A $6 million renovation in 2010 really breathed life into Makai Golf Club in Princeville, Kauai. It has always had good bones and it has the distinction of being Robert Trent Jones, Jr’s first ever solo design.


But the renewed course really is something special and it has been climbing the golf course rankings lists ever since. I have had the opportunity to play it a few times since 2010 and it has always struck a chord with me. Inviting width yet challenging in design and pristine white sand bunkering. It features, some of the best ocean holes Ive played, great short par 4’s, multiple dramatic par 3’s and amazing conditioning.


It many ways the course is very similar to RTJ Sr’s Playa Grande DR (which was featured at #19 on my list) but the nod here goes to JR. The setting is the star here...perhaps not as dramatic as Ko’Olau (#20) but it’s close...and this is a much better golf course.


The first two holes are strong, but the drama really starts on hole 3...which is one of the best and most scenic par 3’s you will see. 181 yards from an elevated tee, over jungle then a pond fronting the green, Kauai really shows off it’s beauty here.

The 6th is a long Challenging 440 yard Par 4 with an infinity edge green. This second shot reminds me of one of my favorite golf holes, the fourth at Bandon dunes. I love infinity greens and the backdrop here is pretty great.

The seventh is a dramatic 210 yard par three over the ocean. I think the pictures speak for themselves. Is there a golf course with a pair of more spectacular par threes on the front 9?

Ariel view, good shot of the 6th green as well.



My pic from the tee box


The 9th is a fun medium length par 4 where you layup short or challenge the bunkers with driver, the second shot is uphill to a nice green complex.


The best par 4’s on the golf course are the long and challenging 12th which curves from right to left almost like a ramp down to the ocean. This also features another infinity edge green. The 14th is a drivable par 4 if you have the courage to take on the ocean, otherwise there’s room to lay up to the left if you can navigate bunkers. Sandwiched between these two great holes is the downhill 250 yard par 3 13th. This would be easily the best par three on most golf courses.

12th


14th


Ariel view, counter clockwise from top left, 12, 13, 14 and 15

You finish strong at makai with the best par five saved for last, the 18th, 570 yards. To me this is a great hole because a great drive down the left side can put you in position to go for the green in two. The whole will play much shorter than the yardage if you go directly at the green with your second shot. Obviously that brings the lake into play.



Kauai has good golf courses, but for me only one is great and makes my list at 12. It’s a perfectly good excuse to make Kauai your next family vacation.