Hawaii
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> Overview
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 Hawaii has the best golf in America. Sure California has Pebble Beach, and Florida has more flat courses, but of the 75 or so courses in Hawaii, 16 made the list of Conde Nast’s '50 Best Golf Courses.' Hawaii has more tournaments than any other state, even Florida, because the conditions are good year-round. Courses come in all sizes and flavors. The Municipal Ali Wai (808-296-4653) Course on the other side of the Ali Wai Canal from Waikiki is one of the most used courses in America, and while it's flat, it's also 'foliated and flowered' for a nice warm-up. At the other end of the spectrum Koolau Golf Club is the toughest golf course in the US with a slope rating over 155, and a local claim that you need 'one ball for every stroke of your handicap.' It's possible to arrive at the 18th hole with balls in hand. Then you get to hit over a monster gully -- twice. It's rumored one rather well-known pro took a 14 here.
There are lava-fringed courses, courses where you hit over the ocean, and courses where the fairways are dished. There's a course where you pay a contribution, and many courses where locals pay less than tourists. There are hotel courses where guests have priority, and golf cruises that let you play different courses on different islands. There are lodging and green fee packages and multiple course packages on the same island. Visitors with a military buddy can golf a half dozen military golf courses at modest green fees. For example, Hickham AFB Course runs $37 greens fee with a half price afternoon deal; the Schofield Barracks Course costs less.
To take full advantage of opportunities, golfers need a game plan. First, early reservations are a must and the earliest possible starting times are a particularly good idea as in some cases, it gets hot in the middle of the day. Reserving from the mainland isn't unknown. Second, wise golfers know that the windward courses on the North Side of the Island get the most rain and wind. So they book these with an eye to the weather. The leeward side courses which may get 100% less rain, can get hot in the middle of the day before the trade winds blow in. Leeward courses do get a few showers when it's pouring on the other side of the island. In the winter, the most reliable golf weather is on the Kialua-Kona side of the Big Island of Hawaii.
COMFORT POINTS:
Everyone needs a big umbrella for protection against the usually short, but often heavy showers. Everyone needs a 'White Shark' hat to keep sun off the head, top of the ears and nose. Everyone needs dark glasses as the glare off the ocean and the tropical sun is most uncomfortable. Everyone needs a 25+ Sun block, and blondes and redheads with light skins should consider long pants and long sleeves and, in major cases of sensitive skin, special sun blocking garments. Finally, drink lots of water. When it's hot and dry, or worse, hot and humid, figure a liter of water per nine holes.
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