Beautiful Puakea Golf Club on Kauai finishes strong in pure Hawaiian nature

LIHUE, Kauai, Hawaii -- Puakea Golf Course is a daily-fee golf course in Kauai's main city of Lihue, just minutes from the airport and the Kauai Marriott Resort.

The golf course's history was heavily influenced by Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Only 10 holes were completed by the time Iniki had passed through, and after the hurricane, Hawaii's economic climate kept the course from being finished. In 2003, Robin Nelson, a Hawaii native, finished the course and renovated existing holes. One interesting aspect to Puakea is that few holes, and even shots, play in the same direction consecutively. This makes the golfer always aware of the tradewinds that sweep through Kauai almost daily.

The front nine's topography isn't as beautiful and natural as the back side, which is mostly in pure Hawaii nature. One exception on the front side is the par-3 6th hole which heads steeply downhill from the tee box into trees and to a green protected by water in front.

Facilities at Puakea include a full driving range and practice facility, small pro shop and grille with a large menu.

Puakea Golf Club on Kauai - Hole 3

Puakea Golf Club's par-4 third hole is short and plays towards the mountain.

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Puakea Golf Club on Kauai - Hole 6

Puakea Golf Club's par-3 sixth hole plays from an elevated green down to a green guarded by water.

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Puakea golf course on Kauai - Hole 7

The par-4 seventh is the toughest of the holes on the front nine at Puakea Golf Club as it plays into the tradewinds.

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Puakea Golf Club on Kauai - Hole 8

The par-5 eighth hole at Puakea Golf Club features a collection of bunkers on the right side and in front of the green.

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Puakea G.C. on Kauai - Hole 11

Puakea Golf Club's par-5 11th hole plays straight out towards the ocean.

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Puakea Golf Club on Kauai - Hole 12

Puakea Golf Club's par-4 12th hole is guarded on the right by water.

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Puakea Golf Club on Kauai - Holes 13 and 14

Puakea Golf Club's 13th and 14th greens are both guarded by the same pond.

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Puakea golf course on Kauai - Hole 13

Puakea Golf Club's par-3 13th hole is a demanding shot to a green guarded by water on the right.

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Puakea Golf Club on Kauai - Hole 15

Puakea Golf Club's par-4 15th hole plays with the tradewinds at your back.

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Puakea Golf Club on Kauai - Hole 16

The 16th hole is the shortest of the par 3s at Puakea Golf Club.

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Puakea GC on Kauai - Hole 17

The dogleg left 17th hole at Puakea Golf Club plays back towards the mountains.

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