
Royal Hawaiian Course
Royal Hawaiian Golf Club

About this course
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.
Rankings
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
Best in USA
Best in HI
Quick facts
- Location
- Oahu, HI, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1993
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Greg Norman
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,609 yards
- Difficulty
- 73.1/138
- Course Vaults score
- 8.4
Getting there
The journey to Royal Hawaiian Golf Club begins at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, the primary gateway to Oahu and a hub well-versed in welcoming travelers from across the Pacific and beyond. From there, a scenic twenty-five-minute drive northwest along the H-1 and H-2 freeways carries you inland and upward, away from the coastal bustle and into the cooler, greener embrace of the island's central plateau. As the highway yields to Kunia Road, the landscape opens to reveal sweeping views of the Waianae Range, and the final approach unfolds along a quiet, winding ascent that feels worlds removed from Waikiki - a fitting prelude to one of Hawaii's most serene and elevated golf sanctuaries.

FAQ
Common questions about Royal Hawaiian
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Royal Hawaiian has a Course Vaults score of 8.4 out of 10 based on 42 logged golfers.
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.




