Puakea Golf Course, Kauai
Puakea Golf Course offers a scenic and engaging golf experience at the base of Mount Haupu in Lihue. Designed by Robin Nelson, this par-70 course features lush landscapes, dramatic elevation changes, deep ravines, and panoramic ocean and mountain views. With its cinematic backdrop (featured in Jurassic Park) and thoughtful layout, it's a must-play course for golfers of all skill levels.
Puakea Golf Course located in the western side of Lihue at the base of the scenic Haupu Ridge, where much of the film Jurassic Park was made. It is just about a ten minute drive from Kauai’s main airport and can be found opposite Lihue’s Kukui Grove Shopping Center. The course was designed by Robin Nelson and is built on over 200 acres of land that was once a sugar cane plantation, so it has historic links as well as beauty. Puakea Golf Course has won many accolades. In 2008, it ranked 7th in Kaua‘i Golf Courses Earn ‘Best-Of’ Acclaim from Golfweek Magazine and, in 2010, it was ranked 15th Best in State by Golfweek Magazine. When Puakea Golf Course was initially being constructed, work came to a halt when Hurricane Iniki hit the island. The course opened as a 10-hole facility in 1997 and earned the distinction of being one of the “Top 10” 9-hole courses in the US by Sports Illustrated in 1997. However, in 2002, Nelson was invited back to complete the final eight holes.
The architect incorporated the new holes and built in spectacular views wherever feasible. When Puakea Golf Course reopened in July 2003, the new layout caused considerable excitement. Nelson had designed the holes for optimized play in the prevailing trade winds. The result is that each hole at Puakea is distinctly different to play and only one – the par-3 fourth hole, plays directly into the trade winds. Much of the course gets its character from the rich foliage in which there are six ponds strategically located. Additionally, the course slopes up and down, and weaves around deep ravines, making it a really fun course to play. While around a quarter of the course offers panoramic ocean views, all of this golf course is very scenic.
Puakea Golf Course offers a full range of amenities. As well as club rental services and pro shop, the reopened golf club has a new state-of-the-art practice facility with a new driving range, putting green, and short-game practice area. The Ho'okipa Café is open from 7.00am to sunset and serves breakfast, lunch, and pupus all day long from a menu of fresh ingredients and island favorites. Meetings, parties, weddings and other events can be catered for – just ask the staff at Puakea for details.
Key Features of Puakea Golf Course
- Scenic location: Set at the foot of Mount Haupu with views of ravines, streams, and ocean
- Historic terrain: Built on former sugar plantation land and featured in Jurassic Park
- Challenging layout: 18 holes with elevation changes and trade wind-oriented play
- Practice facilities: Driving range, putting green, short game area, and modern clubhouse
- On-site café: Ho'okipa Café serves fresh island cuisine all day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Puakea Golf Course located?
It's located in Lihue on Kauai's south shore, across from Kukui Grove Shopping Center at 4150 Nuhou Road.
What makes this course unique?
Puakea is set on historic plantation land with cinematic scenery, including Jurassic Park filming locations and lush ravines.
How difficult is the course?
It's a moderately challenging course with elevation shifts and wind-sensitive holes, suitable for intermediate to advanced players.
Is there food available?
Yes, Ho'okipa Café offers breakfast, lunch, and pupus made with fresh local ingredients from 7 a.m. to sunset.
Can I host events or weddings at Puakea?
Absolutely! The venue accommodates meetings, weddings, and private events with scenic views and attentive staff.