Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course

My husband and I are lucky to call Klipper our backyard golf course. We have been regularly playing this course 3 to 4 times a week since 2012. Up until the middle of 2015 this course was very well maintained with beautiful greens and fairways and the best staff possible! Ever since the change in staff the customer service has gone a bit downhill but they are still friendly and helpful. The pro shop is a bit on the expensive side, but it is not more than other ProShops and has a decent inventory of golf items.
It is also good to note that the quality of the greens and fairways has also gone down in the past year, however, this does not change that it is a very picturesque golf course. This course an intermediate course, with some holes that are more challenging than others.
Tips:
–If you are e5 and below you can get free range balls by taking the golf etiquette course.
–If you are looking for the cheapest time to play it would be sunset on the weekdays which is usually after 4 o’clock.
–At the beginning of the year they usually offer a deal for the players card which gives you 15 to 25% off green fees.
–They also offer golf boards if you’re into that sort of thing it’s like a motorized skateboard /​scooter.
–Busiest times are holidays and weekend morning and early afternoon, Saturdays and Sundays after 3 the course starts to clear up
–If you’re looking for a deal on a new set of clubs ask when their next golf demo days are. They have different companies come out and usually give between 10−25% off clubs/​golf accessories ++ they aren’t taxed since you’re on base!
–If you are planning a tee time call in advance to ask if there is going to be a tournament, they tend to have tournaments any day of the week and a couple times a month
–If you are looking for cheaper range balls and you live on MCBH Bay View golf course gives you three times the amount of golf balls for the same price
–If you are looking for the best views the back 9 is awesome
–And if you are unfamiliar with the windward side it is usually a bit damp compared to the west side which means that you can expect a little bit of mud underneath the grass so be prepared

After playing Royal Hawaiian this course was more like what I am accustomed to in looking for a relaxing round of golf. The course is generally flat with slight dog legged shaped fairways. It’s essentially a muni type course with a few stunning ocean vistas.
As mentioned by other Unilocalers holes 13 — 16 are incredibly beautiful, but each tee box on these holes requires complete attention to the task at hand as the risk of error is ever present w/​a far haul to the fairway from tee box and plenty of trouble left and right of the immediate fairway. The locals I golfed w/​stated that the coastal holes are sacred burial grounds and are marked as environmental hazards so they are marked appropriately. I’m not sure it that is fact or rumor but is an interesting story anyway.
A few dislikes were numerous places on the fairway where the divots looked like they had not been repaired. I quickly learned that the bulk of local golfers on this course opt for a pull cart in order to save $ 10 — $ 20. That means no filler sand available (unless riding a cart) to be used after making a divot and if the divot is not replaced. It also looked like several areas of many fairways had been used for practice in that you could draw a circle around a 10 foot area and find 20 unfixed divots in that circle.
I also disliked the fact that a couple of holes restricted your tee shot to an iron. I believe hole number 8 (slight dog-​leg to the left) did so as did another hole on the course. The signs stated that the reason was for respect of the courses neighbor homes, but I don’t think hitting a hybrid would have been an issue.
Overall it was a good course at a value price of $ 40. The starter was very helpful and I would return and play here again.

Course has a great, challenging layout, especially the two beautiful ocean holes on the back nine. Grass driving range is also an enjoyable plus. Staff is ultra friendly and helpful. Pro shop has good discounts, especially since there is no tax added to the sales price.

This is one of the tougher tracks that I’ve played, but the scenery makes it worthwhile.
Pace of play is ok on the weekdays, but can be ridiculously slow on the weekend. It’s tolerable, as long as you don’t have somewhere to be after your round.
I would strongly suggest reading the course guide, as your approach strategy is extremely important. Downhill putts are death at this place!
Course Guide:

Finally got to play this course and Leilehua course. This course is absolutely a gorgeous players course. The comparison of the two to review is to say the Kaneohe Klipper is your resort course whilst Leilehua is your home public course. This course have the view of the mountain and the ocean. Long enough to be challenging but any bad shots is forgiven because you’re lucky to be playing here.
The envy is the price for military and DOD compared to civilian guest but even then it is much cheaper than most Honolulu course of upward of $ 100 – 199 each player. Civilians, you need to get someone to sponsor you in, a not to miss course!
To play, you need to call the course for tee time at least 5 days in advance. They need yours and guest Social security number to give to the gate. Go to the gate and get a pass, your name and guest name should already be there for date of arrival, car registration and safety check is needed. For rental car, bring the lease agreement.
To return to play again, I would leave out Leilehua and play this course twice.

