Best Golf Courses Near Waikiki (2026): Public, Resort & Scenic Picks on Oahu

Oahu is one of the best islands in the world for golf, and you don’t have to go far from Waikiki to prove it. You’ve got a walkable municipal course five minutes from your hotel, a Golf Digest–ranked resort layout 45 minutes west, two championship courses on the North Shore, and a jungle valley round that feels like it belongs in a nature documentary. This 2026 guide covers the best golf courses near Waikiki — organized by type, with real green fees, honest drive times, and the updates that matter this year (including one course that permanently closed and keeps reappearing in outdated articles).

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 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 including cart
• Best budget 9-hole: Kahuku Golf Course — 50–60 min, low-cost municipal
• Legendary but private: Waialae Country Club — members and 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 — walkable from most hotels, which is still a little surreal when you think about it. The 18-hole, par-70 municipal layout opened in 1931, runs along the Ala Wai Canal, and consistently ranks as one of the busiest public golf courses in the country. On a typical day, around 500 rounds get played here. That tells you everything about its popularity with both locals and visitors.

Green fees run $43–$86 depending on day and time, making it the most affordable full-round option near Waikiki by a wide margin. The course is flat and forgiving by Oahu standards — a good fit for players who want a real 18-hole round without a brutal layout. Tee times open three days in advance through the City of Honolulu’s online system, so set a reminder and book early: morning slots disappear fast. The course has hosted two USGA events and offers Diamond Head views from several holes. And in late 2025, a new 137-kilowatt solar carport was installed at the clubhouse — the course is literally running greener now.

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 one of those rare finds that actually earns the “local secret” label. It’s a nine-hole, walkable seaside layout on the North Shore with the ocean close enough that the wind is genuinely in play on most holes. Don’t expect a polished resort clubhouse or a bag drop crew — Kahuku is simple, breezy, and budget-friendly, which is precisely what makes it worth the drive. If you’re already planning a North Shore day trip from Waikiki, pairing a round here with Haleʻiwa, the shrimp trucks, and Sunset Beach is a genuinely great day.

This is the right call if you don’t want to commit to 18 holes, want to keep costs low, or just want something that feels like an actual Oahu moment rather than a curated tourist 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

The 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. Worth noting if you’re already visiting Pearl Harbor and have qualifying access — but don’t build your golf day around it without confirming eligibility first.

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 fun across a range of skill levels. Golf Digest has ranked it among the top 75 resort courses in the U.S., and the 35,000-square-foot clubhouse is one of the nicest in Hawaii. The leeward location is also a legitimate perk — it’s often sunny here even when Waikiki is overcast.

Rates use dynamic pricing, meaning they fluctuate daily based on demand — book early to lock in the better numbers. Ko Olina also offers a complimentary shuttle from Waikiki for groups of two or more golfers (a single-rider fee applies), which removes the need to deal with driving and parking entirely. Kids 17 and under golf free after 3 PM with a paying adult. Club rentals are $80/set (TaylorMade). If you’re planning a West Oahu day trip from Waikiki, Ko Olina is the easiest course to build a full day around: morning round, lagoons and lunch after, sunset dinner at the resort.

Drive from Waikiki: ~45 minutes. Green fees: Dynamic — check koolinagolf.com. Shuttle: Complimentary from Waikiki for 2+ golfers (call 808-676-5300 to book).

5. Kapolei Golf Club — Championship Conditions, Public Access

Kapolei is what people mean when they say “best overall public round on Oahu.” Also designed by Ted Robinson, the course covers 190 acres of former sugar plantation and plays to 7,001 yards from the tips (slope 136, par 72). It has hosted the LPGA’s Ladies Hawaiian Open and the PGA Champions Tour’s Pacific Links Championship, with past players including Annika Sörenstam, Nelly Korda, and Fred Couples. Golf Digest gives it 4.5 stars in their “Places to Play” rating.

Visitor green fees are $210 per round, cart included — a premium price that reflects the conditioning and facilities. For those who’d rather not drive, Kapolei offers round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels for $310 total ($210 green fee + $100 transport), which must be booked at least 48 hours out. Dress code applies: collared shirts, no tank tops, covered shoes. Tee times can be booked up to 90 days in advance — worth doing 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 and Two Championship Courses

Now operating as part of The Ritz-Carlton Oʻahu, Turtle Bay, this is the destination round on Oahu for golfers who want scenery to match the golf. The flagship Arnold Palmer Course delivers a Scottish Links-style front nine and a tropical back nine, with water in play on 14 holes and a signature 17th hole perched above the ocean. It’s hosted LPGA Tour and PGA Champions Tour events and has held its “best public course in Hawaii” reputation for decades.

Visitor rates on the Arnold Palmer Course start at $150 for 9 holes and $285 for 18. The George Fazio Course — a slightly more forgiving 18-hole layout — is also open, and The Breaks, an 18-hole putting course, is popular with families and casual players. (If you’re reading an older guide that lists the Fazio as “temporarily closed,” that information is outdated — both championship courses are currently operating.) A round at Turtle Bay combines especially well with a full day on the North Shore.

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 striking golf experiences on Oahu, full stop. 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 genuinely makes you feel like you’re somewhere remote — even though you’re 25 minutes from Waikiki. Early morning tee times are especially good when low clouds settle into the valley. People remember this round not for what they shot, but for what they saw.

The course demands accuracy more than distance, and the Ko’olau Mountain weather can shift without much warning. Call ahead to confirm current booking policies, pairing rules, and any rider restrictions, as these have changed over time. This isn’t the right choice if you want a breezy vacation-golf day — it’s the right choice if you want to play one of the most beautiful settings you’ll ever stand in.

