Royal Kunia Country Club sits atop the Ewa Plain in its namesake community with some of the best vistas in Hawaii. In fact, the views—encompassing Diamond Head, Honolulu, Pearl Harbor and most of the Leeward coast backdropped by the blue Pacific—will stop you in your tracks. Built in the late-1990s, it took several years for the completed course to open due to draconian municipal regulations imposed on new course construction. In 2003, Royal Kunia opened to rave reviews. Heretofore, it has been a local favorite and not on the radar of most visitors. The sensational Robin Nelson design rolls gracefully through its 7,007 yards (from the tips), with radical changes in elevation found at very few Oahu layouts. The variety of holes will call on every club in your bag (not unlike the other terrific late-1990s Nelson design at The Dunes at Maui Lani). As Hawaii's most prolific course designer, this is certainly one of his best efforts—with stunning water features, crafty bunkering and stunning greens with gorgeous plantings adding perspective against the vast expanses of island, mountain and sea. One of the great pleasures playing Royal Kunia CC is that it is eminently fair, especially in the prevailing breezes and trade winds that affect Oahu's Leeward coast. This is not lost on the 594-yard (from the Blue tees) Par-5 at the 9th Hole, where the downhill, downwind, heavily protected green delivers birdie opportunities. Royal Kunia is a 'can't miss' golf experience that will have you reaching for your camera and coming back for more!

 

 

 

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