Introduction
Booking a Hawaii golf tee time works a little differently from booking most vacation activities. Instead of selecting a tour departure, you’re choosing a course, requesting a tee time and planning around each course’s individual policies.
Blue Hawaiian Activities offers tee times at three Hawaii golf courses: two at Ka’anapali on Maui and one at Ko Olina on O’ahu.
The three courses offer different playing experiences, from a 6,700-yard championship course on Maui to a resort course on O’ahu with transportation available from Waikiki and Kahala. Booking procedures, dress codes and transportation options also vary by course.
Here’s what to know when choosing and booking a Hawaii golf experience.
Key Takeaways
- Blue Hawaiian Activities offers tee times at three Hawaii golf courses on O’ahu and Maui.
- Maui offers two Ka’anapali courses: the 6,700-yard, par-71 Royal Ka’anapali Course and the 6,400-yard, par-70 Ka’anapali Kai South Course.
- Both Ka’anapali courses accept tee times up to 90 days in advance.
- Ko Olina Golf Club on O’ahu offers 18-hole and twilight options.
- Ko Olina tee times are confirmed after booking rather than instantly.
- Complimentary Ko Olina transportation is available from Waikiki and Kahala with a minimum of two golfers.
Royal Ka’anapali: The Longer Championship Course
The Royal Ka’anapali Course on Maui is the longer of the two Ka’anapali options, playing 6,700 yards at par 71.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the course travels from the ocean toward the foothills of the West Maui Mountains, with views extending toward Lana’i, Moloka’i, Le’ahi (Diamond Head) and Ewa Beach.
In addition to the golf itself, historical plaques at each tee share stories about Ka’anapali and the Royal Chiefs of Maui who once lived on the land.
The course is designed to challenge golfers with club selection, changing terrain and putting, making it a good choice for players looking for the longer of the two Ka’anapali rounds.
Junior rates are available for ages 7 to 12 and 13 to 17. Current green fees vary, so check the booking calendar for pricing on your preferred date.
Ka’anapali Kai: A Shorter, More Forgiving Round
The Ka’anapali Kai South Course offers a shorter alternative at 6,400 yards and par 70.
Originally created as an executive course, it was redesigned by architect Arthur Jack Snyder in 1976 and later renovated by Robin Nelson.
The course emphasizes strategy rather than distance, with subtle, undulating greens designed to accommodate a range of skill levels. Natural canals, gulches and lava rock boundaries come into play throughout the course, while hibiscus, bougainvillea, plumeria, Norfolk pines and coconut trees add to the setting.
For golfers deciding between the two Maui courses, Ka’anapali Kai is 300 yards shorter than Royal Ka’anapali and is designed to offer a more forgiving round for a wider range of players.
Junior rates are available for ages 7 to 12 and 13 to 17. Check the booking calendar for current green fees.
Both Ka’anapali courses use the same clubhouse, located at the corner of Highway 30 and Ka’anapali Parkway.
Ko Olina Golf Experience on O’ahu
The Ko Olina Golf Experience offers an 18-hole resort golf experience on O’ahu.
Designed by Ted Robinson and built in 1990, the course features water hazards, multi-tiered greens and generous landing areas. Its moderate length is designed to accommodate a range of golfers, from newer players to experienced golfers.
Golf rates include cart rental, a logoed tumbler with lid and a warm-up basket of range balls. TaylorMade golf clubs and FootJoy shoes are also available to rent on site.
Both standard 18-hole and afternoon twilight rounds are available, along with multi-round packages. Check the booking calendar for current rates.
Our Hawaii trip cost breakdown can help put the cost of a round into the context of your overall vacation budget.
A waterfall feature pouring into a pond beside a manicured green at Ko Olina, palms behind
Tee times at Ko Olina are not instantly confirmed. After booking, an agent will contact you to confirm the available tee time and complete the reservation.
Cancellations must be made no later than 24 hours before the day of play. The course also maintains a pace of play of approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes.
Golf Dress Codes and Rider Requirements
All three golf courses have dress and footwear requirements.
