Hawaii Golf Vacation Package

A Hawaii golf vacation package provides the perfect excuse for the golf aficionado to visit the exotic tropical paradise of the unique fiftieth state. The hardest decision may be choosing which of the many notable courses to play. Once that is decided, the vacationer will want to choose other activities to pursue while visiting this Pacific gem with its unique cultural traditions and fascinating history. With even a brief overview of the available options, golfing tourists can plan enjoyable Hawaii golf vacations for themselves and their buddies or memorable trips that include the whole family.

The Hawaiian Islands and the Scottish Highlands are oceans apart in almost every imaginable way -- climate, ancient and medieval traditions, native culture, language, and landscape. Grass skirts and tartan kilts just don't go together. But an ancient stick-and-ball game historically associated with Scotland links the rocky, barren Highland crags and the lush beauty of the tropical Pacific islands. The history of golf is inextricably linked with a medieval Scottish stick-and-ball game. Historians speculate that this early game was developed, or at least influenced, by Scottish interaction with medieval Dutch trading partners. As early as the fourteenth century, the Dutch played a similar stick-and-ball game. The only difference was that the Dutch version was played on ice.

Golfers who are also history buffs that take Hawaii golf vacations can impress their buddies with linguistic trivia. For example, the medieval Dutch word for club is "kolf" or "kolve." Historians believe that this became "golve," "gowl," or "gouf" in the medieval Scottish dialect. Several other cultures also had versions of stick-and-ball games. Even the ancient Romans are credited with bringing a stick-and-ball game with them when they conquered the British Isles. But it was the innovative Scotts who came up with the idea of hitting the ball into a small hole in the ground. In fact, the earliest known golfing rules date from 1744 and were found in Scotland's capital city of Edinburgh. Two centuries earlier, in 1457, King James II of Scotland banned both the sports of golf and soccer because his archers were spending more time playing the games than practicing with their bows and arrows.

Strangely enough, Scottish-style rolling links are found at the Mokinana Course at the Kauai Lagoons. This particular 18-hole course was designed by the Golfer of the Century, the legendary Jack Nicklaus. The Kiele Course, which is also located at Kauai Lagoons, is recognized as one of the world's top courses. The Mauna Kea Course was the first one built in Hawaii. It's located on the Kohala coast of the Big Island and was completed in 1965. The Poipu Bay Golf Course has the distinction of being the former home of the PGA's Grand Slam of Golf. Designing a Hawaii golf vacation package that includes any or all of these notable courses will guarantee a memorable golfing experience for either the professional or the amateur.

Be forewarned that it may be difficult to concentrate on the game when one is surrounded by such breathtaking scenery as the Pacific Ocean, exotic tropical plants and colorful flowers, rugged lava beds, and mountainous volcanoes. God's creative handiwork is so evident in this beautiful place. Though the Old Testament psalmist never saw Hawaii's panoramic landscape, the words he wrote makes one think of volcanoes. "The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works. He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke" (Psalm 104:31-32). The state is actually made up of eight main islands and these are the peaks of a submerged gigantic mountain range rising out of the Pacific Ocean. Hawaii is the only state created by the undersea eruptions of volcanoes.

The avid golfer can select a Hawaii golf vacation package that puts together specific hotel accommodations with the bonus of unlimited time on the links. This type of package usually requires a minimum hotel stay, but allows two people to spend as much time out on the green as they desire. Some packages also offer additional amenities. Vacationers can improve their handicap by taking either group or private lessons. Youth programs may be available which can be a great way to introduce the next generation to the sport. Driving range privileges also may be included as an extra amenity.

Even the most devoted golfers can plan Hawaii golf vacations that appeal to the non-golfing members of the family. Our fiftieth state offers historical and cultural sights that cannot be found anywhere on the continental mainland. Besides the private beaches and volcanoes, visitors can take mule rides on the Kalaupapa Peninsula; tour Iolani Palace, the only royal residence in the United States; or visit the USS Arizona Memorial which honors those who died on board the ship when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941. Of course, no Hawaiian vacation is complete that doesn't include a traditional luau. Expect to be entertained with festive hula dancing while enjoying the native cuisine. The well-designed Hawaii golf vacation package can be customized to include these kinds of additional activities and/or tours.

With some of the world's most scenic and notable greens, golfers can't go wrong by planning Hawaii golf vacations that will be remembered for a lifetime. Travel packages provide additional options and amenities that will appeal to family members who prefer the historic and cultural attractions that can only be found on the islands that comprise our fiftieth state.

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