Puakea Golf Course
Puakea Golf Course
Designed by Robin Nelson, this spectacular championship course winds through lush tropical valleys, dramatic ravines, and rolling fairways beneath Mount Haupu, with beautiful mountain and Pacific Ocean views.
18 Holes | Par 72 | 6,954 Yards | Robin Nelson
Golf Cart Included
Warmup Range Balls Included
About Puakea Golf Course
Puakea Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course located in Lihue on the beautiful island of Kauai, Hawaii. Designed by renowned golf architect Robin Nelson, the course measures 6,954 yards from the championship tees and offers one of Kauai's most distinctive inland golf experiences.
Situated at the base of the dramatic Mount Haupu mountain range, Puakea features spectacular scenery, including towering volcanic cliffs, lush tropical vegetation, deep ravines, mountain-fed streams, and distant Pacific Ocean views.
The course occupies more than 200 acres of land that was previously part of a historic sugar cane plantation. Its naturally varied terrain provided Robin Nelson with an exceptional setting for a memorable golf course.
Originally opened with ten holes in 1997, Puakea was expanded and reopened as a full 18-hole championship course in July 2003.
Robin Nelson took advantage of the property's dramatic topography, creating fairways that wind around steep valleys, natural waterways, elevated greens, and strategically placed bunkers.
Nearly every hole presents a different challenge, with changing elevations, rolling fairways, and Kauai's trade winds influencing club selection and shot placement.
Puakea has received national recognition for its spectacular design and natural setting, including praise from Sports Illustrated for its dramatic volcanic landscape and scenic views.
One of the course's signature holes is the par-3 sixth. Playing dramatically downhill, this scenic hole features water near the green and requires careful club selection to account for elevation changes and wind.
The long par-4 14th is another memorable challenge, testing accuracy and course management against the backdrop of Kauai's lush mountain scenery.
Puakea offers an interesting combination of challenging championship golf and an approachable layout for recreational players. Multiple tee positions allow golfers to select a distance appropriate for their skill level.
The facility features an all-grass driving range with six target greens, a spacious putting green, and a dedicated short-game practice area with a bunker.
Additional amenities include a golf shop, rental clubs, professional instruction, and Puakea Grill for refreshments before or after a round.
Conveniently located in Lihue near Kauai's airport, Puakea is an excellent choice for golfers staying in Lihue, Kapaa, Poipu, and other areas of the Garden Island.
Combining dramatic natural scenery, thoughtful Robin Nelson architecture, and excellent value, Puakea Golf Course offers an unforgettable Kauai golf experience.
No booking fees. Golf rates are per person. Club rentals may be available for an additional fee.
Course Details
| Address: 4150 Nuhou Rd - Lihue, Hawaii 96766 | |
| Architect: Robin Nelson | Director of Golf: T.J. Esaki-Kua |
| Open: 1997 (10 Holes), 2003 (18 Holes) | Head Golf Pro: Camden Nakasihima |
| Course Type: 18 holes, par 72 | Yardage: 6954/6471/6061/5225 |
| Yardage Markers: : sprinklers | Slope: 135/129/123/113 |
| Rating: 71.5/71.0/69.2/69.3 | Bunkers: Yes |
| Golf Carts: yes | Pull Carts: No |
| Water Holes: Yes | Caddies: No |
| Five-somes | Walking: No |
| Greens: Bermuda | Fairways: Bermuda |
| Dress Code: Collared shirts & covered shoes required | Spike Policy: soft spike only |
| GPS Tracking: No | Lessons: Yes |
| Club House: Yes | Pro Shop: Yes |
| Restaurant:: Yes | Bar: Yes |
| Conference Facilities: No | Banquet Facilities: No |
| Lodging: No | Showers: No |
| Lockers: No | Rider Fee: $25 extra cart |
| Practice Green: Yes | Driving Range: Yes |
| Club Rental: PXG $70 | Ocean Holes : No |
| Junior Rates: ≤17 yrs $18 / $9 after 3pm |
Real Time Slots/Inventory: Yes |
Score Card
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | OUT |
| Green | 404 | 558 | 407 | 180 | 359 | 176 | 389 | 510 | 438 | 3421 |
| White | 390 | 530 | 367 | 149 | 342 | 156 | 364 | 489 | 410 | 3197 |
| Blue | 373 | 476 | 348 | 141 | 331 | 130 | 330 | 466 | 386 | 2981 |
| Red | 296 | 426 | 321 | 120 | 302 | 113 | 249 | 411 | 346 | 2584 |
| Men's Hcp | 7 | 13 | 5 | 11 | 17 | 9 | 3 | 15 | 1 | |
| +/- | ||||||||||
| Men's Par | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 36 |
| +/- | ||||||||||
| Ladies' Hcp | 7 | 13 | 5 | 11 | 17 | 9 | 3 | 15 | 1 | |
| Hole | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | IN |
| Green | 401 | 560 | 397 | 228 | 390 | 446 | 134 | 455 | 522 | 3533 |
| White | 363 | 528 | 356 | 200 | 369 | 403 | 120 | 420 | 495 | 3254 |
| Blue | 329 | 510 | 339 | 171 | 345 | 380 | 109 | 393 | 478 | 3054 |
| Red | 306 | 446 | 298 | 118 | 310 | 328 | 100 | 310 | 425 | 2641 |
| Men's Hcp | 8 | 10 | 4 | 12 | 14 | 6 | 18 | 2 | 16 | |
| +/- | ||||||||||
| Men's Par | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 36 |
| +/- | ||||||||||
| Ladies' Hcp | 8 | 10 | 4 | 12 | 14 | 6 | 18 | 2 | 16 | |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hawaii Tee Times charge booking fees?
