Affordable golf is possible on Hawaii's courses and resorts

What dedicated golfer has watched the Senior Skins Game or the Kaanapali Classic on TV and not fantasized about shooting par on one of those gorgeous resort courses overlooking the Pacific on the Big Island or Maui?

Hawaii is one of the world's premier golf destinations, high on most wish lists not only for its sublime scenery, but also for the outstanding quality of its courses.

But, as one veteran Hawaii golfer put it, "affordable golf in Hawaii is almost an oxymoron."

Golf in Hawaii, especially at the resort courses, is expensive by Pacific Northwest standards. According to Golf Digest magazine, Hawaii greens fees are the highest in the United States, averaging $97. Some resort courses charge as much as $185 for 18 holes.

However, with a little patience and planning, you can golf in paradise without being a millionaire. Here are some suggestions:

Money-saving

Look for discounts: With the softening of the Hawaii tourism market and the proliferation of new courses, fees have actually dropped recently on some of the traditional courses. There are 4-for-3 and 2-for-1 specials, frequent-golfer discounts, multiple-round bargains on the same course and other deals.

Read all about it: At least four of the many Hawaii tourist magazines publicize regular greens fees discounts. The magazines are dispensed -- free -- from racks at the airport, on sidewalks in Waikiki and at streetside locations on all of the neighbor islands.

One company, Stand-by Golf (888-645-2665), offers a range of discounts for next-day tee times. On the Internet, www.hawaiigolfdeals.com has discount multiple-course packages that present considerable savings if you plan to play a lot of golf.

Check hotel packages: Resort courses typically discount greens fees for resort guests. Some hotel chains (Aston, for instance) also provide preferential rates to guests who want to play at nearby courses.

Play municipal courses: All of the islands have municipal courses and privately owned courses open to the public that are much less expensive than the better-known resort courses. "Hawaii has many excellent municipal courses, especially on Oahu," says Robin Nelson, one of the Pacific's top golf course designers who has designed many of the islands' layouts.

Tee off at twilight: Greens fees on most courses drop precipitously in the afternoon ("twilight rates"). For example, the new Arnold Palmer-designed Hawaii Prince course drops from $135 to $50 after 2:30 p.m. The big drawback to late-starting golf on all the islands is the wind, which typically rises in the afternoon.

"Join" the Army: In recent months, several military courses -- they're all on Oahu -- have opened limited play to civilians. Honolulu author John McDermott, an avid golfer who has played all 93 Hawaiian courses, says, "If the commanding general or admiral is a golfer, you can be sure it's a good course. A couple of my favorites are Wheeler Field and the Marines' course at Kaneohe for spectacular views."

Here are some of the golf bargains we found when we visited the islands recently (greens fees are for 18 holes, weekdays, for non-residents).

Oahu

Ala Wai, at the western edge of Waikiki, was once listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the busiest course in the world, with over 500 starting times per day. Call for reservations several days in advance. $40, half price after 4 p.m.; 808-733-7387 or 808-296-2000 (this number is good for all the Oahu municipal courses).

Ewa Village, southwest of Pearl Harbor, is Oahu's newest municipal course (1996). $47, senior discounts; 808-681-0220 or 808-296-2000.

Hawaii Country Club, on the island's central plateau, is surrounded by sugar cane fields with views of Honolulu and Diamond Head. $18, $10 after 3 p.m.; 808-621-5654.

Ko'olau Golf Course, on the windward slope of the Pali, doesn't fit the bargain category ($100, $65 after 1:30 p.m.), but if you're looking for a challenge, this is it. With a U.S. Golf Association slope rating of 162, it's ranked as the most difficult course in the country; 808-236-4653.

Pali Golf Course, over the Ko'olau Mountains from Honolulu, features long, rolling fairways. $40, half price after 3:30 p.m.; 808-296-2000.

Ted Makalena Golf Course is a comfortable community course, located at Pearl Harbor. $40, half price after 3:30 p.m.; 808-296-2000.

West Loch Golf Course, a newer course designed by Robin Nelson at Ewa Beach southwest of Pearl Harbor, is noted for its water hazards. $40, half price after 4 p.m.; 808-296-5624 or 808-296-2000.

Maui

Pukalani Country Club, perched on the slopes of Haleakala, has splendid views. It makes a good stop for a morning round of golf after viewing the sunrise atop the mountain. $50, $35 after 11 a.m., $16 after 3 p.m. $16; 808-572-1314.

Elleair Maui Golf Club (formerly Silversword), located at Kihei, this course also has outstanding ocean views. Cart required, $59, $45 after noon; 808-874-0777.

The Dunes at Maui Lani is another Nelson-designed course, Maui's newest, located at Wailuku, resembles a Scottish-style course nestling among the dunes. $65, $35 after 2 p.m.; 808-873-0422.

Waiehu Golf Course, at Wailuku, features an ocean nine and a hilly nine. $25; 808-244-5934.

Kauai

Grove Farm Golf Course is an exception to our 18-hole listings because Sports Illustrated ranked it as one of the best 9-hole courses in America (it's actually 10 holes). Designed by Robin Nelson and located in a former sugar plantation, it features ravines, cliffs, lakes, jungle and fine views. 20 holes $60, $40 after 2 p.m.; 808-245-8756.

Wailua Golf Course is frequently ranked as one of the best municipal courses in the country. It's between Lihue and Kapa'a and features several holes beside the sea. $25; 808-241-6666.

The Big Island

Discovery Harbor Golf & Country Club, at the southern tip of the island, features archaeological sites on the course. $28, 808-929-7353.

Hilo Golf Course is the only municipal course on the Big Island. $20, senior and veteran discounts; 808-959-9601.

Sea Mountain Golf Course is a resort course situated among the lava fields at Punalu'u at the south end of the island. $40; 808-928-6222.

Volcano Golf & Country Club is unusual in that it's located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at an elevation of more than 4,000 feet on the flank of the Kilauea (active) volcano. Cart required, $60, senior discounts; 808-967-7331.

Waikoloa Village Golf Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., is located upslope from the other two (more famous) Waikoloa resort courses. Cart required, $80, $45 after 1 p.m.; 808-883-9621.

Waimea Country Club, a new semi-private course, is located in the upland cattle country on the Parker Ranch. $45, $30 after noon; 808-885-8053.

If all else fails, you can become a Hawaiian resident. Rates for locals ("kamaaina rates") are as much as 50 percent less on most courses.

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