Championship at Hawaii Kai Golf Club

The Championship Course at Hawaii Kai Golf Club occupies the eastern end of Oahu, situated in the residential Hawaii Kai community developed by industrialist Henry J. Kaiser in the 1960s. William F. Bell designed the course as part of this master-planned development, creating a layout that works with the natural topography of the Koko Head crater area. The course opened in the late 1960s and represents Bell's approach to resort-accessible golf in Hawaii, distinct from the more dramatic oceanfront designs found elsewhere on the islands.

The routing moves through gently rolling terrain with elevation changes that provide views of the surrounding volcanic landscape and occasional glimpses of the Pacific Ocean. The course features Bermuda grass fairways and greens typical of Hawaiian golf, with trade winds playing a significant role in club selection and strategy. Water hazards appear on several holes, and the layout incorporates the natural contours of the land rather than extensive earth-moving. The design emphasizes playability for a range of skill levels while maintaining enough length and challenge for competitive rounds.

Hawaii Kai operates as a semi-private facility, serving both members and daily-fee players, which gives it a more accessible character than many private clubs in the Honolulu area. The course provides a golf option for residents of East Honolulu and visitors staying in the region, offering a less expensive alternative to the resort courses on the island's leeward coast. The club includes dining facilities that serve the local golfing community and maintain a casual atmosphere consistent with the neighborhood setting.