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The tropical island setting and the luxurious ocean side courses make golf on Kauai a pleasure. The courses are world class from unforgettable perfectly manicured greens to upscale tour quality fairways and spectacular views. Kauai is no stranger to the likes of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. Here are my picks for the top 5 holes on Hawaii’s Garden Island.

Princeville Prince Course #6 - Located about an hour from Lihue Airport, the Princeville Resort is home to more than one gorgeous course. The Prince course is the most popular of the three Princeville Resort courses. All offer GPS play, beverage carts and a well stocked golf shop. The #13 is a fantastic hole that requires skill and nerves for a precise tee shot over Anini Stream and a skilled approach shot to avoid a double bunkered green.

Kauai Lagoons - Kiele Course #16 330 yards Par 4 Located next door to the Lihue airport and centrally located it is a wonderful course to meet friends from other parts of Kauai or even Oahu for the day. The Kiele course is one of two separate courses at Kauai Lagoons, but certainly the more appealing. The #16 is an amazing hole that on the ocean’s edge with the green located on the periphery of a cliff. Drive too hard and say “aloha” to your ball. Play to the right and hope for the best.

Poipu Bay - #16 501 yards Par 4 Located about 45 minutes from the Lihue Airport, Poipu Bay Golf Course is a wonderfully challenging course that offers beautiful views and sunny weather. The #16 is sprawled along the shoreline and is known to be one of the longest par 4 holes in Hawaii. This hole also boasts an almost unavoidable wall of an ancient heiau along with a small lake and multiple bunkers.

Kiahuna - #2 449 yards Par 4 This lesser known of the Poipu Resort golf courses, more laid back and family oriented. Kiahuna offers several tees from skilled to junior. Built around unique hazards like lava tubes, temples and settlements, this course is certainly enjoyable. The #2 Kiahuna is one of the most unique in the state. Not Kauai cave wolf spiders. The small reddish brown spiders have no eyes like their surface dwelling counterparts.

Puakea -#6 176 yards Par 3 Another one of the more centrally located courses in Lihue, Puakea offers a very challenging course for those who prefer to avoid the hookers and slicers and spend the day on a course that demands respect but does not defeat. The #6 requires a tee shot from a cliff to an infinitesimal green that is shielded by this tropical jungle to the rear and a fresh water free form pool in the front.