Golf
There are three amazing golf courses on the island. Kauai Lagoons Golf Club is a Jack Nicklaus design and a challenging sea side course. The course tests your shot making by winding around the sea cliffs. The trade winds can make it extra tough. It was voted Most Underrated Golf Resort by Travel Leisure Golf and named "Gold Medal Golf Resort" by Golf Magazine.
Poipu Bay Golf Course is a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design. It was the former home of the PGA Grand Slam between 1994 and 2006. The scenery varies, with ocean, sea cliff and mountain views. If you are lucky, you may spot monk seals, humpback whales or sea turtles while gazing from the fairways. Although fairly open and player friendly, the ocean winds and strategically placed hazards can make for a long round of golf.
The Princeville at Hanalei Resort--Prince Course is located on Kauai's northern coast and greatly differs from the other courses listed. The Prince Course is a links style course with a tropical feel. Dramatic elevation changes and mounding make hitting your targets crucial. It was rated Hawaii's #1 Golf Course by Golf Digest.
Kauai Lagoons Golf Club
3551 Hoolaulea Way
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-6000
www.kauailagoonsgolf.com
Poipu Bay Golf Course
2250 Ainako Street
Koloa, HI 96756
(808) 742-8711
www.poipubaygolf.com
Princeville Resort
5-4280 Kuhio Hwy.
Princeville, HI 96722
(800) 826-1105
www.princeville.com
Outfitters Kauai
Outfitters Kauai is your one-stop source for outdoor Kauai adventures. Of their many offerings, three of the best are Zipline Trek, Na Pali Coast Sea Kayak and Waimea Canyon Downhill Biking. The Zipline Trek is a half-day hike through beautiful forest trails. The hike gets exciting with a series of ziplines that allow you to soar over tropical foliage, rivers and waterfalls. Cool off with a dip under a waterfall.
The Na Pali Coast Sea Kayak is off of Kauai's northern coast. The full day of kayaking is a visually stunning trip. See spectacular sea cliffs and mile-high waterfalls. Explore lava formed sea caves. It is hard work, but worth it.
Take a shuttle 3,600 feet up the Waimea Canyon and coast down the canyon on a bike. Stop at many amazing views and halfway down for refreshments--it features the best views on the island. Bring some warmer clothes to start, as it is cold on top of the canyon, especially in the morning.
Outfitters Kauai
2827A Poipu Road
Poipu Beach, HI 96756
(888) 742-9887
Botanical Gardens
Visit the McBryde and Allerton Gardens in the Lawai Valley. The gardens are home to many endangered plants of the tropics. Learn the history of Kauai's horticulture on the 2 1/2 hour guided tour. Admire sculptures, water gardens and tropical fruit trees along the way. The beauty of the gardens has attracted Hollywood and can be seen in the movies Jurassic Park and Six Days and Seven Nights.
On the way to or from the gardens check out Spouting Horn. Located on the same road back towards Poipu, Spouting Horn is a water geyser that erupts every few minutes. The water from the waves is pushed through a lava tube and is followed by a hollow whistling sound. Food and craft vendors surround the attraction.
McBryde Gardens
4425 Lawai Road
Poipu, HI 96756
(808) 742-2623
http://mcbryde.ntbg.org
About The Author
Michael Joseph is a golf industry professional in New Jersey. He has worked as a golf professional, instructor, and clubmaker. Joseph's education includes a degree in golf operations management and a certification in club-fitting from The Golf Academy of America (formally the San Diego Golf Academy). Joseph shares his golf experience and knowledge with others by writing articles for Demand Media Studios and Golflink.com.
