Kiahuna Golf Club

In the heart of Poipu, Kauai, Kiahuna Golf Club offers a one-of-a-kind golfing experience that blends breathtaking scenery with the island’s rich history. Designed by the famed Robert Trent Jones II, this par-70 course caters to golfers of all skill levels, featuring a layout that’s as challenging as it is beautiful. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about visiting and enjoying this iconic golf destination.

• With 18 holes measuring 6,925 yards and a par of 70, the course presents a variety of challenges for golfers of all skill levels, including strategically placed hazards and undulating greens.
• Golfers can enjoy watching native Hawaiian wildlife such as Nene geese, Hawaiian stilts, and even the occasional monk seal during their game, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience.
• Compared to other courses in Kauai, Kiahuna Golf Club offers competitive green fees of around $95, making it an accessible option for both locals and visitors looking for quality golf without breaking the bank.
• The club features a well-stocked golf shop for equipment and apparel, as well as dining options at Joe’s On the Green, where players can relax with delicious food and drinks after their round.

Opened in 1984, Kiahuna Golf Club was designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones II to offer a challenging golfing experience while preserving the region’s cultural heritage. The course seamlessly integrates ancient remnants of a traditional Hawaiian village, allowing players to connect with the rich history of the land as they enjoy the game.

In 1992, Hurricane Iniki caused extensive damage to Kiahuna Golf Club, but its revival began in 2003 when local homeowners purchased the course from its Japanese owners. They invested $4 million in renovations, including the introduction of Seashore Paspalum grass, an eco-friendly turf that enhanced playability and reduced water consumption, solidifying the course’s commitment to sustainability.

Beyond its role as a premier golf destination, Kiahuna Golf Club serves as a living museum of Polynesian history. The course is adorned with ancient stone walls that once marked territories and features relics such as a 19th-century Portuguese house, providing golfers with a historically immersive experience.

Today, Kiahuna Golf Club stands as one of Kauai’s top golfing venues, celebrated for its stunning natural scenery and historical depth. With a satisfaction rating exceeding 90%, it continues to draw avid golfers and history enthusiasts alike, offering a unique blend of sport and cultural appreciation.

Kiahuna Golf Club boasts 18 holes of dynamic and engaging golf, framed by the stunning emerald peaks of Kauai and the timeless remnants of ancient Hawaiian culture. Stretching nearly 7,000 yards from the championship tees, the course offers a diverse range of challenges suitable for golfers of all abilities. Its standout feature is the use of Seashore Paspalum grass, which ensures a fast, firm playing surface while significantly improving water efficiency and overall playability.

While it may not feature dramatic coastal holes, the course provides stunning vantage points of the Pacific Ocean and the lush surrounding landscapes, creating a serene and picturesque golfing experience.

With its rolling fairways and strategically designed holes, the course demands precision and thoughtful shot placement. The final stretch is particularly memorable, with the uphill 476-yard 17th hole and the wind-exposed 440-yard 18th offering a thrilling conclusion to any round.

Kiahuna Golf Club seamlessly blends the sport with history, incorporating ancient stone walls and the remnants of a Portuguese house from the early 1800s, offering players a unique glimpse into Kauai’s rich cultural heritage.

Kiahuna Golf Club offers a welcoming atmosphere complemented by top-notch amenities. The Golf Shop is fully stocked with stylish logo apparel and all the essentials for your game. After a round, relax at Joe’s On the Green, where you can enjoy delicious meals and refreshing drinks on the scenic outdoor patio. For those looking to sharpen their skills, the club provides instructional programs, including clinics and private lessons, tailored to golfers of all levels.

Kiahuna Golf Club is open daily from 6:45 AM to 6:00 PM, offering flexible tee times for early birds and afternoon players alike. With green fees starting at approximately $95, it provides an affordable yet high-quality golfing experience, making it a popular choice among both locals and visitors.

For those looking to explore beyond the fairways, there are plenty of attractions near Kiahuna Golf Club. Just a short drive away, Poipu Beach offers sunbathing, snorkeling, and family-friendly activities, while The Shops at Kukuiula is perfect for boutique shopping and dining. Other nearby highlights include exploring Old Koloa Town and visiting Spouting Horn, a unique natural blowhole. Whether you’re traveling with family or seeking solo adventures, there’s no shortage of things to do near Kiahuna Golf Club.

• Book Tee Times in Advance: Secure your preferred time, especially during peak travel seasons.
• Arrive Early: Take advantage of the practice facilities to warm up before your round.
• Dress Code: Follow the club’s golf attire guidelines—collared shirts and appropriate footwear are required.
• Stay Hydrated: Bring a water bottle to stay refreshed, especially on warmer days.
• Consider Afternoon Play: Enjoy quieter course conditions and potentially lower green fees.
• Pack Sun Protection: Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to shield yourself from the Hawaiian sun.
• Explore the Area: Combine your golf outing with visits to nearby attractions like Poipu Beach and Old Koloa Town.
• Take a Lesson: New to golf or want to refine your skills? Book a private lesson or join a clinic.

The best time to play at Kiahuna Golf Club is during Kauai’s dry season, which typically runs from April to October. During these months, you’ll enjoy sunny skies, ideal course conditions, and fewer rain interruptions. Morning tee times are perfect for cooler temperatures and calmer winds, while late afternoons offer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere on the course.

To reach Kiahuna Golf Club by car, start from Lihue Airport and head southwest on HI-56 West. Follow the highway signs for about 10 miles until you merge onto Kaumualii Highway (HI-50 West). Continue for approximately 8 miles, then take a left onto Koloa Road. After about a mile and a half, make a right onto Maluhia Road, also known as Tree Tunnel Road. Follow the road into Koloa town and then take a left onto Poipu Road. The golf club will be on your left in about 2 miles.

If you’re traveling by bus, the Kaua’i Bus service operates routes that can take you close to Kiahuna Golf Club. From Lihue, board Route 30 towards Poipu. Get off the bus at Poipu Shopping Village stop, which is a short walk from the entrance to the golf club. It’s important to check the latest bus schedules beforehand, as routes and times can vary throughout the week.

Kiahuna Golf Club is more than just a course; it’s a journey through Kauai’s stunning landscapes and rich history, making it a must-visit for golf enthusiasts. Don’t miss the chance to tee off at one of Kauai’s premier golf destinations—book your tee time and start planning your perfect golfing getaway at Kiahuna Golf Club today!