Kauai - The golf trip of a life time
If you are looking for an amazing golf/life experience then this has to whet your appetitie.
This was a ‘quick’ trip to Kauai to experience the island, the golf, the hospitality. I would certainly recommend at least 2 weeks on Kauai (or throw in a bit of Hawaii island hopping) and a couple of days in L.A or San Francisco on your way out to chill before the final leg to Kauai.
Day 1
Flight from Manchester to L.A. The airline I flew with was Lufthansa and I have to recommend them, they were really good.
So land in L.A. Then straight on to the next flight to Kauai which is still a 6 hour flight in to the middle of the Pacific. (It is well worth it though)
Then you are in Dreamland.
A short journey to the first hotel.
St Regis Princeville Resort
St Regis Hotel Princeville
An absolutely stunning property set in Hanalei Bay.
The hotel is excellent, amazing views of Hanalei Bay. Only stayed here one night with breakfast but would certainly recommend a few days here.
St Regis Hotel Princeville
Amazing views are everywhere you look.
Day 2
Off to play at Princeville Makai Golf course, as short ride from the hotel. I will say the same words about all the golf courses…… what a golf course…….. what a view. The course has some spectacular holes sweeping down to the bay, meandering through woodlands and lakes.
Princeville Makai Golf
What a par 3, looking down to Hanalei Bay.
Following the round and after a quick freshen up we were off to see the Princeville Makai sunset at a point looking over the Pacific Ocean. Definitely worth doing.
Princeville Makai Golf
The sunset tour is a definite to add to your itinerary.
It was straight off then to dinner at Tahiti Nui in Old Town Hanalei which was featured in the film The Descendants. There will be a number of films mentioned throughout the blog as the Garden Island of Kauai is ideal to shoot films as it is so beautiful and diverse.
Tahiti Nui is a busy place so make sure you book yourself in!
Tahiti Nui
Go and eat at the restaurant used in The Descendants film.
Following the meal it was a short journey to the next hotel. Nothing is a long drive on Kauai so it is extremely easy to get around. The second hotel was the Kauai Marriott Hotel.
Day 3
Waking up to the view from the hotel window was amazing, across the large swimming pool and straight in to the Pacific Ocean.
Kauai Marriott
Beat that view, an excellent complex to stay, relax and play golf.
This is a large hotel that is certainly one of quality. The rooms, the food were all excellent, the service exemplary. It is a very short walk or shuttle to The Ocean course at Hokuala. Again an amazing golf course with increasingly spectacular views, it is quite hard to concentrate I have to say.
The Ocean Course Hokuala
A joy to play, magnificent design.
Stunning, that’s all I can say, the standard of the course, the set up and variety of holes, the beauty of the surroundings. Experience it, you will see what I mean.
In the evening there was a lovely meal in the open central area of the Kauai Marriott, thoroughly enjoyable.
Day 4
After breakfast it was on the road to the next golf course and hotel.
The golf course was a Municipal golf course which if you said that in the U.K. you would imagine it wasn’t going to be the best of standards. Don’t judge a book by its cover! A wonderful golf course, right on the Ocean edge. Definitely put it on your golfing itinerary.
The clubhouse is a little sparse and I guess that is where the municipal bit comes in, but hey it’s still somewhere to have a beer and food!
Wailua Golf
A municipal but definitively one to play with views of the ocean everywhere
Off again to the last hotel on the trip, to what has to be the cream of the hotels I stayed in. The Grand Hyatt.
Everything about this hotel sums up why a trip to Kauai is a must
Day 5
Waking up at the Grand Hyatt is a magical thing. Draw the curtains and you are met with what must be one of the best views in the world.
The lapping ocean waves metres away.
Grand Hyatt Resort
Wake up to this view!
Walking around the grounds is amazing in itself, beautifully manicured, rivers to float around and lots of places to enjoy this tranquil environment.
The first golf course to play whilst staying at The Grand Hyatt was Puakea, about a 20 minute drive away.
Driving to this course you are entering Raiders of the Lost Ark and Jurassic Park territory. The scenery is absolutely jaw dropping. The course has one of the best par 3s I have ever played, mainly because it is framed by this magnificent scenery.
Puakea Golf
A magnificent par 3 (I got a par…honest). One of the best I have played with the scenery making it.
The course is spectacular, meandering through different levels, there are times where you feel you are playing in a rain forest.
Day 6
An early start and a short walk to what has to be the best course on the island, Poipu Bay. If you watched the PGA Grand Slam of Golf tournament between 1994 -2006 you will have seen this golf course. Tiger won the tournament on this course 7 times. You too can pit your wits on the Robert Trent Jones JNR design.
Poipu Bay Golf
Does it get any better?
What else?
A trip down the Na Pali Coast
Captain Andy’s Sail boat
A superb opportunity to have a great day on the sea
One of the biggest highlights of the trip was a sailing excursion down the Na Pali coast.
The coastline is just awe inspiring, like nothing you have ever seen before.
Na Pali Coastline
A coastline that leaves you with unbelievable memories
Kauai
It is what dreams are made of. It is impossible to not enjoy this island, so relaxed, so much to do and all done to a very high quality.
Yes it’s a long way but every air mile is worth it.
Don’t miss out on your life dreams, do it, the options are there.
Dream Golf Holidays.
