Carved out of a magnificent tropical rain forest on the windward side of the 2,000-foot Ko’olau Ridge mountain range, Ko’olau Golf Club encompasses three distinct climate zones and features winding ravines, extreme elevation changes, and breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls. Situated on eastern Oahu, the rugged landscape of this tropical jungle course uses ravines as the target for holes and boasts lush vegetation and huge sand bunkers. Considered the toughest course in the nation from the back tees with a slope rating of 152, Ko’olau’s spectacular setting will inspire you from beginning to end.
To enjoy the day, come for the scenery — not a score. Ko’olau Golf Club’s first hole, a tight and winding downhill par 5, and the demanding 18th hole, a par 4 highlighted by epic carries on the tee and approach shots, combine to form arguably the toughest bookends in golf.
Signature hole at Ko’olau Golf Club – Hole 18: Definitely the hardest finishing hole ever. At 476 yards, this beast is amazingly difficult. The drive requires a 220-yard carry over the jungle just to hit one of the fairway bunkers 250 yards from the green. To hit the fairway requires a 240 yard carry and really needs something longer to leave a manageable approach to the green. This slanted green is back over the jungle and is surrounded by deep, unforgiving bunkers. A huge tree guards the left side and will nab anything hit over there. Par is an unbelievable score here.
