Everything Windward residents need to know about the presidential golf course just 15 minutes from home

Living in Kailua, Hawaii or the surrounding areas means you’re perfectly positioned to enjoy one of Oahu’s most fascinating golf courses. Olomana Golf Links in Waimanalo sits just 5-15 minutes south of Kailua and has been serving our windward community since 1967. This isn’t just any golf course—it’s where President Obama learned to play, where Michelle Wie trained for the LPGA, and where Hollywood filmed Jurassic Park scenes.

As your Kailua real estate experts, Team Wong Hawaii wants you to know about this incredible community asset that adds an element of characater to windward Oahu living.

The Birth of Olomana Golf Links (1967-1968)

Olomana Golf Links opened between 1967-1968, designed by legendary golf course architect Bob Baldock with later modifications by Mark Miller. The course was built on 130 acres of state land beneath the dramatic twin peaks of Mount Olomana (which means “camel” with “staying power” in Hawaiian).

Key Opening Statistics:

• Total Length: 6,306 yards
• Par: 72 (18 holes)
• Course Rating: 70.3 (Blue tees)
• Slope Rating: 127
• Land: 130 acres of state-leased property

The original design philosophy created two distinctly different nine-hole experiences: water hazards dominating every front-nine hole, while the back nine winds through rolling forest hills with strategic sand bunkers.

Ownership History: Five Decades of Community Investment

The Mizuno Family Era (1982-2012)

For 30 years, the Mizuno family operated Olomana Golf Links, establishing it as a true community institution. During this golden era, the course gained national prominence while maintaining its local character. The family invested in infrastructure improvements and welcomed the construction of the stunning clubhouse in 1993.

Major Mizuno Era Achievements:

• Built the two-story clubhouse with panoramic Ko’olau Mountain views
• Established the course as a regular venue for President Obama
• Hosted the Casey Nakama Golf Academy (1995-2019)
• Maintained affordable green fees for local residents

Pacific Links Hawaii Period (2012-2016)

Pacific Links Hawaii acquired the course in 2012, bringing professional golf course management experience to Olomana. This transition marked the beginning of more pressing infrastructure improvements and marketing efforts to attract both local and tourist players.

JNC USA Inc. Ownership (2016-2017)

JNC USA Inc. took over operations in 2016, but faced some challenges which lead to it’s closure in April 2017. The course partially reopened in April 2018 and was sold shortly after.

Current Management: Pacific Links International (2018-Present)

Pacific Links International, a Canadian company managing multiple Oahu courses, now operates Olomana Golf Links. They’ve invested heavily in addressing the course’s historical challenges:

Recent Improvements Under Current Management:

• Comprehensive flood mitigation projects
• Tee box leveling and reconstruction
• Clubhouse, pro shop, and cart barn renovations
• Wastewater treatment system upgrades
• New beer garden adjacent to driving range

Businesses and Operations That Have Called Olomana Home

The Casey Nakama Golf Development Center (1995-2019)

For nearly 25 years, the Casey Nakama Golf Academy operated as Olomana’s premier training facility. This elite program:

Academy Achievements:

• Trained multiple professional golfers including Michelle Wie, Tad Fujikawa, and Dean Wilson
• Operated comprehensive year-round junior golf programs
• Provided professional instruction for all skill levels
• Established Olomana as a premier golf training destination

The academy’s departure in 2019 marked the end of an era, but established Olomana’s reputation as a serious golf training destination.

Current Business Operations

Pro Shop and Equipment Rental

• Full equipment rental: $30 per set
• Complete golf apparel and accessories
• Professional club fitting services
• Golf instruction available

Restaurant and Event Facilities

• Full-service restaurant with Ko’olau Mountain views
• Banquet facilities accommodating up to 200 guests
• Corporate event hosting
• Wedding reception venue
• Recently upgraded beer garden

Hawaii’s First Night Glow Driving Range

• Operating Schedule: Fridays & Saturdays, 6:15 PM – 10:10 PM
• Interactive targets and virtual games
• Fun for all skill levels
• 40 tees across two levels
• Full putting and chipping greens

Current Operations: What Kailua Residents Need to Know

Pricing Structure (2025)

Hawaii Residents (Kama’aina):

• Weekday: $50 (includes cart)
• Weekend/Holiday: $70 (includes cart)
• Twilight: $38 weekday, $47 weekend

Visitors:

• Domestic Visitors: $90 weekday, $100 weekend (includes cart)
• International Visitors: $120 weekday, $130 weekend (includes cart)
• Twilight: $60-$90 depending on visitor type and day

Club Rental: $30 per set Special Restrictions: Single players restricted before 2:00 PM; $15 additional cart fee after 2:00 PM

Operating Hours and Policies

• Daily Operation: 7 days per week
• First Tee Time: 6:00 AM
• Last Cart Return: 6:30 PM
• Walking Policy: Only after 12pm on Weekdays
• Group Policy: Sixsomes permitted with pace of play conditions

Course Conditions and Maintenance

The course faces occasional challenges with occasional soft spots can crop up after big storms, but mid-2010s drainage overhauls have kept the course open year-round.

