Kiele/Maile at Ocean Course Hokuala

The Ocean Course at Hokuala, formerly known as Kauai Lagoons, features two nines—Kiele and Maile—designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 1989. The course occupies dramatic oceanfront property along Kalapaki Bay on Kauai's southeastern coast, near Lihue Airport. Nicklaus routed the layout across rolling terrain that transitions from inland elevations down to spectacular seaside holes, taking advantage of the natural topography and Pacific views that define golf on the Garden Isle.

The Kiele nine includes several holes that play directly along the coastline, most notably a sequence where the ocean comes prominently into play and trade winds influence club selection and strategy. The Maile nine moves through more varied inland terrain with elevation changes and views back toward the mountains. Together, the eighteen holes present a mix of target golf and strategic options, with large bunkers, water hazards including lagoons that give the property its former name, and greens that reflect Nicklaus's preference for undulation and multiple pin positions.

The course underwent significant restoration and reopened in 2011 after a period of closure, with improvements to conditioning and infrastructure while maintaining the original Nicklaus design intent. The property sits within a resort community, and the layout serves both resort guests and outside play. The combination of oceanfront drama on select holes and the more protected inland character on others provides variety that showcases Kauai's landscape without requiring every hole to battle the elements.