thought on every hole—six holes are downwind, six are into the wind and six have a crosswind. The closing stretch, 15-18, showcases the churning Pacific sporting huge waves on their left. Poipu is closed for the remainder of 2010 as the greens are upgraded with Seaside Paspalum, a stronger, more tolerant grass that will promote more consistent and speedier putting conditions. Don’t let the first two holes at near-
by Puakea GC fool you. Their rather plain appearance is not a harbinger of the rest of the course, which is a terrific Robin Nelson track laid out in stages. (Nelson is responsible for the design or renovation of more than 30 courses in a state that has roughly 90 overall.) Ten holes were constructed in 1997, with the rest of the course added in 2003, making Puakea the island’s newest course. The back nine, in particular, is an inventive routing that delightfully mixes and matches shot values. Kukuiula is slated to open in De-
cember (six holes are already com- pleted). Holes are shaped through orchards, gardens and native landscaping, some with ocean views. The plantation-style clubhouse is envisioned as a centerpiece for the entire community. The private club, with multi-million dollar residences, will be part of a complete develop- ment including an already-open outdoor shopping complex with 45 restaurants and shops. For the first or final stay on a
Kauai itinerary, consider the Mar- riott Resort, just minutes away via a private road to Lihue airport. The award-winning resort has the largest pool in the state, which backs up to Kalapaki beach set on Nawili- wili Harbor. Watching large cruise ships navigate the harbor from the deck of your room provides unique entertainment. All guest rooms and suites, as well as six restau- rants, have been completely reno- vated since 2009. Try the pool and oceanfront Kukui’s with its open air atmosphere or the northern Italian Cafe Portofino. Enjoying a tropic thunder pomegranate cocktail while listening to live Hawaiian music poolside will make the memory of a bad round melt away quickly.
Next door to the Marriott is the Jack
Nicklaus-designed Kauai Lagoons Golf Club, a facility in transition from 36 to 27 holes. The architect is supervising the addition of two new ocean holes to complement the current 16th from the old Kiele course. (When completed, the course will have more ocean holes than any other course in the state.) Perhaps the most dramatic on the island, the short par-4 16th plays downhill, with views of Nawiliwili Harbor in the distance. The green perches on a rocky cliff surrounded by ocean in a manner reminiscent of the 7th at Pebble Beach. As with all courses on the island,
greens roll true but slow. Due to changeable weather and Bermuda grass, the greens are allowed a little more growth for their health. And enough cannot be said regarding the wind, which is both omnipresent and almost omnipotent. It is wise to polish your punch and knock-downs before begin-
ning your Hawaiian golf adventure. Off the course, try a cruise on Cap-
tain Andy’s Sailing Adventures aboard a custom catamaran, or take a helicopter tour. Both will allow exploration of the Na Pali coast, a 16-mile portion of the remote northwest section of the island that boasts 4,000-foot peaks, dense flora and an abundance of color. Hiking enthusiasts can take advantage of more than 45 miles of trails, some quite strenuous. The 3,567-foot-deep Waimea Canyon, named “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” should not be missed. Kayaking, snorkeling and zipline tours round out a complete vacation experience. When the writer’s plane landed
at the beginning of the trip, travelers’ anticipation was such that they started applauding. Not many destinations provoke such a response. Indeed, a trip to the “Garden Isle” warrants a standing ovation.
Hua l a l a i Golf Course, Hol e #17
4o28 square miles of pure adventure.
From natural wonders to uncommon luxuries, discover more of what you come to Hawai‘i for.
bigisland.org
Courtesy of Hualalai Resort, photographer John Russell.
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Job Name: BIVB-18491 Size/colour: Trim: 4-5/8" x 5"; 4C
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