Hawaii

Designed By: Jack Nicklaus

 

If there is such a thing as paradise golf then you would have to consider The Ocean Course at Hokuala to define the category. As you can imagine, the course is beyond lush and the rugged hills of south eastern Kauai are ever present as a backdrop while you make your way around the Nicklaus designed course. While almost every single hole is memorable and stunning, the real fun begins on the back-9 as the first several holes border the ocean.

 

At times it feels challenging to focus your attention back and forth between golf and becoming mesmerized by the views with nearly every hole sets you up for a photo opp. With the dark blue waves crashing, the intense green mountains in the distance and the stark contrast of black lava holding as the boundary between yourself and the ocean it is really a sight to behold. 

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The signature hole features a long row of tall palm trees that line the fairway to the left and as you progress down the hole you see a lighthouse sitting on a tongue of black lava which acts as a backdrop for your approach shot. Once on the green the ocean crashes between two sections of lava creating a thunderous roar at each incoming wave. Both mesmerizing and startling it's easy to gain a respect for the raw power and beauty of the Pacific Ocean and it's tempting to sit in your cart and just watch for a while as you admire your entire surroundings. 

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The last several holes bring you back inland with rows of huge Palms and some nice standing water holes to avoid while the sounds of the waves crashing still echo in the distance. This is one of the few courses where you will enjoy literally every second of your round and regardless of how you play, and a bit of a hefty price tag, you'll walk away happy you did.