Princeville Makai Golf Club
Experience world-class golf amidst breathtaking ocean cliffs and lush mountains at Princeville Makai Golf Club, a Kauai gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for photos
Princeville Makai Golf Club
Best Time
Golden hour for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience world-class golf amidst breathtaking ocean cliffs and lush mountains at Princeville Makai Golf Club, a Kauai gem.
"The views alone make this a once-in-a-lifetime golf experience."
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Parking spots are limited and fill up fast. Consider parking at the Makai Golf Course for a fee if heading to nearby beaches.
⛳ Rent Quality Clubs
Club rentals are available and often feature recent models, so you don't need to bring your own.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hole #3: The Iconic Par 3
Hole 3
A famous downhill par 3 with stunning views, often a highlight for golfers and photographers alike.
Oceanfront Fairways
Back 9
Experience dramatic cliffside holes with panoramic Pacific Ocean views that are truly unforgettable.
Mountain and Jungle Vistas
Front 9
The front nine offers a different kind of beauty, with lush jungle backdrops and majestic mountain scenery.
Sunset Tour Experience
Various points on the course
A non-golfing option to explore the grounds, learn history, and enjoy spectacular sunset views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Prime Tee Times
Embrace the Views, Not Just the Score
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Parking spots are limited and fill up fast. Consider parking at the Makai Golf Course for a fee if heading to nearby beaches.
⛳ Rent Quality Clubs
Club rentals are available and often feature recent models, so you don't need to bring your own.
📱 GPS Carts are a Plus
The golf carts come equipped with GPS, which is incredibly helpful for navigating the course and planning shots.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't forget your camera! The scenery is as much a part of the experience as the golf itself.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Parking spots are limited and fill up fast. Consider parking at the Makai Golf Course for a fee if heading to nearby beaches.
⛳ Rent Quality Clubs
Club rentals are available and often feature recent models, so you don't need to bring your own.
📱 GPS Carts are a Plus
The golf carts come equipped with GPS, which is incredibly helpful for navigating the course and planning shots.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't forget your camera! The scenery is as much a part of the experience as the golf itself.
💧 Be Ready for Water Hazards
Many par 3s involve flying over water or canyons to reach island greens, adding to the challenge.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Princeville Makai Golf Club is widely celebrated for its absolutely breathtaking scenery and immaculate course conditions, making it a bucket-list destination for golfers and sightseers alike. While the green fees are on the higher side, most visitors feel the unparalleled ocean and mountain views, combined with the excellent upkeep of the course, make it a worthwhile, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Some minor drawbacks include limited parking and occasional service inconsistencies.
"This is the second time for our family to do the Makai Golf Club sunset tour. The cost is about $120 per couple with tax (only two allowed to a golf cart). Your tour is about an hour and half to two hours and you visit various places along their huge land mass. At each stop, an experienced tour guide talks about the history, views, trees, flowers and wildlife. It’s a fun event for kids and adults alike. Here’s a few shots from our recent experience."
Travel Couple
"Makai Golf Club is a must if you ever visit Princeville. Princeville is a must if ever visit Kauai. If you play golf, then you’ll agree with me. If you don’t play golf, then make this the birthplace of your first golf course -it will be a lifetime happy memory. The beautiful view from mountain to beach, the great coaches who make the experience easy."
Helen De La Rosa
"We went end of November early December rates were 250 per person which is a bit steep but the resort we stayed at had buy one get one free so 125 was awesome. First off the driving range was in phenomenal shape. Had to rent clubs which were last years callaway epic set so a good set and didnt seem to have much wear and tear on them. The greens are fast and true very soft and very very well taken care of. The tee boxes were just as good no dead spots the carts are equipped with GPS which was a really nice addition and very helpful having never played here before. The fairways were in great shape as well sand traps were perfect although placed in bad spots....and by bad spots I simply mean I couldnt stay out of them because I'm not that good. The par 3s had amazing views and most of them you jave to fly over a canyon to hit the almost island greens mentally looking at it makes it much tougher to hit the green than it really is but that's part of it. Overall the course is breathtaking views all over front 9 is more mountains and jungle in the back ground back 9 is all ocean views. Overall though amazing course and well worth the price to play once in a lifetime for the views alone let alone the shape of the course I can only imagine peak season how good this course plays and all fairways are quite wide open shouldn't loose much except on par 3s"
Brent Alexander
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Princeville Makai Golf Club is located in Princeville, Kauai. If you're driving, it's accessible via local roads. Parking can be limited, so arriving early or considering alternative parking arrangements is advised.
