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4.0
495 Reviews (495)
5 Stars
247
4 Stars
143
3 Stars
55
2 Stars
28
1 Stars
22
Conditions
3.5
Value
3.8
Layout
4.4
Friendliness
4.3
Pace
4.2
Amenities
3.2
81.8%
Recommend this course
422 out of 495 reviews
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Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.0
61 Reviews (61)
5 Stars
24
4 Stars
20
3 Stars
9
2 Stars
6
1 Stars
2
Conditions
3.5
Value
3.7
Layout
4.3
Pace
4.2
Amenities
3.1
StaffFriendliness
4.3
78.7%
Recommend this course
48 out of 61 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
3.8
110 Reviews (110)
5 Stars
41
4 Stars
35
3 Stars
15
2 Stars
14
1 Stars
5
Conditions
3.3
Value
3.6
Layout
4.3
Pace
4.2
Amenities
3.0
StaffFriendliness
4.3
77.3%
Recommend this course
85 out of 110 reviews
Read Reviews

About

Holes 18
Type Semi-Private
Style Links
Par 72
Length 6609 yards
Slope 138
Rating 73.1
Book a Tee Time at
Royal Hawaiian Golf Club
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Course Details

Year Built 1993
Fairways Bermuda Grass
Greens Platinum Paspalum Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect Pete Dye (1993) Perry Dye (1993)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex, Discover Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No

Food & Beverage

Bar, Restaurant

Available Facilities

Clubhouse

Accolades

Reviews

4.0
495 Reviews (495)

What Golfers Are Saying

Course Challenges Include:
Elevation Changes 27
Forced Carries 23
Narrow Fairways 16
This course/club is great for:
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 24
Advanced Golfers 18
A Bucket list/Top 100 Pick 14
This Course's Location is:
Worth the Drive 22
Convenient to the City 10

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Reviewer Photos

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Idaho Advisor
Top 250 Contributor
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Short but still challenging and beautiful...

The back nine at Royal Hawaiian is pretty open and very playable; the front is called Jurassic Park and I was cautioned to bring a (few) backup sleeve(s) of ball(s). I got started on ten and my first nine (10-18) played as advertised. There was enough challenge to keep me interested, but nothing that would likely cause frustration as long as you are hitting your clubs decently (which, fortunately, I was).

There is some elevation change and, due to the relatively dry landing surfaces, plenty of roll to be found as a result (witness my 196 7 iron off the first tee). I played the black tees (not the tips here) which were only about 6000 yards; however, as the starter told me, it’s not the length that can get you here. I got through 8 holes 2 over and was feeling pretty confident (too confident, in fact, after hitting a practically perfect 3W 221 yards uphill off the tee, I proceeded to pull the ensuing wedge out of bounds and took a double going into the turn).

As we entered “Jurassic Park” I was reminded by a club staff person not to get too frustrated if I lost too many balls and I prepped myself for a difficult final nine. Ultimately; however, I didn’t lose any balls other than a couple of complete miss hits on my part (read: me trying to tin cup my way over a 220 yard carry that I had no business shooting for on this particular day). The fact of the matter is, the back nine (not unlike the front) is just not very long (3043 from the blacks) and almost every hole is approachable with mid irons off the tee. So, as long as you aren’t digging into your bag for your driver on every hole, you really don’t have to be in that much trouble (again, the only hole I really got in trouble on was when I got out my big(ish) stick and tried to be a hero). That was also the only double I had on the back and I was perfectly satisfied to card a 41.

What the front nine did allow me to do, and I really enjoyed, was work on shaping some shots with a real reward for doing so. The par 5 fourth hole, for example is reachable with a well-placed drive (the fairway is open enough to use a big club here without any real danger, I used a 3w) and a ~200 yard club with a draw (you have to bend it around a tree). I didn’t quite have enough draw to get on the green, but I was able to get around the tree and get close enough to chip on and leave myself a very makeable birdie putt. This was a perfect warmup for anther draw on the fifth (8i from 178… downhill) which led to a GIR on a relatively tricky green to reach without a solid drive (which I didn’t muster on that hole).

Long story made short (literally and figuratively) I found the front nine very playable, provided you have a little discipline off the tee. Additionally it turned out to be a decent test of golf, both from a shot making and course management standpoint.

Beyond the golf, this track (especially the front) is absolutely beautiful. Nestled in a valley, towering (yet very green) cliff walls surround you and jungle vegetation is lush and plentiful. They have recently cleared out a lot of growth, so there are currently some barren spots on some of the holes, but based on the plant life around these areas, I expect the “baldness” to be short lived. Royal Hawaiian is certainly scenic enough that even if you did have a frustrating day with your clubs, you can always look up and just enjoy your surroundings.

The staff was outstanding. Their enthusiasm for the course was noticeable from the minute we stepped out of the car. They were eager to help in any way and seemed truly bent on ensuring we had a great day.

As I mentioned above the course was a bit dry (but that certainly benefitted me from a golf standpoint). The greens were also a bit slow (they recently put in new grass that isn’t mature yet); however, they let me know about that right away when we arrived and insisted that we hit the practice green before playing to get the feel of them. This helped a lot, and, firing a slow greens (when you know they are slow) is never bad for scoring anyway. They were, despite being a little slow, in excellent shape.

