The tropical Hawaiian Islands have always been a top destination for winter weary Canadians looking to tee it up.
The island of Kaua’i in particular, is a popular spot not only for golf but for a family/couples vacation as well.
Kaua’i, also known as the Garden Isle, is the oldest and northernmost island in the chain. It is perfect to visit year round as temperatures average between 20–27 degrees Celsius.
The lush vegetation is credit to the perfect combination of heat and moisture.
At an elevation of 1,569 m Kaua’i is also known for its stunning rain forests, waterfalls, valleys, cliffs and canyons that create a dramatic and awe inspiring landscape. There have been many movies that have been filmed in Kaua’i for this reason including Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Avatar to name a few.
Victors come from all over the world to experience the warm island hospitality and a quieter pace. One of the most popular accommodations on the Island is the Kaua’i Marriott Resort on 800 beachfront acres facing Kalapaki Bay.
The resort is in Lihue, which is minutes away from the airport yet you will never hear an airplane overhead. The conveniences of town are located nearby with big chains such as Starbucks, Walmart and Costco for any shopping needs.
The Kaua’i Marriott Resort is a tropical oasis and family friendly destination that features one of the largest resort pools in Hawaii, koi ponds, tropical vegetaion and 5 open-air restaurants that feature everything from pizza and burgers pool side, to delectable sushi and upscale Italian dinning at Cafe Portofino punctuated with stunning ocean views.
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The Kaua’i Marriott Resort Is A Tropical Oasis That Features One Of The Largest Resort Pools In Hawaii
Activities include jogging/fitness trail, kayaking, surfing, tennis, volleyball, fitness center and swimming at both the pool and in the ocean. There is also the Alexander Day Spa on property to kick back, relax and rejuvenate through massage, body treatments facials or a salon.
It is a fabulous location for conferences and conventions because all the onsite amenities and family atmosphere make it an ideal destination. The tough part is getting attendees to go back to their meetings after the break.
Not to be missed is the 18-hole Championship Kiele golf course at Kaua’i Lagoons Golf Club. It is a Jack Nicklaus signature design 18-hole course. It stretches out to 7,120 yards and it utilizes GPS on the carts and offers visitors valuable pro tips.
There are 6 ocean-view holes and 3 directly located ocean front creating the longest stretch of continuous ocean holes (over a half mile) of any course in Hawaii.
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The 5th Hole From Kiele Moana At Kauai Lagoons Golf Course
There are beautiful drives between some of the holes through mango and guava trees and streams. The greens are well bunkered and don’t be surprised to run into a rooster.
Another great track in the area is Puakea Golf Course. It offers high quality golf at local prices. It is designed by Robin Nelson and features beautiful views of Mt. Ha’upu and deep lush ravines on several holes.
Nelson says, “Puakea may be the most fun course to play in Hawaii. The course rides up, down and around deep ravines. It has beautiful, pali views on about three-quarters of the course and ocean views for the rest. Each of the holes are distinctly different so you’re constantly facing new, interesting challenges.” It is the perfect course for golfers of all ability levels to visit.
When in the area don’t miss Wailua Falls just north of Lihue. It has 2 streams that cascade down 200 feet below and is most famously recognized from the opening credits of the popular television show Fantasy Island.
Next stop you need to make on the island is the sunny South Shore and the resort area of Poipu. Consistently ranked as one of the top golf resorts, is the Grand Hyatt Kaua’i Resort and Spa. in Poipu Bay.
This is a luxury beach resort in every sense of the word. The lobby will stop you in your tracks. As you enter the hotel you look over a sophisticated lounge area set in an open-air environment that draws your eyes to the expansive view of the ocean. It is simply breathtaking.
It offers 602 beautifully appointed classic Hawaiian guest rooms with private balcony/lanai. The property is bursting with bright vibrant colors of tropical vegetation and is meticulously manicured. The waterfalls in the center of the property truly make it feel like paradise.
Unlike many resorts, The Grand Hyatt offers a traditional and authentic Luau giving guests a unique insight into Polynesian culture. There are 10 other dining options on property that range from casual fare to 5-star dinning.
For families at the resort, there is Camp Hyatt for kids aged 3 to 12 offering full day, half-day and night spots.
