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 into a tropical highlight reel: lush fairways, mountain backdrops, ocean breezes, and enough scenery to make you forget you just chunked an iron into a water hazard.
This is a fully updated 2026 guide to the best golf courses near Waikiki, organized by type so you can find the right fit fast. We’ve included real green fees, drive times from Waikiki, and important 2026 updates—including one permanently closed course that keeps showing up in outdated guides.
Quick Picks: Best Golf Near Waikiki (At a Glance)
- Closest to Waikiki — Ala Wai Golf Course (5–10 min, $43–$86)
- Best resort experience — Ko Olina Golf Club (45 min, dynamic pricing; free shuttle from Waikiki for 2+ golfers)
- Best scenery: North Shore — Turtle Bay Arnold Palmer Course (50–60 min, $285/18 holes)
- Best scenery: jungle valley — Royal Hawaiian Golf Club (25–30 min, call for rates)
- Best championship public course — Kapolei Golf Club (35–40 min, $210 visitor rate incl. cart)
- Best budget 9-hole coastal — Kahuku Golf Course (50–60 min, low-cost municipal)
- Legendary but private — Waialae Country Club (members/guests only)
Best Public Golf Courses Near Waikiki
1) Ala Wai Golf Course — The Classic Waikiki Round
Ala Wai is the closest full-size course to Waikiki—you can walk here from most hotels. It’s an 18-hole, par-70 municipal layout that opened in 1931, runs along the Ala Wai Canal, and remains one of the busiest public golf courses in the entire country. Roughly 500 rounds get played here on a typical day, which tells you everything about its popularity with locals and visitors alike.
Green fees run $43–$86 depending on time of day and day of week—by far the most affordable full-round option near Waikiki. The layout is flat and forgiving by Oahu standards, which makes it a solid pick for players who want a real round without a brutal learning curve. Tee times can only be booked three days in advance through the city’s online system, so plan accordingly and go early—morning slots disappear fast. The course has hosted two USGA events and has Diamond Head views from several holes, which is a nice bonus even if you’re busy tracking your score.
Drive from Waikiki: 5–10 minutes. Green fees: $43–$86. Book: City of Honolulu online tee sheet (3 days in advance).
2) Kahuku Golf Course — A Hidden Coastal 9-Hole
Kahuku is the rare course that feels like a genuinely local secret. It’s a nine-hole, walkable seaside layout on the North Shore that pairs perfectly with a full day of exploring—Sunset Beach, the shrimp trucks, and Haleʻiwa are all nearby. The course sits right along the coast, so the wind is real and very much in play. That’s part of the experience. Don’t expect a manicured resort clubhouse or a bag drop crew—Kahuku is simple, breezy, and budget-friendly, which is exactly what makes it special.
This is a great choice for anyone who doesn’t want to commit to 18 holes, wants to keep costs low, or is looking for something that feels like a genuine Oahu moment rather than a tourist golf experience. Bring sunscreen, water, and a few extra balls. The North Shore sun is not negotiating.
Drive from Waikiki: 50–60 minutes. Green fees: Low-cost municipal (call for current rates). Best for: Budget golfers, 9-hole rounds, North Shore day trips.
3) Navy-Marine Golf Course — Well-Maintained, Limited Access
This course near Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam is consistently well-regarded for its conditioning and layout. The catch: access is limited to eligible military and DoD patrons under MWR rules. It’s worth noting here because it’s convenient if you’re already planning a Pearl Harbor visit and have eligible access—but don’t build your golf day around it without confirming eligibility first. If you’re visiting Pearl Harbor anyway, it’s worth a quick check.
Drive from Waikiki: 20–25 minutes. Access: Military/DoD MWR eligible only.
Best Resort Golf Courses on Oahu
4) Ko Olina Golf Club — Resort Golf, Done Right
Ko Olina is the gold standard for visitor golf on Oahu. Designed by Ted Robinson and opened in 1990, it features 16 water hazards, multi-tiered greens, and wide landing areas that make it genuinely enjoyable for a range of skill levels. Golf Digest has ranked it among the top 75 resort courses in the U.S., and the clubhouse—at 35,000 square feet—is one of the nicest in Hawaii. The leeward location means it’s often sunny even when Waikiki is cloudy, which is a legitimately great perk.
Rates at Ko Olina are dynamically priced, meaning they fluctuate daily based on demand—book early to lock in better rates. The course offers a free complimentary shuttle from Waikiki for groups of two or more golfers (single rider fee applies), which is a significant perk if you’d rather skip the drive. Kids 17 and under golf free after 3pm with a paying adult. Club rentals are $80/set (TaylorMade). Ko Olina is the easiest course on this list to plug into a West Oahu day: golf in the morning, lagoons and dinner at the resort after. If you’re planning a day trip from Waikiki, Ko Olina makes a polished, well-organized choice.
Drive from Waikiki: ~45 minutes. Green fees: Dynamic pricing—check koolinagolf.com for current rates. Shuttle: Complimentary from Waikiki for 2+ golfers (call the Golf Shop to book: 808-676-5300).
