What it is
The Ko Olina Golf Club is a championship 18-hole golf course located within the Ko Olina Resort & Marina on Oahu's leeward coast. Designed by renowned golf course architect Ted Robinson and opened in 1990, it has been recognized by Golf Digest as one of the "Top 75 Resort Courses in the U.S.". The par-72 course features numerous water hazards, multi-tiered greens, and generous landing areas, making it challenging yet accessible for various skill levels. The club boasts a 35,000 square-foot clubhouse with Hawaiian pitched roofs, housing a highly-rated golf shop and Roy's Ko Olina restaurant, known for its Hawaiian Fusion cuisine. The course has a history of hosting professional tournaments, including the LPGA's Hawaiian Ladies Open and the LPGA LOTTE Championship.
Visitor experience
Travelers choose Ko Olina Golf Club for a premium resort golf experience in a beautifully manicured setting. The course aims to challenge golfers while accommodating all skill levels with its design features. Golf carts are equipped with a hands-free GPS system providing course maps, yardage, and scoring capabilities. The club offers a world-class driving range, putting green, and short game facilities, along with golf lessons and daily clinics led by PGA professionals. After a round, golfers can utilize the men's and ladies' locker rooms, which include showers, steam rooms, and Jacuzzis. The on-site Roy's Ko Olina restaurant provides dining options. Many reviewers highlight the exceptionally friendly staff and the overall well-maintained conditions of the course.
Logistics
The Ko Olina Golf Club is situated on Oahu's sunny leeward side, approximately a 25-minute drive west of Honolulu International Airport and 45 minutes from Waikiki. It is within walking distance of major resorts like Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, and Four Seasons Resort Oahu.
Tee times are highly recommended, though walk-ins are welcome. Visitors can book tee times up to 90 days in advance. Rates are dynamically priced based on demand and availability. The Golf Shop operates daily from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. An 18-hole round typically takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes.
Complimentary shared shuttle service is available for non-resident golfers staying in Waikiki, for specific morning and afternoon tee time windows, and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance (minimum two golfers). Private paid shuttle services are also offered for more flexibility.
Paid parking is available at Ko Olina Center and Station, with rates applied in 15-minute increments up to a three-hour maximum. Smart casual golf attire and soft spike footwear are required for all players, and non-golfing riders must also adhere to proper golf attire (spikes not required). Full sets of TaylorMade rental clubs and FootJoy rental shoes are available.
This activity is best considered a half-day or anchor activity due to the duration of play and travel time.
Safety and cautions
Golfers are required to wear smart casual golf attire and soft spike footwear. Outside food and beverages are not permitted on the course. While Ko Olina is on the sunnier side of the island, visitors should still prepare for Hawaii's strong sun with appropriate sun protection. The club generally follows health and safety guidelines from the CDC, State of Hawaiʻi, and City & County of Honolulu, including suggesting social distancing. As of March 2022, face masks are no longer required in accordance with state guidelines, but social distancing is still suggested.
Editorial take
Ko Olina Golf Club is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a high-quality, resort golf experience on Oahu, particularly those staying in the Ko Olina resort area. Its Ted Robinson design offers a challenging yet forgiving round suitable for a wide range of handicaps, supported by top-notch amenities like GPS-equipped carts, a grass driving range, and comprehensive locker room facilities. The presence of Roy's restaurant adds to the premium experience.
While praised for its well-maintained conditions and friendly staff, some visitors note that the course is expensive and, despite its water features, does not offer abundant ocean views on every hole, which might be an expectation given its location and price point. For those prioritizing dramatic coastal views, other courses on Oahu might offer a different aesthetic, though Ko Olina provides a consistent, high-end golf environment.
It should not be confused with Kapolei Golf Club, another highly-rated course on Oahu that has also hosted LPGA events but is a separate entity. Other notable courses on Oahu include Turtle Bay Resort (North Shore) and the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club (currently closed due to fire). Ko Olina is ideal for guests looking for convenience and a polished resort golf experience without venturing far from the Leeward Coast.
Source notes
- Ko Olina Golf Club Official Website: https://koolinagolf.com/
- Ko Olina Resort - Golf: https://www.koolina.com/experiences/golf/
- GolfPass - Ko Olina Golf Club: https://www.golfpass.com/travel-advisor/courses/23694-ko-olina-golf-club/
- Aulani Hawaii Resort & Spa - Ko Olina Golf Club: https://www.disneyaulani.com/activities/things-to-do/ko-olina-golf-club/
- Go Hawaii - Ko Olina Golf Club: https://www.goHawaii.com/oahu/things-to-do/attractions/ko-olina-golf-club
- Ko Olina Golf Club FAQ: https://koolinagolf.com/about/frequently-asked-questions/
- Ko Olina Golf Club Transportation: https://koolinagolf.com/transportation/
