My Dream Hawaii Golf Destinations
We are trying to plan our big family trip for early 2011 and have come down to a few destinations, including a Caribbean cruise and a a Hawaiian vacation.
I have been a on numerous cruises to the Caribbean so, I have to admit, the lure of Hawaii is strong. Just that we live in Massachusetts and it’s half way across the world for us – so the travel distance is an issue with school schedules, etc.
That being said, I am secretly looking into deals at various Hawaii golf courses – I mean, come on, I have to sneak on to at least 2 courses while on vacation, right?!
One course of high interest is the Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore designed Plantation Course at Kapalua (site of the PGA SBS Championship) Not only because I have watched it so many times on TV but it’s just been one of those on my list for some time – especially the 665 yard 18th hole! – sounds like an easy par 
Another would be the Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed Poipu Bay Golf Course (primary home to the PGA Grand Slam of Golf) The course (from all the books and pics I gave looked at recently) is just visually stunning. Also very interesting culturally. Check out the info below (taken from the website)
The golf course is home to a number of significant historical sites—cultural treasures that are protected and maintained by Poipu Bay staff. The course was designed around several ancient Hawaiian heiau (places of worship) and handmade stone walls, estimated to date back over 500 years. Golfers are forbidden to enter these culturally-sensitive areas or play balls from them. In ancient times, heiau were built specifically on sites deemed to have the most mana, a spiritual power that emanates from sacred places.
Finally, one of the courses on my “must play” list is Turtle Bay Palmer* in Oahu. I had a friend play there recently and said he had one of the best golfing experiences of a lifetime. I will take a personal golf course recommendation over almost anything else when it comes to someone you know and trust who has actually played the course.
Getting Hawaii tee times is another issue and one I plan to tackle soon. I am not overly concerned about price to play (and I know it’s not cheap) but, heck, it’s not like I go there every year. I figure I am just paying for the experience, and glad to.
Anyone else have any favorite Hawaii golf courses or recommendations? if so please let me know!
* BTW, just leave this page up in the background while your doing your computer work. It’s one of the most soothing sounding screen savors I have heard – sweetly singing birds and the ocean lapping at the shore – nice.
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Princeville on Kauai is a beautiful and challenging course. I’ve never lost so many balls in a round before but can’t wait to play it again. (Heading back in December.)