Puakea

Puakea Golf Club began its life as a nine-hole golf course, but critical acclaim and commercial success drove ownership to bring back designer Robin Nelson to add a second nine during 2003.

The course plays over what was once a sugar plantation on the island of Kauai, with remnants of its former use still in sight. Your eyes will be more attracted to the natural beauty of the holes in front of you, however. To one side, you’ll be treated to views of the blue Pacific from various points across the park, while the volcanic mountains that created the island will almost always be evident on the other side.

The holes themselves will not quite get down to the ocean, however there are still heroic shots to be had, include par threes that cross jungle valleys and water hazards. Where there aren’t natural hazards to cross, Nelson added an abundance of bunkers, large and small. Although the walk won’t be easy due to occasionally lengthy trips between holes, Puakea is still relatively playable, coming in at less than 7,000 yards.

Unfortunately, Puakea has remained closed since the onset of COVID-19, however has not yet made any suggestions that the move is permanent.