Recent Player Reviews Indicate:

• Excellent conditions during dry periods
• Challenging play during Hawaii’s rainy seasons
• Improved maintenance consistency under current management
• Variable green conditions depending on recent weather

Fascinating Facts That Make Olomana Special

Presidential Golf History

President Barack Obama’s Hawaii golf venue of choice, Olomana holds unique distinction in American presidential history. Obama:

• Learned to play golf here as a teenager
• Continued playing during presidential vacations
• Brought Secret Service details that became familiar sights to locals
• Generated international media coverage for windward Oahu

Scenic Beauty

The dramatic Ko’olau Mountain backdrop and lush tropical vegetation make Olomana Golf Links one of the most visually stunning courses in Hawaii, offering golfers spectacular scenery throughout their round.

Professional Golf Training Legacy

Michelle Wie’s training ground during her amateur career, Olomana produced multiple professional golfers through the Casey Nakama Academy, including:

• Michelle Wie (LPGA Professional)
• Tad Fujikawa (PGA Tour player)
• Dean Wilson (Professional golfer)
• Numerous other regional and national champions

Unique Course Features

• Signature Hole: Par-3 eighth hole featuring semi-island green
• Environmental Integration: Back nine preserves native Hawaiian forest habitat
• Weather Patterns: Reliable morning sunshine with challenging afternoon trade winds
• Elevation Changes: Dramatic topography changes between front and back nines

What Visitors Should Know Before Playing

Getting There from Kailua

• Drive Time: 15 minutes via Kalanianaole Highway (Route 72)
• Scenic Route: Enjoy coastal views and rural Hawaii landscapes
• Parking: Ample free parking available
• Address: 41-1801 Kalanianaole Highway, Waimanalo, HI 96795

What to Expect

Course Challenge Level: Moderate, suitable for all skill levels Pace of Play: Approximately 4.5 hours for 18 holes Weather Considerations: Morning tee times recommended to avoid afternoon winds Cart Requirements: GPS not available; golf apps recommended for distance tracking

Booking and Preparation

• Advance Reservations: Recommended, especially weekends
• Early Morning Notes: Coffee service not available for early tee times
• Equipment: Club rentals available but limited selection
• Dress Code: Standard golf attire

Why Olomana Matters to the Kailua Community

Community Gathering Place

Beyond golf, Olomana serves as a vital community hub hosting:

• Local wedding receptions and celebrations
• Corporate meetings and retreats
• Community fundraising events
• Youth golf programs and instruction

Environmental Preservation

The course’s 130-acre footprint preserves open space that might otherwise face development pressure, maintaining:

• Wildlife habitat in back-nine forest areas
• Scenic mountain views for the entire community
• Natural drainage areas supporting local ecosystems
• Rural character that defines windward Oahu

Planning Your Olomana Golf Experience

Best Times to Play

• Early Morning: Calmer winds, cooler temperatures
• Weekdays: Less crowded, better pace of play
• Dry Season: October through April for optimal conditions

Combining with Kailua Activities

Many Kailua residents and visitors combine Olomana golf with:

• Waimanalo Beach visits (5 minutes from course)
• Makapuu Lighthouse hike (10 minutes away)
• Sea Life Park Oahu (nearby attraction)
• Local plate lunch stops like Kaneke’s or Ken’s in Waimanalo town

Conclusion: A Windward Oahu Treasure

Olomana Golf Links represents everything special about windward Oahu living—natural beauty, rich history, and community spirit. For Kailua residents, this course offers a world-class golf experience just minutes from home, complete with presidential history, professional golf legacy, and stunning natural setting.

Whether you’re a serious golfer, occasional player, or simply someone who appreciates Hawaii’s unique attractions, Olomana Golf Links deserves a place on your windward Oahu adventure list. As your Kailua real estate experts, Team Wong Hawaii recognizes amenities like Olomana as significant factors that make windward Oahu such a desirable place to call home.

Ready to explore Kailua real estate near world-class golf? Contact Team Wong Hawaii to discover homes in this spectacular windward Oahu community.