The ‘Prince’ Legacy
Named for Prince Albert, a historic royal, this course wove Hawaiian legend and spirit into a championship test—right down to carved totems and story-rich signage on property.
The verdict
Hawaii’s Most Dramatic Resort Test
Prince Golf Course delivered one of the most memorable and difficult resort rounds in Hawaii, with panoramic North Shore vistas and daring design. Its blend of forced carries, elevation changes, and trade winds made every tee shot a thrill—and a challenge.
Course DNA
Difficulty
94
Scenery96
Conditioning86
Shot Variety84
Walkability68
Green Complexity78
Wow Factor92
Design Quality89
At a glance
Quick facts
Elevation Change
Over 300 feet from high to low points
Signature Hole
3rd—dramatic drop-shot par 3 over water
Course Record
65 (unofficial—wind conditions vary greatly)
Water Hazards in Play
5 holes—including lakes, streams, and natural ravines
Greens Surface
Seashore paspalum—renovated 2012
Named for Hawaiian Royalty
Prince Albert, son of King Kamehameha IV
Wind Factor
Prevailing trade winds shape every round
The design
The architecture
Robert Trent Jones Jr. sculpted the Prince Course across untamed Hawaiian valleys, threading fairways between jungled slopes, rivers, and steep elevation. The routing uses the ridges and ravines artfully, each hole revealing new vistas while demanding skillful navigation of carries and wind. Risk-reward holes, like the split-fairway 5th and showpiece par-3s, define the round, while greens rebuilt in the 2012 renovation maintain the original contouring and ramp up the interest around the cup.
Robert Trent Jones Jr. was at the height of his powers here, turning savage landforms into a challenging, artful championship resort test that inspired awe and respect.
Defining features
- Dramatic elevation changes (over 300 feet)
- Strategic forced carries over ravines and water
- Large, undulating seashore paspalum greens
- Clever risk-reward short par-4s and par-5s
- Sweeping views of the North Shore cliffs and Pacific
- Exposure to prevailing trade winds on many holes
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 3
Overwater Vista
PAR
3
YARDAGE
181 yds
A breathtaking drop-shot par 3 with the tee perched high above a lake protecting the front of the green. Accuracy and club selection are critical, as wind swirls around the amphitheater.
Play it smart
Aim for the middle of the green regardless of pin—a miss short finds water, a miss long demands a tough recovery.
Where it bites
Left or short is wet; right leaves a devilish chip from rough mounds above green.
Course management
Shots to think about
Elevated tee with wind in your face (e.g., Hole 3)
Club up confidently, even two clubs, and commit fully—don’t fight swirling wind indecision.
Risk/reward par 5 with a chasm near green (e.g., Hole 5)
Lay up to your 100-yard wedge spot; resist temptation for hero shots unless the position is perfect.
Approach to multi-tiered green with false front
Favor long over short—better to putt back downhill than watch the ball spin off the slope.
Fairway choice with blowout bunker guarding landing zone
Play conservative and position for approach—wasted shots come from forcing the carry unnecessarily.
Second shot on closing par 5 with crosswind (Hole 18)
Chart your yardage and wind in advance; a smart layup trumps a risky big stick.
Chipping from paspalum near green after missing the putting surface
Use your most trusted wedge and keep the blade open—the grass is sticky, and a committed, shallow swing is crucial.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Superbly manicured paspalum, brisk trade winds, spectacular visual presentation
Pace
Resort-round pace—expect just under 5 hours at peak, faster in early or late tee times
Vibe
Premium vacation energy, friendly staff, championship atmosphere without club stuffiness
Dress code
Collared shirt, proper golf shorts or pants, and golf shoes
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Practice With Wind
Get used to controlling ball flight and clubbing up or down—the trade winds demand constant adjustment.
02
Build Leg Endurance
Walking the course is strenuous thanks to steep valleys, so stretch and bring proper golf shoes.
03
Short Game Tune-Up
Greens are large, tiered, and can get speedy—prioritize lag putting and chipping from tricky lies.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1991
Course opens as Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s dramatic new resort layout
- 1992
Debuts near top of ‘Best New Resort’ and Hawaii course rankings
- 2012
Reopens to acclaim and resumes top-100 presence
- 2015
Closed for planned redevelopment as private club
- 2017
Still ranks in Golf Digest’s Top 100 even after closure
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Tiger’s Virtual Visit
The Prince Course reached a worldwide audience by featuring in a Tiger Woods PGA Tour video game, letting gamers encounter its real-life drama virtually.
A Brief Rebirth, Then Silence
Despite a multi-million dollar renovation in 2012, the course closed again by 2015—yet continued being ranked among America’s elite, a testament to its impact.
Weather Becomes Your Opponent
Longtime players recall rounds where a sudden gust could turn a reachable par-5 into a three-shot scramble, highlighting how the course’s wind could humble any golfer.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
The course once appeared in a Tiger Woods PGA Tour video game as ‘Princeville’.
2
Every ocean-facing hole can play as much as three clubs longer when trade winds are up.
3
The 13th hole’s 255-yard par 3 often played as a short par 4 for all but the longest hitters.
4
No houses ever intruded on playing corridors—pure views for every golfer.
5
The closing stretch is nicknamed ‘The Gauntlet’ for its scoring swings and hazards.
Build the trip
If you’re making a Kauai golf adventure
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Poipu Bay Golf Course
Resort
Former PGA Grand Slam venue with stunning coastal stretches and strong tournament pedigree
Wailua Golf Course
Municipal
Best public value on the island—classic, walkable, and fun
Puakea Golf Course
Public
Modern, tree-lined layout for a change of pace and views of Mount Haupu
Kiahuna Golf Club
Public/Resort
Laid-back, friendly environment ideal for a second round or mid-trip contrast
Makai Woods 9-Hole Course
Resort
Perfect for warm-up, family, or a bonus quick round
Princeville or Hanalei—the shortest drive and full North Shore experience
Course DNA
If You Like Prince Golf Course at Princeville
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match8.5
The Reserve at Moonlight Basin
Big Sky, MontanaScenery
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. The Reserve at Moonlight Basin shares a memorable sense of place, making it a compelling counterpart to Prince Golf Course at Princeville.
Strong DNA Match8.2
Galloway National Golf Club
Galloway, New JerseyScenery
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Galloway National Golf Club shares a memorable sense of place, making it a compelling counterpart to Prince Golf Course at Princeville.
Strong DNA Match7.8
The Cliffs at Glassy
Landrum, South CarolinaScenery
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. The Cliffs at Glassy shares a memorable sense of place, making it a compelling counterpart to Prince Golf Course at Princeville.
Community Sentiment
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