Kauai is probably best known in the golf world for hosting the Grand Slam of Golf at the Poipu Bay Golf Course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. But recently I discovered a fantastic little nine hole course that made my day. It’s called the Kukuiolono Golf Course in Kalaheo.
For a green fee of $9, you get to play the 3000 yard par 36 course located on the top of a hill with views stretching all the way to the ocean. Although the greens aren’t the most consistent or true, the fairways are well taken care of. In between fairways, you can tour an old garden and some artifact looking fountains and rock wall. It’s really a beautiful setting. The course is mature and has a few challenges, but it’s pretty wide open and not the most difficult course I’ve ever played.
The wealthy landowner Walter McBryde built the course in the Kukuiolono Park for the public to enjoy. Even municipal courses are more expensive than this course. They are around $32 for 18 holes on weekdays and $44 on weekends. You can play Kukuiolono twice if you really want to finish 18 holes and the price is still a dollar a hole.
Maybe the best part of this course is the chickens running around the grounds. They are all over and you can even buy chicken feed. They’re very friendly. Bring a camera!
