With roughly 100 courses in the state, golf courses are everywhere tourists are on the Hawaiian Islands. But the cost of top private courses can be intimidating to the casual golfer who needs a mulligan or two.
A round on some of Hawaii's most exclusive courses can cost as much as $300. But for those who know where to look, there are many public courses that offer the requisite ocean views at more affordable rates, and some private courses offer discounted rates and special promotions during nonpeak times. Here are places to play for well under $100.
• Kukuiolono Golf Course: Like most places on Kauai, this course features wild chickens as part of the scenery. There are also ocean vistas to go along with ample, forgiving fairways. And the price, $10 for nine holes, can't be beat on the Garden Isle. Kauai County also maintains the Wailua municipal golf course, where nonresidents can play for $48 on weekdays and $60 on weekends and holidays and pay half those rates for twilight rounds.
• Cavendish Course: For the most economical round of golf, head to Lanai, where you can play for free. The Cavendish Course dates to the island's time as a major pineapple producer and was built by Dole for workers and their families. The plantation closed in 1992, but the course is still maintained.
• Pukalani Country Club: This course is located 1,100 feet above sea level in upcountry Maui and features sweeping views. The course offers a challenging-but-not-frustrating layout and an enticing evening deal: A nine-hole round costs $33 after 3 p.m.
• Kahili Golf Course: This course built into the west Maui mountains with views of Haleakala volcano uses dynamic pricing, and discounts on rounds can eclipse 50% if players can golf during nonpeak hours. Standards rates are $109 before noon and $95 after, $59 for nine holes and $45 for nine holes after 3 p.m.
• Hamakua Country Club: For just $20, golfers can hack away for the entire day at this club in the Hawaii Island town of Honokaa an hour northwest of Hilo. Children under 17 play free at this course that has been around for nearly a century.
• Kahuku Golf Course: Eight of the nine holes at this links-style Oahu course feature Pacific views, and the frequently windy conditions and layout can be a real test. And if you lose a ball to the sea, the $22 course fee makes buying a new pack a little less painful. Oahu also has five other municipal courses that are a full 18 holes; they each cost $66 for a complete round and $33 for nine-hole twilight rounds.