Both Ka’anapali courses prohibit spike shoes. The Ko Olina Golf Experience requires soft-spike footwear and smart casual golf attire.
At Ko Olina, the dress code also applies to non-golfing riders. Swimwear, cut-offs and tank tops are not permitted, and an additional fee applies for riders accompanying golfers.
Junior golfers are welcome at Ko Olina, with a limit of one junior per paying adult. Both Ka’anapali courses also offer junior rates.
Golfers should review the current dress code and junior requirements for their selected course before arriving.
Transportation to Hawaii Golf Courses
Ko Olina offers complimentary round-trip shared transportation for non-resident guests staying in the Waikiki and Kahala areas with a minimum of two golfers.
Single golfers and riders may use the shuttle for an additional transportation fee. Pickup is approximately 1.5 hours before the scheduled tee time, and tee times may be adjusted to accommodate the shared transportation schedule.
Our guide to activities for solo travelers covers more Hawaii experiences that work well when you’re traveling on your own.
Transportation is not included with the two Ka’anapali golf experiences, so Maui golfers should plan transportation to and from the clubhouse.
Ko Olina also offers Japanese-speaking staff in the Golf Shop.
How Far in Advance Can You Book?
Both Ka’anapali courses accept tee times no more than 90 days in advance. If you’re planning a Maui trip several months ahead, you’ll need to wait until you’re within that booking window before securing your tee time.
Ko Olina uses a different confirmation process. After you submit your booking, an agent contacts you to confirm the available tee time and complete the reservation.
Because golf availability can vary by date and time of day, it’s a good idea to allow some flexibility when adding a round to your Hawaii itinerary.
If you’re traveling with a larger party and not everyone plans to golf, our guide to activities for groups of 10+ offers additional ideas for the rest of your group.
Conclusion
Blue Hawaiian Activities offers three golf experiences across Maui and O’ahu, and the right choice depends largely on your island, playing style and transportation needs.
On Maui, Royal Ka’anapali offers the longer round at 6,700 yards and par 71, while Ka’anapali Kai is 300 yards shorter at 6,400 yards and par 70, with a layout designed to accommodate a wider range of skill levels.
On O’ahu, Ko Olina combines an 18-hole resort course with available transportation from Waikiki and Kahala, along with standard and twilight playing options.
Remember to book the Ka’anapali courses within their 90-day reservation window and allow time for tee-time confirmation when booking Ko Olina.
Ready to play? Book your Hawaii golf tee time with Blue Hawaiian Activities and our island concierges can help you choose the course and confirm your tee time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance can you book a Hawaii golf tee time?
Both Ka’anapali courses accept tee times up to 90 days in advance. Ko Olina uses a different process, with an agent confirming the available tee time after booking. If golf is an important part of your itinerary, allow some flexibility around your preferred date and time.
What is the dress code for golf in Hawaii?
Dress codes vary by course. Both Ka’anapali courses prohibit spike shoes, while Ko Olina requires soft-spike footwear and smart casual golf attire. Ko Olina’s dress code also applies to non-golfing riders, with swimwear, cut-offs and tank tops prohibited.
Does a Hawaii golf booking include transportation?
Transportation is available with the Ko Olina Golf Experience for non-resident guests staying in the Waikiki and Kahala areas. Shared round-trip transportation is complimentary with a minimum of two golfers, while single golfers and riders may pay an additional transportation fee. Transportation is not included with the two Ka’anapali golf experiences.
Which Hawaii golf course is easiest for a beginner?
Ka’anapali Kai South and Ko Olina both offer features that can work well for less experienced golfers. Ka’anapali Kai is a 6,400-yard, par-70 course that emphasizes strategy over distance and is designed to accommodate a range of skill levels. Ko Olina also features generous landing areas and a moderate-length layout designed for both newer and experienced golfers.
How much does golf cost in Hawaii?
Green fees vary by course, date, tee time and package. Ko Olina also offers twilight and multi-round options, while both Ka’anapali courses offer junior rates. Check the individual booking calendar or contact Blue Hawaiian Activities for current pricing on your preferred date.
