Makai Golf Club

About Makai Golf Club

Robert Trent Jones Jr. carved this spectacular layout along Kauai's dramatic North Shore in 1971, and it remains one of Hawaii's most scenically stunning golf experiences. The routing takes brilliant advantage of the clifftop setting, with several holes playing directly along 200-foot bluffs overlooking Hanalei Bay and the Pacific. The signature par-3 3rd hole is an absolute jaw-dropper – a short iron over a jungle ravine to a green perched on the cliff's edge with nothing but ocean beyond the pin. Jones Jr.'s architectural philosophy of working with the natural terrain shines here, as the course weaves through tropical foliage, over ravines, and around ancient lava rock formations without feeling forced or artificial. What sets Makai apart from other resort courses is its raw, untamed character – this isn't manicured perfection but rather golf in harmony with Kauai's wild beauty. The trade wind exposure keeps conditions firm and fast, making club selection critical on approach shots. The back nine moves inland through more traditional parkland setting, but maintains interest with strategic bunkering and elevated greens that reward precision over power. At nearly 50 years old, the course has matured beautifully, and the fact that walking is permitted adds to its authentic, old-school Hawaii golf appeal.

Key Facts