
Pali Course
Pali Golf Course
About this course
Pali Golf Course sits in Kaneohe on the windward side of Oahu, designed by Willard Wilkinson and opened in the 1950s. Wilkinson, a Hawaii-based architect, created several courses across the islands during the mid-twentieth century, typically working with the dramatic topography and tropical climate that define Hawaiian golf. Pali operates as a municipal facility, serving both local residents and visitors seeking an accessible option on the windward coast. The course occupies terrain at the base of the Koolau Range, where the landscape features the lush vegetation and trade wind conditions characteristic of this side of the island. The routing works through relatively compact acreage with elevation changes that reflect the foothill setting. Holes play among mature trees and natural contours, and views of the surrounding mountains provide context throughout the round. The layout presents a straightforward test suitable for recreational play, with the wind often serving as the primary defense. As a municipal course, Pali serves a community-oriented role in Kaneohe, offering an affordable alternative to resort and private facilities elsewhere on Oahu. The course provides a functional layout for everyday golf in a setting that captures the natural beauty of the windward region without the formality or conditioning standards of higher-end Hawaiian venues. It remains a practical choice for golfers exploring the Kaneohe area or seeking a casual round away from the more heavily trafficked courses on the island's south shore.
Quick facts
- Location
- Kaneohe, HI, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1953
- Designer
- Willard Wilkinson
- Holes
- 18
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,524 yards
- Difficulty
- 77.5/134
Getting there
The journey to Pali Golf Course begins at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, followed by a striking twenty-five-minute drive northeast across Oahu that carries you through the heart of the island's windward transition. The route threads through the Nuuanu Pali Tunnels - or over the historic Pali Highway if you choose the scenic alternative - before descending dramatically into Kaneohe, where the Ko'olau Range rises sharp and green to your left and the broad expanse of Kaneohe Bay shimmers to your right. The course itself sits tucked against the base of those ancient volcanic cliffs, a municipal gem where the trade winds blow steady and the arrival feels less like a destination than a homecoming to old Hawaii.
FAQ
Common questions about Pali
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Pali was designed by Willard Wilkinson.
Yes. Pali is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Pali is 72.
Pali plays 6,524 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Pali is 134.
Pali is a 18-hole course.