Public transportation options on Kauai can be limited, especially to specific attractions like golf courses. Renting a car is generally the most convenient way to reach Princeville Makai Golf Club.
Within Princeville, a car is recommended for flexibility. For accessing nearby beaches like Hideaway and Queen's Bath, parking at the Makai Golf Course for a fee is a common strategy.
While specific shuttle services directly to the golf club might not be widely advertised, many Princeville resorts offer transportation options for their guests. It's best to check with your accommodation.
Princeville Makai Golf Club is approximately a 45-60 minute drive from Lihue Airport (LIH), depending on traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Green fees can be around $300 per person, though rates can vary. Some visitors have found 'buy one get one free' deals through their resorts, significantly reducing the cost.
Yes, booking tee times in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred slot.
The golf course typically operates from early morning until late afternoon. Specific hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check their official website or call ahead.
Some visitors have reported finding 'buy one get one free' offers through their resort stays, making the experience more affordable.
Some visitors have played the front 9 twice, suggesting it's possible. However, be aware that playing only 9 holes might affect GHIN/Arccos submissions.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
The course is consistently praised for its immaculate condition, with well-maintained fairways, greens, and tee boxes. Sand traps are also in great shape.
Yes, golf clubs are available for rent and are often recent models, so you don't need to bring your own.
The golf carts are comfortable and equipped with GPS, which is a very helpful feature for navigating the course.
Hole #3 is a famous par 3, and the back nine offers stunning ocean cliff views. The front nine provides beautiful mountain and jungle scenery.
While challenging, the course offers wide fairways on many holes, and the beautiful scenery can make it a memorable experience even for less experienced golfers. The sunset tour is also a great option for non-golfers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While specific details about on-site dining are scarce in user-generated content, golf courses typically have a clubhouse with food and beverage services. It's advisable to check their official website for current offerings.
Most golf courses offer refreshments at the turn or through beverage cart service during the round.
Clubhouses usually offer a range of options from casual snacks and sandwiches to more substantial meals, often with a focus on American cuisine.
Princeville offers several dining options. For recommendations, it's best to consult local guides or ask resort staff upon arrival.
For group dining, it's recommended to contact the golf club directly in advance to inquire about reservations and arrangements.
📸 📸 Photography
The par 3s, especially Hole #3, and the oceanfront holes on the back nine offer incredible photographic opportunities. The entire course is visually stunning.
Yes, photography is generally encouraged, especially given the breathtaking scenery. Many visitors share their photos online.
Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' provides beautiful lighting for capturing the dramatic landscapes and ocean views.
Yes, the sunset tour offers a fantastic opportunity for non-golfers to explore the grounds and take photos of the scenery and wildlife.
It's always best to check with the golf club directly regarding any specific rules or restrictions on drone usage for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your family enjoys golf, the course's well-maintained conditions and GPS-equipped carts can enhance the experience. While the course can be challenging, the emphasis on the breathtaking scenery often makes it a memorable outing for all. Consider the potential for limited parking, especially if visiting popular nearby attractions.
💰 Budget Travelers
For those not playing golf, the sunset tour offers a more affordable way to enjoy the stunning views and learn about the property.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The front nine also offers beautiful compositions with lush jungle and majestic mountain backdrops. For the best light, aim for late afternoon during the golden hour, when the sun casts a warm glow over the landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Makai Golf Club Experience
The course offers a unique blend of challenging play and unparalleled natural beauty, making it a bucket-list destination for golfers and sightseers alike. Visitors consistently rave about the immaculate condition of the fairways, greens, and tee boxes, ensuring a high-quality playing experience. The course is divided into two distinct nines: the front nine winds through mountains and jungle, offering a serene, verdant experience, while the back nine dramatically hugs the ocean cliffs, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific.
Even for those who don't play golf, the sunset tour provides an excellent opportunity to explore the grounds, learn about the local flora and fauna, and witness the island's beauty from a unique perspective. While the green fees can be substantial, many visitors find the experience to be well worth the price, especially when considering the exceptional course conditions and the sheer beauty of the surroundings.
Navigating Princeville Makai Golf Club: Tips from the Community
For those planning to play, renting clubs is a viable option, as the course often provides recent models in good condition, saving you the hassle of bringing your own.
Beyond the golf itself, the scenic beauty is paramount. Many TikTok and Instagram posts showcase the breathtaking views, encouraging visitors to capture the moments.
The sunset tour is a popular alternative for non-golfers, offering a guided exploration of the grounds with historical insights and stunning twilight vistas. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit