Puakea Golf Course, Kaua'i, a one-time sugar plantation, is the newest addition to Kaua’I’s golf extravaganza. For seven years it played as a 10-hole layout, the final eight holes were completed in 2003. Designed by Robin Nelson, Puakea is a magical golfing journey with magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean, Mt. Ha'upu, and a lush tropical landscape that time seems to have forgotten; it's a public access facility that’s as much a visual delight as it is to play.
"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," Robin Nelson - Architect.
The first two holes are fairly straightforward, and offer little hint of what’s to come. The first is a par 4 of 404 yards featuring a wide fairway and little trouble, other than the creek that the length of the right side. The second, a par 5 of 558 yards also has generous landing areas and is little more than a pleasant walk in the park for the low handicapper.
The third, however, is an entirely different story. The wide fairway is tempting, but deceptive. Wide as it is, position for the second is really important. A few yards left or right bring into play either the greenside bunker at right, or the lake that runs the final 100 yards at left. To find yourself having to carry that lake is intimidating, to say the least.
The course is a daily-fee facility just 10 minutes away from the airport, between the town of Kapa'a and the resort area of Poipu Bay. So, if you're staying in one of those locations, Puakea is an excellent place to play.
Rates: 18 – Morning: $135; Noon: $79
Puakea Golf Course
4150 Nuhou Street
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 245-8756
www.puakeagolf.com