No! Hawaii Tee Times never charges booking fees—ever. You can book your Hawaii golf tee times with no additional booking fees.
Is Hawaii Tee Times based in Hawaii?
Yes! Hawaii Tee Times has been locally based in Hawaii since 2002, with our team in Honolulu and Kauai. We're proud to offer golfers personalized service from people who know Hawaii and its golf courses.
Does your team personally visit and play the golf courses?
Absolutely! Our local team regularly plays Hawaii's golf courses and conducts on-site inspections. This firsthand experience helps us provide knowledgeable recommendations and assist you in choosing the right course for your Hawaii golf vacation.
Can I book Puakea Golf Course tee times online?
Yes. Hawaii Tee Times offers live tee-time availability and online reservations for Puakea Golf Course. Select your date to view available tee times and current rates.
Where is Puakea Golf Course located?
Puakea Golf Course is located at 4150 Nuhou Street, Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii 96766, near Lihue Airport.
Who designed Puakea Golf Course?
Puakea was designed by Robin Nelson. The course initially opened with ten holes in 1997 and reopened as an 18-hole championship layout in July 2003.
How many holes does Puakea Golf Course have?
Puakea is an 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course measuring 6,954 yards from the back tees.
What makes Puakea Golf Course unique?
Puakea is famous for its dramatic natural setting beneath Mount Haupu. The course features deep ravines, volcanic cliffs, streams, elevation changes, and sweeping mountain and Pacific Ocean views.
Is Puakea Golf Course an oceanfront course?
No. Puakea is an inland golf course in Lihue. It is known for its dramatic mountain scenery and views of the Pacific Ocean rather than oceanfront fairways.
What is the signature hole at Puakea?
The par-3 sixth is one of Puakea's signature holes. Its downhill design, nearby water, and mountain backdrop create a memorable golf challenge.
Does the golf rate include a golf cart?
Yes. Golf cart rental is included with Hawaii Tee Times reservations. Rates are displayed per golfer.
Are range balls included at Puakea Golf Course?
Yes. Puakea states that warmup range balls are included with its standard green fees. Golfers should arrive early to take advantage of the practice range.
Does Puakea Golf Course have a driving range?
Yes. Puakea offers an all-grass driving range with six target greens, a practice putting green, and a short-game practice area with a bunker.
Can I rent golf clubs at Puakea?
Yes. Puakea offers PXG rental golf clubs for an additional fee. Confirm equipment availability and current rental pricing before your round.
Does Puakea offer nine-hole golf rates?
Puakea does not currently advertise separate nine-hole green fees. Its standard reservation is for up to 18 holes, subject to playing time and course conditions.
Is Puakea suitable for recreational golfers?
Yes. Puakea offers multiple tee positions and an enjoyable experience for golfers of varying abilities. Water hazards, bunkers, trade winds, and ravines provide challenges for experienced players.
How early should I arrive for my Puakea tee time?
The golf course recommends arriving at least 30 minutes early for check-in and warmup. Late arrivals may lose their scheduled starting time.
Can a non-golfer ride along?
Yes, subject to course approval and golf cart availability. An additional fee may apply if an extra cart is required.
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