Puakea Golf Course

Designed by architect Robin Nelson, Puakea Golf Course is open to the public as a daily fee golf course. The course is resort quality and built on more than 200 acres of historic property, which was once a sugar cane plantation.

Puakea Golf Course has a long and interesting history. When Hurricane Iniki hit Kaua‘i in 1992, construction on the golf course came to a halt. In 1997, the course was able to open 10 holes. This is why Puakea has the odd distinction of being named one of America’s “Best Nine-Hole Courses” by Sports Illustrated. Nelson was eventually brought back to finish the final eight holes and the current 18-hole layout opened in July 2003.

In January 2003, Puakea Golf Course was temporarily closed for construction to complete the remaining 8 holes. On July 1, 2003 Puakea Golf Course reopened an exciting new 18-hole layout with a new driving range, putting green and spacious short-game practice area. One thing that has remained the same at Puakea Golf Course is its high-quality, “Kauai style” customer service. Puakea was rated 7th Best in Hawaii by Golfweek in 2008.

Puakea Golf Course is run by General Manager Dan Urwiler, GCSAA.

Photos: Brian Oar