Royal Hawaiian Course
Oahu, HI, USA
The Royal Hawaiian Golf Club, nestled in the lush embrace of Kailua, is a dramatic testament to Hawaiian golf that embraces the lore of the land. Carved into the verdant foothills of the Ko'olau mountains, the course, while not steeped in tournament history, offers a golfing experience defined by visual spectacle and challenging play. Designed in the Modern era, the course presents a parkland style characterized by its undulating fairways, strategic bunkering, and a series of water features that wind throughout the layout. The original design favors a strategic approach, where risk-reward decisions become paramount on several demanding holes. The course features a number of doglegs that reward precision and thoughtful club selection, while the elevation changes provide both breathtaking vistas and demanding uphill approaches. The Royal Hawaiian may not boast a storied championship pedigree, but its appeal lies in its setting and the immersive golfing experience it offers. After a round, members and guests can often be found enjoying the club's hospitality, sharing stories of near misses and triumphant shots amidst the stunning backdrop of Oahu's natural beauty. It's a course where the spirit of Aloha infuses every swing.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Public: #207
Best in USA
Public: #111
Best in HI
Public: #5
Golfers say this course delivers an unforgettable experience through its dramatic jungle setting and unique mountain routing in Hawaii, with several holes offering stunning views that reviewers call second to none. Most praise the layout's creativity and memorable shotmaking challenges, including long carries over water on par threes, though some note a few awkward forced shots. Reviewers consistently mention that conditioning falls short of well-manicured standards, yet they emphasize that the spectacular scenery and one-of-a-kind routing more than compensate for any maintenance issues. The course earns high marks for its ability to immerse players in a truly distinctive Hawaiian landscape that feels remote and wild.
8.3
40 players
amazing views! unforgiving course. drive in fairway and you are happy - 1 yard from fairway say goodbye to that ball. you have tobthink carefully and think about where to miss.
Really cool golf course in the middle of what felt like the jungle. They had some holes that made you go wow and remember you are in one of the most beautiful places in the country. A couple awkward shots you have to hit as well as some really long irons into par 3s over water fun course overall
Really special golf course. Came here a few years back when we were on vacation. Overall the conditions are not that great in terms of well-manicured, but you get some crazy views throughout your round that you can’t get just anywhere. It literally feels like you’re playing in the jungle. Soo good
This is hands down my favorite course I have ever played from a layout perspective. I have never played a course that has had such a unique routing. Set in the mountains of Hawaii, it provides a unique challenge that I hope to have again. Course conditions leave a lot to be desired when I played it but the scenery is simply second to none.
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FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Royal Hawaiian has a Course Vaults score of 8.3 out of 10 based on 27 explicit golfer ratings.
Royal Hawaiian was designed by Greg Norman.
Yes. Royal Hawaiian is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Royal Hawaiian is 72.
Royal Hawaiian plays 6,609 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Royal Hawaiian is 138.