Drive from Waikiki: 25–30 minutes (via H-3 or the Pali). Green fees: Call the pro shop for current rates. Best for: Scenery-seekers, experienced players, morning tee times.

Private and Members-Only: What to Know About Waialae

Waialae Country Club 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 ocean breezes that humble even scratch golfers. If you’ve watched professional golf in Hawaii on TV, you’ve seen this course.

The important detail for visitors: Waialae is a private country club. Tee times are not available to the public. Access requires being a member, a guest of a member, or attending a sanctioned event. If you have a connection and get the invitation, take it. If you don’t, one of the public courses on this list will give you a round just as memorable on a different level.

More Oahu Courses Worth Knowing

Hawaii Prince Golf Club (Ewa Beach) — 27 holes across three nines, designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay. The flexibility to mix and match combinations makes it popular with groups and golfers who want variety. Located near Ko Olina, it pairs naturally with a West Oahu day and typically offers visitor rates that are competitive with the larger resort names.

Waikele Country Club (Waipahu) — A solid value pick with character. The layout has personality, the views are good, and green fees are easier on the wallet than the resort courses. Worth considering when you want a quality round without paying premium prices.

Mililani Golf Club (Mililani) — Sits higher in elevation in central Oahu, which means it runs noticeably cooler and greener than the coastal options. Traditional parkland feel — tree-lined fairways, relaxed atmosphere, and a genuinely local vibe. A smart option when the North Shore or 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 once called it one of the hardest courses in the world. It has permanently closed. If it’s still listed as open in a guide you’re reading, skip it. The closest replacement for that lush-valley experience is Royal Hawaiian Golf Club in Kailua.

Turtle Bay is now The Ritz-Carlton Oʻahu, Turtle Bay. The rebrand is official and the resort operates fully under the Ritz-Carlton banner. Both the Arnold Palmer Course and the George Fazio Course are open. Any guide still listing the Fazio as temporarily closed is working from old information.

Ala Wai Golf Course added a new solar carport in late 2025. It’s a minor operational note, but worth mentioning: the city installed a 137-kilowatt photovoltaic system at the clubhouse, offsetting about 67% of the facility’s electricity use. The course itself is unchanged.

Tips for Golfing on Oahu from Waikiki

Book well ahead of when you think you need to. Ala Wai only allows three-day advance booking, but Kapolei accepts reservations 90 days out and Turtle Bay fills popular morning slots weeks in advance. During peak travel windows — December through March, June through August — don’t wait until you land to figure it out.

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 usually faster. At exposed courses like Kahuku and sections of Turtle Bay’s Palmer front nine, morning also spares you from the worst of the midday sun.

Factor real 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 morning traffic through town, check-in, warm-up, and a 4.5-hour round, and a “quick golf day” can easily consume your entire schedule. If you’d rather skip driving altogether, check our guide to getting around Oahu without a car in 2026 — Ko Olina and Kapolei both offer transportation packages from Waikiki hotels.

Club rentals vary widely in price and policy. Ko Olina charges $80/set (TaylorMade). Kapolei has rentals available but does not allow outside equipment — you must use theirs. Budget $60–$100 at resort courses. Ala Wai’s rates are more modest as a municipal course. If renting, factor this into your total cost when comparing courses.

Non-golfers can often come along. Ko Olina and Kapolei both have full clubhouses with restaurants and resort amenities. At Turtle Bay, a non-golfing partner has the Ritz-Carlton’s beach, spa, and coastal walking trails while you play. If you’re wondering whether to rent a car for your overall trip to make days like this easier, our rental car guide for Waikiki lays out the tradeoffs clearly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Near Waikiki

What is the closest golf course to Waikiki?

Ala Wai Golf Course is the closest — just five to ten minutes from most Waikiki hotels, and walkable from some. It’s an 18-hole public municipal course with green fees ranging from $43 to $86. Tee times open three days in advance through the City of Honolulu’s online booking system.

How much does it cost to play golf near Waikiki?

It varies a lot by course type. Ala Wai runs $43–$86. Kahuku is a low-cost 9-hole option (call for current rates). 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 fully open to visitors. Ala Wai, Ko Olina, Kapolei, Turtle Bay, Royal Hawaiian, Kahuku, Hawaii Prince, and Waikele are all accessible to the public. The main exceptions are Waialae Country Club (private, members and guests only) and Navy-Marine Golf Course (military and DoD eligibility required).

Is Ala Wai Golf Course worth playing?

Yes, for the right kind of golfer. Ala Wai is affordable, convenient, and fun — especially if you enjoy a local atmosphere and don’t need resort-level amenities. Conditions vary since it’s a high-traffic municipal course, so go in with the right expectations and you’ll have a great time. It’s a genuine Waikiki experience that a lot of travelers miss by defaulting to the resort courses.

Do I need a rental car to golf outside of Waikiki?

Not for every course. Ko Olina offers a complimentary shuttle from Waikiki for two or more golfers. Kapolei offers round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels for $310 total. 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 the full picture on transportation options.

What happened to Ko’Olau Golf Course?

Ko’Olau Golf Course in Kaneohe has permanently closed. It was once considered one of the most challenging courses in the world — famous for its rainforest setting and brutal layout through the Ko’olau Mountains. If you see it still listed as open in an older guide, that information is outdated. For a similar lush, valley-jungle experience, Royal Hawaiian Golf Club in Kailua is the closest alternative.

Oahu golf rewards the planners. Squeeze in a quick local round at Ala Wai, do the full resort day at Ko Olina, or chase those North Shore ocean views at Turtle Bay — any of these beats staring at the back of someone’s beach chair for the fourth straight afternoon. If you’re still building your overall schedule, our 5-day Waikiki itinerary shows exactly how to fit a golf day in without overloading the rest of your trip.