5) Kapolei Golf Club — Championship Conditions, Public Access
Kapolei is often described as one of the best pure public golf experiences on Oahu. Also designed by Ted Robinson, the course spans 190 acres of what was once a sugar plantation and plays to 7,001 yards from the tips (slope 136, par 72). It’s hosted the LPGA’s Ladies Hawaiian Open and the PGA Champions Tour Pacific Links Championship, and has welcomed names like Annika Sörenstam, Nelly Korda, and Fred Couples. Golf Digest gives it a 4.5-star “Places to Play” rating.
Visitor rate is $210 per round, cart included—a premium price that reflects the conditioning and facilities. Kapolei also offers round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels for $310 total ($210 green fee + $100 transport), which must be booked at least 48 hours in advance. Dress code applies: collared shirt, no tank tops, covered shoes. Tee times can be reserved up to 90 days out, which is worth noting if you want a specific morning slot during peak season.
Drive from Waikiki: 35–40 minutes. Green fees: $210 visitor rate (cart included). Transportation from Waikiki: $310 all-in (call 808-674-2227).
6) Turtle Bay Golf — North Shore Ocean Views + Two Championship Courses
Turtle Bay—now officially part of The Ritz-Carlton Oʻahu, Turtle Bay—is the destination round on Oahu for golfers who want scenery to match the game. The flagship Arnold Palmer Course is a Golf Digest-recognized layout with a Scottish Links-style front nine and a tropical back nine, water in play on 14 holes, and a signature 17th hole perched above the ocean. It’s been ranked among the best public courses in the state for decades and has hosted LPGA Tour and PGA Champions Tour events.
Visitor rates on the Arnold Palmer Course start at $150 for 9 holes and $285 for 18 holes. The George Fazio Course—a slightly more forgiving 18-hole layout—is also open, making Turtle Bay a genuine two-course destination. Between rounds, The Breaks is an 18-hole putting course popular with families. If you’re planning a full North Shore day trip from Waikiki, combining golf at Turtle Bay with Haleʻiwa lunch and a stop at Laniakea Beach for the turtles is a very good day.
Drive from Waikiki: 50–60 minutes. Green fees (Arnold Palmer): $150 / 9 holes, $285 / 18 holes. Book: turtlebaygolf.com.
Most Scenic Golf Near Waikiki
7) Royal Hawaiian Golf Club — Jurassic Valley Vibes
Royal Hawaiian is one of the most visually dramatic golf experiences on Oahu. The course sits inside a lush Ko’olau mountain valley near Kailua, with towering green ridgelines on all sides, streams cutting through the layout, and a rainforest atmosphere that feels genuinely otherworldly. People remember this one not for their scorecard but for the setting. Early morning tee times are especially striking when low clouds hang in the valley.
The course plays challenging—Royal Hawaiian demands accuracy more than length, and the Ko’olau Mountain weather can shift quickly. Call ahead to confirm current booking policies, pairing rules, and rider restrictions, as these have varied over time. This is not the right choice if you want a breezy “vacation golf” day with minimal pressure—it’s the right choice if you want to play one of the most beautiful golf settings you’ll ever see.
Drive from Waikiki: 25–30 minutes (via H-3 or Pali). Green fees: Call the pro shop for current rates. Best for: Scenery-seekers, experienced players, morning tee times.
Private & Members-Only: What to Know About Waialae
8) Waialae Country Club — Legendary Course, Private Access
Waialae is one of the most famous names in Hawaiian golf. It hosts the Sony Open in Hawaii every January—a PGA TOUR event that draws the top players in the world—and the course itself is a classic, strategic design with a beautiful Honolulu setting and ocean breezes that keep even scratch golfers honest.
The important detail for visitors: Waialae is a private country club. Tee times are not available for the general public. Access requires being a member, a guest of a member, or attending a sanctioned event. If you have a member connection and the chance to play here, take it—it earns instant credibility with golfers. If you don’t have that connection, one of the public courses above will deliver a round you’ll remember just as fondly.
Bonus Courses Worth Considering
Hawaii Prince Golf Club (Ewa Beach) — 27 Holes, Great for Groups
Hawaii Prince offers 27 holes across three nines, designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay. Groups and flexible golfers appreciate being able to mix and match combinations. Located near Ko Olina, it pairs well with a West Oahu day and typically offers competitive visitor rates compared to some of the bigger resort names.
Waikele Country Club (Waipahu) — Value Option with Good Views
Waikele is a consistent “value meets quality” pick on Oahu. The layout has character, the views are solid, and green fees tend to be easier on the wallet than resort rounds. A good choice if you want a quality round without paying premium prices.
Mililani Golf Club (Mililani) — Cool, Green, Central Oahu
Mililani sits in central Oahu, higher in elevation, which makes it noticeably cooler and greener than courses on the coast. It has a traditional parkland feel—tree-lined fairways, a relaxed atmosphere, and a local-club vibe. A solid option if the North Shore and West Oahu drives don’t fit your schedule.
