KALAHEO, Kauai, Hawaii -- Located few miles inland from the southern coast of Kauai is Hawaii's eighth oldest golf course, Kukuiolono Golf Course. This little nine-hole course sitting high on a hill overlooking Poipu dates back to 1927. It was the gift of the McBryde family, who promised an affordable public park and golf course for generations to come.
The course is the most affordable on the island at just $9 to play all day, including non-residents. There are three sets of tees, playing 3,173 yards from the blues, 2,981 yards from the whites, and 2,708 yards from the red tees. The par-5 second hole plays 595 yards with the tradewinds at your back. Kukuiolono's most notable hole is the par-3 sixth, which is a long shot over a ravine to a green that has great ocean views.
Facilities at Kukuiolono, which translates as "light of lono," include a driving range and small clubhouse that serves a limited menu. Golf carts and pull carts are available for an additional fee.
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Kukuiolono Golf Course's third hole is a short par 4. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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Yardage markers are stapled onto coconut trees at Kukuiolono Golf Course. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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The Kauai Mountains are in view at all times at hill-topping Kukuiolono Golf Course. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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Kukuiolono Golf Course's greens are small and firm. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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Kukuiolono Golf Course's par-3 sixth hole plays over a ravine. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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Every island of Hawaii has neat little local-centric hidden gems to discover. While I've yet to play Wailua on Kauai, I am smitten by the casual, $8 round at 9-hole Kukuiolono, set in a Japanese garden overlooking the south shore. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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It's easy to walk nine-hole Kukuiolono Golf Course. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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There are no tee times at Kukuiolono Golf Course, just a first-come, first-served starter window. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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Range balls are served up in old tins at Kukuiolono Golf Course. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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The driving range at Kukuiolono G.C. features ocean views as well. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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Kukuiolono Golf Course has a small clubhouse with a lounge and grill. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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Kukuiolono Golf Course is located a few miles inland from Kauai's southern coast. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
