So, I finally got around to hitting the links at the Ala Wai Golf Course the other day. Been meaning to check it out for ages, you know? Heard all sorts of stories – mostly about how packed it gets, but also that it’s right there in town and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Figured it was time to see for myself what the fuss was all about.
Getting Started and The Vibe
Okay, so getting a tee time isn’t like calling up a fancy resort. I tried the phone line a few times, busy, busy, busy. Ended up just deciding to head down there super early one weekday. And when I say early, I mean early. The sun was barely thinking about showing up.
Pulling into the parking lot, it was already a scene. Lots of locals, older guys mostly, all with their gear, looking like they do this every single day. There’s a certain energy to the place, not polished, but real. The pro shop was bustling, people lining up. It wasn’t chaotic, just… efficiently crowded, if that makes sense. I got myself on the waitlist, grabbed a coffee from their little snack bar, and just soaked it in.
- The smell of coffee mixed with freshly cut (ish) grass.
- The sound of carts zipping around and golfers chatting.
- A general feeling of anticipation.
The wait wasn’t too bad, actually. Maybe an hour? Gave me time to hit a few balls at the driving range. The range itself is pretty iconic, hitting into the canal. Just don’t shank one too badly, right?
Out on The Course
Alright, let’s talk about the course itself. It’s flat. Super flat. Which makes for an easy walk, and I always prefer walking if I can. You’re not getting a ton of crazy elevation changes or anything. The layout is pretty straightforward, no real gimmicky holes from what I recall.
Now, the conditions… look, you gotta manage expectations. It’s a municipal course, probably one of the busiest in the world. So, is it pristine? Not exactly.
- The fairways were okay, a bit worn in places.
- Greens were a mixed bag. Some rolled true, others were a bit bumpy.
- Saw a few bare patches here and there.
But honestly, for the amount of play it gets, I was actually kind of impressed it was in as good a shape as it was. It’s perfectly playable. You just can’t go in expecting Augusta National.
The pace of play… yeah, that’s a thing. It was slow. No getting around it. We waited on pretty much every shot. But again, I sort of knew that going in. My advice? Bring good company, or just be prepared to relax and not get too worked up about it. It’s island time golf, in a way.
But then, there are the views. Man. You’re right there, with the Waikiki skyline peeking through the trees, Diamond Head in the distance on some holes. It’s pretty cool. You get these glimpses of the canal too. It’s a unique setting, that’s for sure. You’re golfing in the middle of the city, basically.
The People and My Takeaway
I got paired up with a couple of local retirees and another tourist. The locals were great, full of stories, knew every bounce of the course. They’ve probably played it thousands of times. It’s their spot. The tourist was just happy to be golfing in Hawaii without spending a fortune.
I remember one of the local guys telling me, “Eh, this course, she’s not pretty, but she’s ours.” And that kinda stuck with me. It’s got character. It’s got history. It serves a real purpose for the local golf community.
So, after my round, grabbing a cheap hot dog and a drink, I felt pretty good. My score wasn’t anything to write home about, but the experience was memorable. It’s not just about the golf here; it’s about the whole package. The people, the location, the history, even the imperfections.
Would I go back? Yeah, I think I would. If I have a morning free and I’m feeling patient, absolutely. It’s not the place for a serious, focused round where you expect perfection. But if you want an affordable, accessible, uniquely Honolulu golf experience, Ala Wai delivers. It’s a workhorse of a course, and it does its job. Just gotta appreciate it for what it is.
