Oahu offers challenging and beautiful golf courses from the famous North Shore to the rainforests on the windward side. At last count, Oahu had 37 golf courses. Don't let that number mislead you because eight of them are for military personnel only and nine are private clubs. There are another six courses, like the Ala Wai Golf Course, that are so busy it's almost impossible to get on. That narrows the field to about 16 public and resort courses to choose from.

Oahu's newest course is the highly touted Coral Creek Golf Course on the Ewa Plain in the southwestern portion of the island. Designed by Honolulu-based golf course architect Robin Nelson, the 18-hole, 6,808-yard, Par 72 course is designed to expose coral rock formations in cliff-like structures and will provide a great test for golfers of all skill levels.

Luana Hills Country Club, built in 1993, is nestled deep in the Maunawili Valley on the Windward side of the island. The 18-hole, Par 72 course was designed by Pete Dye and features natural flowing streams, lush ravines and great mountain vistas. There is a fully stocked golf shop, a restaurant and lounge. Ask about the Country Club's golf and transportation package, which includes green fees with cart and round-trip transportation from Waikiki.

Keep in mind that Windward and Leeward gof courses play differently because of the prevailing winds. Many Oahu courses offer twilight rates if you're willing to tee off in the afternoon, usually between 1 and 3 p.m.

Golf Course Listings

	Ala Wai Golf Course Municipal 18-hole, Par 70 $ Located minutes from Waikiki, the Ala Wai Golf Course is a city-run municipal course popular with locals and visitors alike. This course is ranked by locals as being the busiest course in the state. The course was redesigned by Bob Baldock in 1962 and by Robin Nelson in 1986. The terrain is predominantly flat, but there are some mounds around the greens and fairways that will cause uneven lies. Additionally, there is a canal that comes into play on three holes. Fun course and features views of Diamond Head, the Koolau Mountain Range, and the Waikiki skyline.
	Luana Hills Country Club Semi-Private 18-hole, Par 72 $$ Perhaps the most beautiful golf course on Oahu, Luana Hills is a one-of-a-kind creation, sculpted by Pete/Perry Dye Design in 1994. Situated only 20 minutes from Honolulu in the Ko'olau Mountains.
	Ko Olina Golf Club Resort 18-hole, Par 72 $$$$$ Ko Olina has been recognized by Golf Digest as one of the "Top 75 Resort Courses in the U.S.". The course includes 16 water features on 8 different holes, multi-tiered greens, and well-manicured fairways. Ko Olina will challenge golfers to use every club in the bag with its demanding par 3's, well bunkered greens and gentle trade winds.
	Coral Creek Golf Course Public 18-hole, Par 72 $$$$ No other course in Hawaii can compare to the beauty, challenge and experience of Coral Creek Golf Course. Nestled along the Ewa Plain, the golf course will provide a challenging test to golfers of all skill levels.
	Turtle Bay Resort - Palmer Course Resort 18-hole, Par 72 $$$$ Located on Oahu's scenic North Shore, the Arnold Palmer Course is home of the PGA Champion's Tour Turtle Bay Championship held every January and the LPGA's SBS Open held every February. Ranked by Golf Digest as one of the top courses in Hawaii, the Palmer Course boasts a challenging layout with outstanding conditions.