Golf Tips 
Travel West Coast/Hawaii Hawaii
Travel West Coast/Hawaii Hawaii
HawaiiKauai, Maui and the Big Island are golf heaven |
|
|
|
Page 1 of 4 
Golf in Hawaii is a study in variance. At the same time, the island game is littered with awe-inspiring topography—replete with the expected natural beauty—and not-so-subtle dangers from tee to green. Perhaps that’s what makes playing golf on Hawaiian courses so intriguing: You don’t mind the occasional double bogey when you’re in paradise.Indeed, island golf is both beauty and beast—there’s no way to sugarcoat it. But after spending just a few hours on the islands, you wouldn’t want it any other way. Hawaii’s geographic wonders are incumbent on all sides, instilling the notion that you’re securely entrenched in a land with an undeviated link to earth’s prehistoric past. On several courses, at any moment, you half expect a Tyrannosaurus rex to lumber around the next corner and point its hungry head in your direction. Of course, that won’t happen, but you’ll surely get a little weak in the knees facing the awe-inspiring beauty of courses like the Kiele course at Kaua’i Lagoons, Poipu Bay Golf Course or all three course at Kapalua. Whatever the cost (even if it’s a dozen new Pro V1s), summon the courage, do the deed and walk away with a great story to tell all your friends; not that you slayed a T. rex, but that you met the challenge of some of the most scenic golf courses in all the world. A recent poll of professional golfers showed that Hawaii is their favorite place to visit. And it’s no wonder, with eight of the top 25 resort courses in the country situated amongst the Hawaiian Islands. It’s amazing how the world’s best golf course designers – Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, Arnold Palmer – were able to visualize and create courses up, down, and around cliffs, beaches, rolling hills and lava fields. Of course, any trip to Hawaii wouldn’t be complete without enjoying the encompassing beaches and ocean side resorts. In fact, when it comes to golf, it’s a safe bet that most golf courses are either affiliated with or located in close proximity to a variety of hotels and resorts. For more, visit our Stay and Play section, where you’ll find the best of both worlds. Aloha! When To Go Weather on all of the Hawaiian Islands is consistent, with only minor changes in temperature throughout the year. This is due to year-round warm sea surface temperatures, which keep the overlying atmosphere warm as well. In practical terms, there are only two seasons: the summer months (called Kau in Hawaiian) that extend from May to October and the winter months (Ho'oilo) that run from November to April. The average daytime summer temperature at sea level is 85 degrees F. while the average daytime winter temperature is 78 degrees. Temperatures at night are approximately 10 degrees F. lower. What To Bring If there is one thing certain about Hawaiian weather, it’s to always expect the uncertain. Weather patterns can change from day to day, sometimes hour to hour, often with or without the occasional tropical shower. Always pack an umbrella and a lightweight rain jacket. You’ll rarely find a cold spot in Hawaii, but it can rain at a moment’s notice. Otherwise, when the weather is perfect—it’s shorts season for everyone. When it comes to equipment, be sure to pack a few extra golf balls. In fact, pack as many as you can. Several of the courses in Hawaii are on the narrow side, often replete with elevation changes that can trick your eyes into believing there is or isn’t fairway to land your golf ball. And, buying a few extra sleeves when you get here can be costly. Hybrid clubs are also a solid choice. As mentioned, fairways are sometime hard to hit, requiring accurate placements for a good look at the green. Courses here also tend to be shorter in overall length, thus making it a lot more important to hit the fairway than to hit the ball as far as you can. |