Just played here for the first time and it is easily one of the most enjoyable courses to play. It’s fun for both low and high handicappers– wide, generous fairways and and waste areas for beginners and options to shorten the holes for the better players who can work the the ball.
Conditions: Very good. Tee boxes, fairways and rough were lush. Greens were excellent. They looked like they were aerated a few weeks ago and were almost fully recovered. Once that happens, watch out!
Course: The course throws so many different things at you off the tee– wide open sight lines to blind shots to elevated shots with dramatic scenery. Great variety. This course doesn’t need fast greens to make it exciting to play. One hole you’ve got a straight ahead view of the green and the next you’ve got a slightly blind elevated shot. The mix of different sight lines and options off the tees throughout the round is fantastic. Add that to generous fairways and you have a recipe for hero golf that’s fun but fair (no one makes you pull the trigger). Most of the greens slope back to front so staying below the hole is a must. Some of the sloping is very dramatic, like the par 5 that’s straight with OB all the way down the left and slopes right to left (#10?). Once that green fully recovers it’ll be a difficult par.
A review of Klipper cannot be completed without mentioning the ocean front holes. These holes are just as everyone described– beautiful. They play from elevated tees and that just adds to the whole experience. Pictures don’t capture how special the area is– you’ll have to see for yourself.

(H)ave you ever been to the Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course?
(A)ll the way over on the Windward side hidden in the Kaneohe Marine Corp Base
℗leasurable golf course which captures the beauty of Hawaii, especially holes 13 – 16
℗erfect place to get married, on the 16^th tee which has an extra tee box
(I) said «I do» to my wonderful boyfriend now husband on Saturday
(L)oved everything about this venue, from the friendly staff to the beautiful view
(Y)es you should get married here if you want an ocean backdrop for your special day
(E)ver since I was a little girl I dreamed of getting married by the ocean
(V)ery few beaches are as untouched and empty as this one
(E)ven Obama hangs out at this beach because it’s restricted
®est easy in knowing you won’t be photo bombed by tourists
(A)ll my wedding guests commented on how perfect our ceremony was
(F)riends of Kbay pass is only $ 10 and gets you on base for a year
(T)hanks to the amazing staff who set-​up our chairs and helped shuttle our guests
(E)veryone fell in love with the scenery and it made our wedding day extra memorable
®omance on the golf course and we’ll play here on our anniversary every year for the rest of our lives

Well maintained, fun, and scenic 18 hole course. Greens are very hard, however, in terms of difficulty. Lots of up and downhill puts makes precision putting necessary. I had about 7 holes in which I had to 3 putt :/​good to play with a 4-​some so you can read the putts from each other.
Reservation was a bit confusing since I was a civilian trying to reserve a tee time 4 days before, but was told I had to have called in 5 days before in order for my name to be given to the front gate. Example, I called Sunday wanting to play on Thursday, but I couldn’t since the earliest my name could be submitted to the front gate was FridAy (5 days after the day I called). I was able to get on with a friend who could sponsor/​sign for me to get a pass for my car on the day I wanted. If the website provided a detailed information on the reservation process, that would have helped.
The twilight $ 45 after 1pm rate with a free beer and appetizer was worth it! Course took a little under 5 hours and it was packed so we got paired with a another 2-​some. Course does get busy so be prepared to be paired up during the twilight hours. Food and appetizer was excellent as well! Restaurant is right there on the course so there is no need to think about where/​what to eat after a long hot day.
Front 9 is pretty flat with the wind being a big factor since it’s coming off of the ocean. Back nine holes 13 – 16 have great ocean views that makes any double bogey something to not get upset about. Does get really windy though. Holes 14 – 16 have some blind spot tee shots, so using an iron/​3 wood would be recommended.
Grass on the rough is deceivingly thick and fluffy. Taking one club higher than usual is recommended.
Overall it’s a fun, challenging course with wonderful views. Course and greens are well maintained and staff are very friendly and helpful. Cart was running out of battery, but after calling the front desk, they sent a replacement in just a few minutes.
Will go again after I figure out the reservation system.

Went to the Klipper Bash last Friday. Great night.
The Green was awesome! They always put on a great concert. Good food and drinks. Fun stuff for the kids at Tiki Island. Looking forward to next year’s. Klipper Bash!

Played here yesterday for the first time and fell in love with this course. The staff in the Pro shop staff was friendly, the grounds are well maintained and the views of the ocean & mountains are awesome. Now I know why Obama played here for 5 days straight this past Holiday vacation.

Gotta say that for a very novice golfer (3^rd time overall) I must say I was blown away by this course. The one thing that sets it apart is the view from the 13^th-​16ish holes… absolutely stunning!
Also, it is on a military base but they give you access as long as you check in the front… it’s basically open to the public. I would recommend this course to golfers of all levels!

