If you want to have fun in the sun while enjoying spectacular oceanside views, plan a trip to the Waiehu Municipal Golf Course. You don’t even need a membership to play as it’s always open to the public. You just have to pay the set greens fees, and then rent clubs and a cart if you wish. After that, you can move through 9 to 18 holes at your leisure, while enjoying the crisp ocean breeze and chill island atmosphere.
Just be ready for the course to have an abrupt personality change after the front nine. The course was built in two sections, after all, starting with the front nine in the early 1930s. After seeing the popularity of the course, the county decided to expand it to a full 18-hole course in 1966. As a result, both sides of the course have their own character that demands a quick mid-game change in how you play.
On the first nine holes, the flat landscape allows for a rather lowkey playing style – unless the wind comes into play, of course. Mild days allow you to shoot your ball down the fairway, often landing on the green with ease. When the wind picks up, however, you’ll need to take a more strategic approach to working the ball down to the hole. Want to avoid the winds as much as possible? Check the weather to confirm low wind speeds, and then reserve a tee time early in the day.
With its rather hilly makeup, the back nine changes things up considerably. The distance from the water’s edge mutes the wind a bit, but the hills add technical challenges galore. Despite the switch-up, the par-72 course remains wholly accessible and enjoyable to the beginning and advanced players. In fact, most players only find the fourth hole exceedingly challenging as it’s quite narrow and 511 yards in length. But since it’s a par 5, a few good swings will usually get you right on target with ease.
By the end of the course, your ball will have traveled an incredible 6,330 yards, hopefully with a swing count that lands you under par. Even if you come in way over, you’re bound to have a delightful time, especially if you take a moment here and there to admire the views. In addition to the sparkling blue waters as far as the eye can see, you can often spot windsurfers, boaters, and other people enjoying paradise to the fullest. The ocean serves as a wonderful backdrop for all your photos, too, so be sure to bring your camera.
Since the course is open to all, you may find it difficult to reserve tee times at the last minute. Thankfully, you can call up to 48 hours in advance to reserve your preferred tee times. Be sure to show up at least 30 minutes early if you need to visit the pro shop for rental clubs or a golf cart. You’re also welcome to arrive even early to enjoy a meal at the restaurant if you’d like to get fuel up for your golfing adventures.
Insider Tips:
-If you park onsite, avoid grabbing a spot near the entry as balls often fly off the nearby fairway and onto cars below.
-In the past, they only accepted cash for the greens fees. You can now use your credit or debit card to reserve your tee time – and at the pro shop and restaurant.
-Since it’s not a resort course, the fairway and greens are not always impeccably maintained. You can report any major problems to the staff, and they will deal with them as soon as possible.
-Don’t have time for a full round of golf? Just go with their nine-hole option instead.