In addition to world-class golf, the club also offers majestic views of Hanalei Bay and Bali Hai. Take time to enjoy the scenery as you meander the holes, or go for one of the Golf Cart Tours if you’re not into the game. A sunset tour is especially captivating, as the sky far off across the Pacific changes hues.

Princeville Makai Golf Club offers world-class golfing with expansive views. Schedule a tee time here or book a tour. There are few better places to spend a half-day on the island.

A few of our favorite features at Princeville Makai Golf Club include:

7th Hole
The Ocean Nines’ 7th Hole is why people golf. All those days on the driving range will pay off when you perfectly hit this cross-cliff shot.

Oceans Nines
The windy cliffs of the Oceans Nines are frequently challenging to counter, but you aren’t here to get the lowest score ever. Look out across the Pacific, and you’ll remember that there are other things to appreciate.

Bali Hai
A striking pyramid-shaped mountain, Bali Hai is one of the most distinctive landmarks of the course. Take some time to appreciate the unique geography, and don’t do it when you’re about to swing.

Lakes Nines
The Lakes Nines provide an entirely different — but still beautiful — experience. Hit along tranquil lakes and between tropical trees that make every one of your shots look better.

Golf Cart Tour
Don’t love the sport but still want the views? Take a Golf Cart Tour that goes to the course’s best lookouts. Schedule a sunset tour if at all possible.

Insider Tip:
Schedule your tee time for the morning. Not only will the weather be less hot, but you can head over to Halelea Spa’s infinity pool to cool off afterward.