If you read enough travel blog posts about Kauai, browse the visitor’s brochure, and buy a guide book (I highly recommend Fodors Kauai), you’ll start feeling like you have a good idea all the things you can do on the Hawaiian island. At least I did. And then my mom surprised me with a Kauai sunset tour I’d never heard about.
And here’s why I think everyone should know about it.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. All thoughts, opinions and typos are my own.
Kauai golf course tour at sunset
My family vacation to Kauai, Hawaii, was a reunion of sorts, with all of my siblings and their kids. Our crew was large, and in fact, included the additional family of my Norwegian sister as well as my Swiss brother (if you’ve ever hosted an exchange student, you know what I mean).
So, we were a large group, ranging in age from 5 to 69. Very few Kauai tours could accommodate a group of 20+, it turns out.
One of the few tours we could all do together was at Princeville Makai Golf Course. For the tour, you get a golf cart to drive around the course. It’s two people to a cart.
Before setting out, we stopped at the “first hole,” AKA the bar & grill to get a beverage and snacks for the ride. No outside food or drinks were permitted.
Our guide, Tom, was entertaining, as he had clever stories to share at each stop, which included holes with gorgeous ocean views.
He had a knack for remembering everyone’s name. No easy feat when our group alone had about 20 people!
What you’ll see on the tour
Our tour took us around around the 18-hole golf course, past spacious homes and lush landscapes. The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Rumor has it that it’s one of the most five scenic golf courses in the world.
The highlights, of course, were the views. We have five stops, including one where we could see (from a distance) the infamous Queen’s Bath, which also happened to be located near a nene nesting ground.
Don’t expect any hikes or even a long walk from your cart. This tour is good for people with limited mobility. If you want a workout, this is not the tour for you.
Is this tour for families?
Sure, if you’re willing to pay for more than one cart (assuming there are at least three of you).
Would I recommend it? Kids ages 6 and older are allowed on the tour, but I would say not all 6-year-olds have the patience for it.
The younger kids in our group (my kids included), were antsy after the first stop. They couldn’t drive the carts, which annoyed them. And then the guide just talked and talked at each stop. My kids had energy to burn and didn’t want to stand still to listen.
So, the kids played tag at each stop, giggling and shrieking and distracting us from the guide’s talk. No one got angry. No one shushed the kids (except for us irritated moms).
All in all, the kids were welcomed. It was us parents who were less enthused with having our own kids there. 🙂
Final thoughts on the tour
OK, I admit I was more than eager to drive a golf cart for a hour and a half. I don’t golf, so this was my only chance. Combine the thrill of a low-speed golf cart and gorgeous views, and I had myself a lovely evening.
OK, I admit I was more than eager to drive a golf cart for an hour and a half. I don’t golf, so this was my only chance. Combine the thrill of a low-speed golf cart and gorgeous views, and I had myself a lovely evening.
My kids? They had quite the scenic and expensive game of tag.
If you want to go on this sunset golf cart tour
Princeville Makai Golf Club
Where: 4080 Lei O Papa Road, Princeville, Hawaii
When: Daily, starting two hours before sunset. Reservations are required. Call (808) 826-1912, ext. 200 or 201.
Cost: $79 per cart
