What it is
The Princeville Makai Golf Club is a high-end, 18-hole championship resort golf course on the North Shore of Kauaʻi. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., it was his first-ever solo design and opened in 1971. The course underwent a significant $6 million renovation in 2010, which also was overseen by Jones Jr. It is consistently ranked among the top public courses in the U.S. by publications like Golf Digest and GolfWeek, and noted for its scenic beauty by National Geographic Traveler. The club also features the 18-hole Mauka Disc Golf Course (which occupies the former 9-hole "Woods" golf course), tennis and pickleball courts, and hosts non-golf activities like sunrise yoga and sunset cart tours. The main course is a par-72 layout that can be played from over 7,200 yards from the back tees.
Visitor experience
The primary draw for golfers is the dramatic scenery, which includes six oceanfront holes with views of Hanalei Bay, the Kīlauea Lighthouse, and the surrounding mountains. The par-3 7th hole, played over a cliff-side chasm, is the signature hole and one of the most photographed spots on the course. The course conditions are typically immaculate. A round of 18 holes takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours, and golf carts with GPS are mandatory.
For non-golfers or those seeking other experiences, the club offers several popular activities:
- Sunset Cart Tour: A guided tour of the course's most scenic spots, timed to end with the sunset at the 7th hole. The tour is educational, covering local flora, fauna, and cultural history.
- Sunrise Yoga: Held on the 7th hole tee box on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, offering panoramic ocean views. The class is designed for all experience levels.
- Mauka Disc Golf Course: An 18-hole disc golf course that winds through the woodland terrain of the former Woods nine course.
- Makai Grill: The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and happy hour daily to both golfers and the general public.
Logistics
- Location: 4080 Lei O Papa Rd, Princeville, HI 96722. Located within the Princeville resort community on Kauaʻi's North Shore.
- Rates & Fees:
- Golf: The standard rack rate for 18 holes is approximately $375, but the club uses dynamic pricing, so rates vary based on demand. Booking further in advance online can secure lower prices. Multi-round packages are available, such as the 3-day "Albatross Pass" for $725+tax.
- Rentals: Callaway club rentals are $85 and include six logo balls.
- Sunset Cart Tour: $130 per cart (seats two people).
- Sunrise Yoga: $25 per person.
- Disc Golf: Fees are approximately $15-$30 per person; cart rental is extra. Fees should be verified.
- Reservations: Tee times can be booked online up to 30 days in advance. Reservations are required for the Sunset Cart Tour and Sunrise Yoga.
- Hours: The club is open daily from morning until evening; specific hours for the pro shop and grill should be verified on the official website. The first tee time is typically around 7 AM.
- Duration: A standard round of golf is 4.5-5 hours. The Sunset Cart Tour is about 90 minutes, with check-in 2.5 hours before sunset. Sunrise Yoga is 75 minutes.
- Parking: Ample free parking is available at the clubhouse.
- Amenities: Facilities include a driving range, putting and chipping greens, a pro shop, locker rooms, and the Makai Grill. Golf carts have GPS and USB ports.
Safety and cautions
- Weather: As a North Shore location, the course is subject to more frequent and sudden rain showers than the south side of the island. Bring rain gear. After heavy rain, "cart path only" rules may be in effect.
- Course Conditions: The club aerates its greens twice a year, typically in the spring and fall. The next scheduled aeration closure is April 14-16, 2026. Playing shortly after aeration can result in bumpy putting surfaces. It is advisable to check the maintenance schedule before booking.
- Terrain: The oceanfront holes feature steep, roped-off cliffs. Visitors should obey all warning signs.
- Wildlife: The course is a habitat for the protected nēnē (Hawaiian goose). Do not feed or approach them.
- Etiquette & Rules: A collared shirt and soft-spike shoes are required for golfers. The Sunset Cart Tour has an age limit of 6 years or older, and no outside food or beverages are permitted. For yoga, participants must bring their own mat or a large towel.
Editorial take
Who should prioritize it: Princeville Makai is a bucket-list experience for avid golfers who prioritize world-class scenery and are willing to pay a premium price. The dramatic cliff-side holes offer an unforgettable round. It's also an excellent choice for couples or groups with non-golfers, as the Sunset Cart Tour and Sunrise Yoga are standout activities in their own right.
Who should skip it: Budget-conscious golfers will find the high green fees prohibitive. Players who prefer a fast-paced round should also be cautious, as the resort-style play and frequent photo stops can lead to rounds exceeding five hours. Those seeking consistently sunny and dry conditions may prefer a course on the South Shore, like Poipu Bay.
Comparison: The most direct competitor is Poipu Bay Golf Course on the South Shore. Both are Robert Trent Jones Jr. designs with oceanfront holes and have hosted professional events. Poipu Bay is generally less expensive (daily rates around $250) and located in a sunnier, drier climate, resulting in fewer weather-related disruptions. Makai's primary advantages are its more dramatic mountain-and-ocean vistas and its unique non-golf offerings like the guided sunset tour and yoga.
Source notes
- Official Website: Provides current rates, packages, aeration dates, and booking for all activities.
- Sunset Cart Tour Details: Official page with pricing, duration, and rules for the tour.
- Sunrise Yoga Details: Official page with schedule, cost, and registration information for the yoga class.
- Aeration Schedule: An official course page and a third-party compilation confirming maintenance dates.
- Disc Golf Course Info: Details on the 18-hole Mauka Disc Golf Course from the Professional Disc Golf Association.
- Go Golf Kauai (Tour Operator): Provides a good third-party description of the visitor experience for the sunset tour.
- Poipu Bay Golf Course Rates (for comparison): Recent articles provide context for comparing green fees with Makai's primary competitor.
