Oahu's windward side features an astoundingly picturesque layout where shot-values are exceeded only by the lush jungle-like fauna and surrounding mountains. Set just off the the history-rich artery between Honolulu and Kailua, known as the Pali Highway, is Luana Hills Country Club, which will most certainly deliver a golf experience that is compelling, profound and value-driven.

 

Luana Hills CC is a stunning physical plant on a magical rainforest stage. With the towering ridges of the Ko'olau mountains looming on one side and the sharp peak of Mt. Olomana on the other, golfers are offered an awesome series of contrasting vistas from the well-defined contours of the golf course. Accordingly, nature beckons. Jungle tree species of considerable age soar to over 100 feet while bulbul, egret and the indigenous auku'u (Hawaiian stilt) make regular appearances.

 

True to country club layouts, the fairways are a bit tight and the greens very small. Yet, characteristic of Perry (and Pete) Dye's designs, virtually every shot presents golfers with a discerning choice. One side of each hole is fraught with risk and the other side extremely forgiving. Play away from the risk to be rewarded.

 

The Dye imprint on Luana Hills is perhaps most notable in its sensational par 3s. The 16th Hole is played up to 181 yards from a highly elevated tee to a stunning green cut like a bowl out of dense jungle and protected by a gulch running left to right in front of the putting surface.

 

Not a beat is missed at the game par-4s and thought-provoking par-5s. The 363-yard 15th hole is a superb example of risk and reward. A straight or drawing tee shot blind to the green must avoid perilous hazards on the left. The left-legging fairway literally drops off the table with an approach made to what appears to be a sunken green. Ah, there's the rub. This dance floor is actually perched above its surroundings.

 

Originally intended to be a 36-hole facility, the current layout represents nine holes from each of the original 18-hole designs. Many locals refer to the sides as the Jungle Nine (starts near the driving range) and the Valley Nine, with the jungle holes demanding a wee bit more shotmaking and concentration.

 

Luana Hills is both rewarding and inspirational to those willing to play the course rather than have the course play them. To tame the forces of nature, golfers must concentrate and marshal all that is positive in their game.

 

In a sensational garden of golf delights, Perry Dye has crafted a winner that demands your complete attention. It is certainly not for the ultra high-handicapper, but most golfers should play from a forward tee while men of a 14-handicap or less can play the Blue tees, which measure less than 6,200 yards. But don't be fooled, there is plenty of golf course to navigate and conquer.

 

This is a “can't miss” golf adventure that in every way goes to the esthetic heart of why we all enjoy the experience as much as the game itself. In the Aloha State, where so many courses have eye-popping views and exotic locations, none is more compelling than Luana Hills CC. Golfers who play it smart can score well and avoid losing too many balls. Macho golfers, who are enamored with distance rather than accuracy, will have at least one consolation, their golf bags will be a lot lighter for the trip home.