Kids are immersed in fun and active Hawaiian traditions with Hula lessons, volcano explosions, parrot talk, lei making and Hawaiian storytelling.
Kids also use the facilities at the resort including the saltwater lagoon, enthralling waterslide and the lazy river that meanders through the pool site.
Golfers will be delighted with the course on-site, Poipu Bay. It was the home of the PGA Tour Grand Slam of Golf from 1994 through 2006. Players who won the 4 majors of the previous calendar year were invited to play in a 4-person shootout.
Tour stars that have teed it up there include Tiger Woods, Greg Norman, Phil Mickelson and Vijay Singh.
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The 16th Hole At The Grand Hyatt Kaua’i’s Poipu Bay Golf Course
It is a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design that delights and challenges all golfers. There are 210 oceanfront acres with 85 bunkers, five water hazards and traditional trade winds.
Wind can play a major factor in club selection up to a 3-4 club wind at times. You will lick your chops on the downwind par 5s and cringe at the headwind par 3s.
There are over 30 acres of tropical plants and flowers, spectacular ocean views where you may even catch a glimpse of a humpback whale and eye catching handmade stone walls (heiau) built over 500 years ago by Hawaiians as a place of worship.
After golf treat yourself to the Anara Spa at the resort. It is a bountiful 45,000 square feet and is the largest spa on Kaua’i. This is not a place just for the “wives”.
There are almost as many male guests as female guests enjoying the private lava rock showers and soaking tubs, lush gardens, waterfalls, peaceful pools and thatched roof open air private treatment rooms. For the active guest, fitness and yoga classes are offered at the spa daily.
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Grand Hyatt – Anara Spa Couple Massage Hale (Meaning ‘Room’)
When in Poipu go to Poipu Beach Park, which was once named one of America’s best beaches. Stop by one of the local shops off the beach for a local favorite, ‘Shave Ice’, and treat yourself by having a scoop of coconut ice-cream underneath.
While at Poipu Beach give surfing a try. Aloha Surf Lessons offer lessons for beginners, adults and children, either in groups or private and they guarantee to have you ‘hanging 10’ by the end of your session.
Also worth a visit is Spouting Horn, a short drive away, featuring a blowhole that shoots water 20 feet up into the air and has a quaint market of local vendors selling their wares.
If possible, travel to Kaua’i between January and early April which is the peak whale-watching season. Book a tour with Holo-Holo Kaua’i Boat Tours.
They offer a variety of tours that include, snorkeling, sailing and sunset cruises. They feature trips to the Napali Coast which is a must see.
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This truly will be some of the most stunning views you will ever lay eyes on. Many of the trips have a whale-watching component and when you see these massive creatures breach the surface it truly is jaw dropping.
Before you leave the island, the North Shore is worth a visit. Book a tee time at the Princeville Makai Golf Club. This course was reopened in 2010 following extensive renovations. It is also a Robert Trent Jones Jr. course and blends vistas of ocean coastline, lakes, and mountain views.
It plays over 7,200 yards from the tips and offers 4 different teeing options for each hole. The signature hole is the 7th and is a par 3 over an ominous canyon with ocean views the span of the hole and white sand bunkers looking to snare your ball.
You can’t leave the area without playing the Prince Course at Princeville Golf Club. It has an opulent clubhouse and pro shop that opens to a beautiful view of the course. Often ranked as the number one course in Hawaii, it lives up to its billing.
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Canada’s Perennial Ladies Long Drive Champ At Princeville Makai GC In Kaua’i
It is premium championship golf in a luxury setting, located on 350 acres of lush rolling fairways and greens. It reopened in the spring of 2012 after a 5 million dollar renovation – worth every penny.
If you have juniors traveling with you do not miss The New Mini Prince Par 3. It is a 6-hole track, with each hole under 100 yards in length. It is prefect for beginning golfers and will help veterans work on their short game.
When you go to Kaua’i it feels like family. You are embraced by the locals. It is a place you will want to come back to again. At the Grand Hyatt they have a stone that shares a familiar custom in Hawaii to not ever say goodbye, but instead, “A Hui Hou”, until we meet again.