I haven’t played any other courses on the island, so I can’t compare Royal Hawaiian anything here; however, I can say I’d play it again. In fact it is entirely possible I’ll sneak in another round before this visit to the islands is over.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/12/2017

Yes, @fnf2017 (twitter) and @fairways.and.freeways (instagram) :)

d184b637-9e39-516d-b298-c2dcbdea3c79
Commented on 06/12/2017

I'm going to share on our @golfadvisor instagram. Are you on instagram or twitter? Thanks a bunch.

Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Wet weather
Used cart

Beautiful Views but nightmare to play

We had been told by one person that Royal Hawaiian was their favorite course to play. When we arrived we were informed that due to the recent rain the front nine was cart path only. Also due to construction the bathrooms on the front nine were closed. the fairways and greens were patchy and in poor condition. The front nine layout features many blind carries, the greens were not receptive to good approaches. Due to the beautifully lush plants any errant shots left players digging for another ball to put in play. The back nine was more forgiving.

Conditions Fair
Value Fair
Layout Fair
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Absolutely amazing course.

Scenic, tough and the rain forest was awesome!

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
1.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Wet weather
Used cart
Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Poor
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
1.0
First Time Playing

Rude staff

Horrible customer service….entitled staff, power trip

Conditions Fair
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Poor
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 52
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Wet weather
Used cart

Scenic Target Golf Course

Tough course for 1st time playing, wet conditions and cart path only made for a long day to get around, buyer beware I was told afterwards its always cart path only because of the wet conditions and the real estate you have to travel between holes makes its impossible to walk. The catch is 1st time players wont know this and accept the cart path only situation, they have no choice. When we return we will not play here, one and done.

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 38
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 15-19
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Windy weather
Used cart

Challenging and Beautiful Course

Course wasn't the most maintained course on Oahu but certainly the most challenging and beautiful on the island. Like playing in Jurassic Park. An incredible experience for all golf levels.

Will definitely play it again!

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 12
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Windy weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 8
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Absolutely stunning views!!!

Pace of play suffers because it’s absolutely stunning.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 7
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Love this course

This is my favorite inland course. Located in Oahu’s tropical rain forest, it is like golfing in Jurassic Park. I’m an average golfer, usually loose a few balls, but the scenery is so amazing and the course so challenging it’s worth it.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 53
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Wet weather
Used cart

Difficult Couse

Its pretty mountain courses.
Difficult to see, can not see greens from tee
Up and down was tough

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Fair
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 53
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Wet weather
Used cart

Challenging Course

This course was somewhat challenging
Difficult to make games. Pretty much hilly
and diffcult to controll

Conditions Average
Value Poor
Layout Fair
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Amazing views

The course is amazing in terms of the views on every hole. Couse layout is challenging and requires precise shot making if you want to score well. Staff was great and pace of play was good as we played mid-day on a Wednesday in Feb. In terms of golf course condition, many greens were rough and the tee boxes also rough and pretty weedy. But those issues were minor when you consider the price and the fabulous scenery.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Nothing like it

This is a challenging round of golf. The definition of target golf. You might only need your driver on a handful of holes.

The front is straight out of Jurassic Park. After the first hole you take a 4 minute card ride down through the rainforest to hole two. This unlike any course you will play in the US, cut I to the rainforest. You better hit fairways. Off the fairway and it is most likely a lost ball. I used driver on most holes. Hey, I brought it, I’m going to use it. Prob should have used 4 or 5 iron, lol. Having said that, I lost a bunch of balls.

The back opens up more but still stunning views.

The only negatives were that greens were not in great shape and the practice range is no longer available since Covid(20). Apparently the jungle took over the range during Covid and they never got it going again.

A very fun golf experience. Two thumbs up!

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Fair
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Royal hawaiian

Very disappointed unfortunately…
Hard course to play, very windy and bring lots of balls!
The greens on the front nine were in poor condition and no grass on the side of the alleys. Lots of weed around the greens.
The highest amount paid for a tee time on our trip but the worst maintained golf course of all.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Fair
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Rude manager

I’ve played this course multiple times over the years and have always had a great time. The staff has always been accommodating and pleasant. I’m not a complainer as a matter of fact this is probably the first time I’ve even bothered writing a review. When we finished our round the guy at the cart barn asked how was our round. I replied great except for the greens. They are really bad right now, full of potholes and extremely slow. Normally I wouldn’t even say anything but I spent $700 to play and expected a bit more. The guy at the cart barn suggested I let the management know how I felt. So I did and the manager was a complete jerk Arguing with me that I didn’t know what I was talking about and the course was in great shape. I would say if you’re going to play this course temper your expectations.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Poor
Pace Average
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
3.0
Previously Played

Beautiful area, but not in good shape

You almost expect Tarzan to swing through the trees in some areas. The location is beautiful.

The condition of the front 9 is poor. The back 9 is pretty good.

Staff are friendly.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Poor
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