2026 Updates: What’s Changed
Ko’Olau Golf Course (Kaneohe): Permanently closed. Ko’Olau was once famous for its rainforest beauty and punishing difficulty—Golf Digest called it one of the hardest courses in the world. It has permanently closed. If it’s still appearing in older guides you’re reading, skip it. For a similar lush-valley experience, Royal Hawaiian is the closest match.
Turtle Bay rebranded as The Ritz-Carlton Oʻahu, Turtle Bay. The property operates under the Ritz-Carlton banner now. The Arnold Palmer Course is open, the George Fazio Course is also open, and the putting course (The Breaks) is available for families and casual players. Previous guides that listed the Fazio as “temporarily closed” are outdated—both championship courses are currently operating.
Waialae Country Club remains private. Nothing has changed here. It’s still members and guests only, and still spectacular on TV every January during the Sony Open.
Tips for Golfing on Oahu from Waikiki
Book tee times early—sometimes weeks out. Ala Wai only allows 3-day advance booking, but Kapolei takes reservations 90 days out and Turtle Bay fills popular morning slots well in advance. For peak season (December–March, June–August), don’t wait until you land.
Morning tee times beat the wind and the heat. Trade winds pick up on most Oahu courses by early afternoon. Early rounds are smoother, cooler, and often quicker. For courses without shade, like Kahuku and sections of Turtle Bay’s Palmer front nine, morning also spares you from the hottest part of the day.
Factor drive time into your schedule. Ala Wai is five minutes from your hotel. Ko Olina is 45. Turtle Bay is close to an hour. Add time for traffic (especially morning rush through town), check-in, warm-up, and pace of play—a “4.5-hour round” takes more of your day than it sounds. If you’d rather not deal with driving, see our guide to getting around Oahu without a car—both Ko Olina and Kapolei offer transportation packages from Waikiki.
Club rentals are widely available, but price varies. Ko Olina charges $80/set (TaylorMade). Kapolei offers rentals but note that outside rental equipment is not allowed—you must use theirs. Budget $60–$100 for rentals at resort courses. Ala Wai’s rates are more modest as a municipal course.
Non-golfers can often come along. Ko Olina and Kapolei both have full clubhouses with restaurants. Turtle Bay’s resort setting means a non-golfing partner can enjoy the beach, spa, and grounds while you play. Think of it as a “golf day with a companion” rather than a solo outing, and it often works better for mixed groups.
Not sure whether you need a rental car for your overall trip? Our guide on whether you need a rental car in Waikiki breaks down your transportation options for the whole vacation, including day trips to West Oahu and the North Shore.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest golf course to Waikiki?
Ala Wai Golf Course is the closest—it’s five to ten minutes from most Waikiki hotels and is walkable from some. It’s an 18-hole public municipal course with green fees ranging from $43 to $86. Tee times can be booked three days in advance through the City of Honolulu’s online system.
How much does it cost to play golf near Waikiki?
Green fees vary widely by course type. Ala Wai (municipal) runs $43–$86. Kahuku is a low-cost 9-hole option. Resort courses range from around $150 (Turtle Bay, 9 holes) to $210 (Kapolei, 18 holes with cart) to $285+ (Turtle Bay Arnold Palmer, 18 holes). Ko Olina uses dynamic pricing, so rates fluctuate daily. Club rentals add $60–$100 at most resort courses.
Can tourists play golf on Oahu?
Yes—most of the best courses on Oahu are open to visitors. Ala Wai, Ko Olina, Kapolei, Turtle Bay, Royal Hawaiian, Kahuku, Hawaii Prince, and Waikele are all accessible to the public or visitors. The exception is Waialae Country Club, which is private and requires member access. Navy-Marine Golf Course requires military or DoD eligibility.
Is Ala Wai Golf Course worth it?
Yes, for the right kind of golfer. Ala Wai is affordable, convenient, and genuinely fun to play—especially if you enjoy a local atmosphere and don’t need resort-level amenities. The course has been through some maintenance cycles, so conditions vary. Go in knowing it’s a busy municipal course, not a polished resort layout, and you’ll have a great time.
Do I need a rental car to golf outside of Waikiki?
For some courses, no. Ko Olina offers complimentary shuttle service from Waikiki for two or more golfers. Kapolei offers round-trip transportation for $310 (green fee + transport). For Turtle Bay and Royal Hawaiian, a rental car or rideshare is the most practical option. See our guide to getting around Oahu without a car for full options.
What happened to Ko’Olau Golf Course?
Ko’Olau Golf Course in Kaneohe has permanently closed. It was once known as one of the most challenging courses in the world—famous for its rainforest setting and punishing layout through the Ko’olau Mountains. If you see it still listed in guides as “open,” that information is outdated. The closest alternative for a lush, jungle-valley experience is Royal Hawaiian Golf Club in Kailua.
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, Oahu golf delivers a version of the island you won’t see from the beach. It’s one of the best “I didn’t plan to do this but I’m so glad I did” decisions you can make on a Waikiki trip. If you’re still building your itinerary around it, our 5-day Waikiki itinerary shows how to fit a golf day into a full vacation schedule without overloading your trip.
