Kauai Golf and Makai Golf Club
The Makai Golf Club at The St. Regis Princeville Resort is located on Kauai’s north shore, and winds its way around lakes, native woodlands, and spectacular coastline with views of Bali Hai and Hanalei Bay. The course plays to a par 72 with four different sets of tees, and is considered one of Hawaii’s premier golf destinations.
It was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. in 1971, and underwent extensive renovations in 2009. The recent renovations feature the introduction of Seashore Paspalum grass on all tees, fairways, and greens, providing spectacular playing surfaces for golfers of all skill levels. Additional improvements include the reconfiguring greens complexes and green surrounds, as well as reshaping of all bunkers.
The signature 7th hole consists of a challenging tee shot over scenic ocean cliffs, onto to a green which is surrounded by brilliant white bunkers and surreal views of the mountains and Pacific Ocean. The practice facility has also been improved to include two large new practice tees, a practice fairway bunker, seven target greens with bunkers, a teaching tee, and short game practice complex.
Course: 18 Holes Par 72
Black Tees: 7,223 yards – 75.4 Rating – 134 Slope
Blue Tees: 6476 yards – 71.4 Rating – 127 Slope
White Tees: 6134 yards – 69.6 Rating – 125 Slope
Red Tees: 5,358 yards – 66.5 Rating – 118 Slope
Makai Golf Course Renovations
The Makai golf course originally opened in 1971 featuring lakes, woodlands, and great views of the Kauai coastline. Robert Trent Jones Jr., who originally designed Makai, also oversaw the new multi-million dollar renovation. The project included the reconfiguration of greens, reshaping of bunkers, cart-path work, and upgrading the practice facility. More importantly, the course got new Seashore Paspalum on tees, fairways, and greens. The fine-bladed, saltwater-tolerant grass thrives on coastal golf courses, and provides a spectacular playing surfaces for golfers of all skill levels.
The course also received new pure-white silica bunker sand and an additional 300 yards in length, bringing the par 72 to more than 7,200 yards. There are now four sets of tees and new tee boxes, giving players more options. In addition, Jones added new wrinkles near the greens to create more challenges. The practice facility at Makai Golf Club has also been improved to include two large practice tees, a practice fairway bunker, seven target greens with bunkers, a teaching tee, and a short game practice complex.
The signature 7th hole on the Makai Course now plays to 213 yards from the back tees. It consists of a challenging tee shot over scenic cliffs, onto to a green which is surrounded by brilliant white bunkers, and surreal views of the mountains and Pacific Ocean. In addition to the course changes, the old clubhouse was demolished with plans to rebuild within a couple years.
Troon Golf has been selected to manage the renowned Makai Golf Club at The St. Regis Princeville Resort, and to celebrate the reopening, the resort is offering an “Endless Golf Package” for travel between Jan. 30 and July 1 2010. It includes unlimited golf for two at Makai Golf Club with a minimum stay of five nights required at the St. Regis Princeville Resort. It also includes Callaway rental clubs for two. Rates begin at $610 for one room per night.
Kauai Beach – Hideaways
Hideaways Beach (Pali Ke Kua) is a small, secluded, sandy beach on the North Shore of Kauai. When the surf is calm this is an outstanding beach for swimming and snorkeling with a variety of fish, coral, and an occasional sea turtle.
But first, is the challenge of getting there. To access the beach, locate the foot trail near the small public parking area (seven spaces) and follow the trail between the parking and the tennis courts. The first part of the descent is down a steep rocky stairway with a railing. (Did we mention it was steep.) Then, you will have to negotiate a dirt trail which can be very slippery, but there are usually ropes to assisted you. Your reward near the end of this ‘hike’ is a breathtaking look down onto the beach. The beach is actually two short, golden yellow, course sand beaches separated by a rock outcropping. Shady trees ring the beach. Just 100 yards long, Hideaways provides an intimate and secret feel.
- Secluded sandy beach
- Good swimming
- Good snorkeling
- Some shade trees
- No facilities
- No lifeguards
- 10 minute hike
Directions:
Take Highway 56 North to Princeville. Turn right on Ka Haku Road (with water fountain). Go to the end of the road to the St Regis Hotel. Parking is on the right just before their gate house. The trail starts between the parking area and tennis courts.
Please remember: When in doubt, don’t go out.
Check our Kauai Surf Report.
