Puakea Golf Course, once rated by Sports Illustrated as one of the top nine-hole facilities in the United States, has expanded to an 18-hole course. The course, in Lihue not far from the airport, has been described as dramatic in the extreme, offering fabulous views of the Pacific and built amid volcanic cliffs, massive ravines, giant sinkholes and lush-tropical undergrowth.
Puakea is built on more than 200 acres of historic property, which was once a sugar cane plantation. Designed by architect Robin Nelson, the course is resort quality located less than 10 minutes from downtown Lihue. Puakea's practice facility is state of the art, and features natural grass hitting surfaces and PGA instruction programs.
Another must-play golf course on Kauai is the superb Jack Nicklaus-designed Kiele Course at the Kauai Lagoons Golf Club. Located along the coast at Kalapaki above Nawiliwili Bay and adjacent to the Marriott Hotel, the Kiele lures players from around the world. The course features wide ravines and spectacular ocean holes with menacing cliffs. Golf Digest has rated the Kiele Course in the Top 75 in upscale courses of America.
The signature hole of the par-72 course is called The Turtle, and offers a spectacular view of Nawiliwili Harbor from the harbor's lighthouse. Each hole is named for an animal and the par-three 13th hole that requires a steep shot over open ocean is fittingly titled The Frog. The Kiele Course is challenging but not the kind of golf course that beats you up. In fact, it's referred to as one of Nicklaus' tamer designs. A handsome clubhouse with European touches serves breakfast and lunch on an open-air terrace and a well-stocked pro shop is located in the clubhouse. There is also a spa and tennis club at the resort.
