renovation in early 2010. In addition
to new grass (Seashore Paspallum)
and bunker sand throughout, the
renovation of Makai combined what
was formerly known as the Ocean
and Lakes nines into one 18-hole
layout; while the third nonet, Woods,
now makes for a family-friendly nine-hole loop.
“We have a great golf experience for
everyone at Makai,” Nakajima says.
“For better golfers, the Makai Course
can play up to 7,223 yards and give
you a real run for your money. But we
also recognize that visitors come to
Kauai to spend time with their families, to have fun together. For them,
the Woods is a great way to spend a
no-pressure couple of hours doing
something together.”
BEYOND THE VIEWS, AS
REMARKABLE AS THEY
ARE, WHAT GUESTS WILL
DISCOVER IS A WELL-
ROUNDED TRIO OF GOLF
COURSES THAT TRULY
OFFER SOMETHING FOR
EVERYONE, INCLUDING
THE BEST RESORT COURSE
IN HAWAII, MAKAI.
immediately took its place among the
very best resorts in the Aloha State.
Occupying the same footprint as
the former Princeville Resort Kauai,
the St. Regis is perched on a bluff
overlooking Hanalei Bay, with million
dollar views from every vantage point.
Entering the expansive lobby—
where several scenes from The
Descendants were filmed—the first
thing one observes is a sweeping
view of the bay and green mountains
behind. Original Polynesian-themed
artwork graces the walls, koa wood
furniture and woven matt flooring
accents add authentic Hawaiian
touches and a 4,225-piece, waterfall-inspired Murano glass chandelier
hangs from the lobby ceiling.
Such elements successfully merge
St. Regis elegance with local style.
IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERE
The Prince Course, meanwhile, just
completed its own renovation in
March 2012. First opened in 1991,
the recent renovations softened the
landing areas on a couple of holes—
notably the tee shot on No. 1, known
as one of the more difficult opening
holes in golf—and opened up the
views in several areas where the jungle had started to encroach.
The Prince clubhouse is where the
most visible changes took place in the
recent renovations, with a new Roy
Yamaguchi restaurant, The Tavern at
Princeville, now open for lunch and
dinner.
BESPOKE ELEGANCE
While the golf is superb at Princeville,
it does not stand alone in its
excellence. The 252-room St. Regis
Princeville opened in October 2009—
the first St. Regis in Hawaii—and