The Klippers is an 18 hole championship golf course located on Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe. It’s tucked in the back of the base and very easy to find.
They have a very strict tee time reservation policy that they follow and can be viewed on their website. I called exactly at the time stated for my category and got the tee time that I wanted.
Hands down this course is by far my favorite military course to play on the island. The front nine holes have a view of the Ko’olau Mountains and the back nine a gorgeous ocean front view. I teed off twice on holes 13, 14, and 15 because the view was so spectacular.
Tip
1) My check in on Unilocal came with a FREE basket of balls to hit at the driving range.
2) Golf Monday to Thursday from 1pm to 3pm and you will receive one free pupu and one beer. That’s a great deal!

This is a great course, the par 4’s and 5’s are all long, the fairways reasonably wide and relatively forgiving, yet challenging enough to keep you in check. The 13^th and 14^th holes along the beach are also spectacular, with awesome vistas.
In the past, i’ve seen people catching waves, boats going by and humpback whales breaching all as i’m rolling down the fairway of the 13^th.
Try to find that anywhere else in the world!

Klipper at MCBH Kaneohe Bay is my most enjoyed and hated military course! Enjoyed for the beautiful views and enjoyable play; hated because I lose so many balls… but I enjoy the challenge.
The service staff is great and always helpful and friendly. The facilities are well maintained and nothing looks run down. One of my favorite things about this (any) course, they let you hit off the grass at the range… I loathe the artificial feel of hitting off the mats.
This course is beautiful.
The fairways are great, long and mostly straight, with a fair amount of challenge along the way. I wish every hole were a par 5… but doesn’t everybody? Only a few challenging fairways but they make the course more interesting. There isn’t a lot of shade like at Leilehua, so they put down plenty of little «ball-​hungry shrubs» all over the place to make up for it. It also gets pretty hot out there so wear sunblock and hydrate.
The greens are well maintained but they are fickle and they get more difficult as the day goes on. My short game becomes less of a game and more of a punishment as sun gets higher. The greens get pretty fast and the slope on some of the holes can pull your ball from one fringe to the other.
The rate of play is relaxed (so are the marshalls) but we rarely get jammed up. When there is a delay, it is usually becuase some young service members are having fun with the golf carts or otherwise goofing off.
If you have an opportunity to play this course you won’t be dissappointed. Just remember to bring a few sleeves… just in case. :D

«Hello? Golf tournament? Hmm I dunno… the wedding is coming up. Whoa really?! The Klipper on KMCA? Yah shhoooots! I’m there!»
I’ve been trying to get on the Klipper ever since my soon-​to-​be hubs’ boss told us how it hangs over the world famous K-​bay. OMG who doesn’t take in a deep suck of air when they exit one of the tunnels and catch the Windward coastline?
Tell you what… Klipper doesn’t disappoint! Course was good, staff pleasant. And the view from 13, 14, & 15 are jaw
D
R
O
PPING STUNNING!
Good news for non-​military: The Klipper is open to the public! Just call in your res and give them your vehicle info. The nice folks there will let base security know you’re coming so you can get on base!
Oh one more note: the food is pretty bad so I recommend thinking of another 19^th hole to finish off the round.

This must be the nicest golf course associated with any military base. Just wait for the back nine for confirmation of this! Normally to golf on a course this nice you could be looking at triple digit green fees, but this course has just the normal rates you’d expect on most military courses.
All this being said, we picked the wrong day to golf this visit. They were aerating the back nine and they were closed that day. They warned us about the aeration when we made our tee time, but it was not clear they were actually doing it this day and we would not be able to access the most beautiful nine holes of military golf.
Oh well, we still golfed the first nine twice while watching a C-​17 (heavy cargo jet) do «touch and goes». Took me right back to my days as a C-​17 pilot. Still cool to watch even after having done this hundreds of times myself.
Despite not having golfed at all for over a year, I actually had one of my best rounds of golf ever (not counting my mulligans, of course :)

I regard Klipper as the best course on Oahu. It’s right on the coast, the greens are very well kept, the course is challenging but do-​able for all levels of ability, the pro shop is well stocked for all your golfing needs, and the 19^th hole (Sam Adam’s) has the best golf course cuisine!!!

Wow… the back nine… the scenery is just AMAZING! You’re right along the coast, it’s beautiful!!! This course is not the most well groomed — I guess I may be somewhat spoiled after playing at Ko’Olina, now that course is well groomed. Klipper is nice though and the course itself is fun to play! Lots of par 5 and par 3s! And it’s definitely not an easy course, but that makes it challenging and fun! The folks in the pro shop and the workers on the course were all very kind and helpful. It was a great time! This course is very very busy on the weekends so expect to be waiting a bit. But it’s part of the game! And we went as a two-​some, and because they were packed, they added single players to our group. By the 9^th hole, we ended up in a four-​some. So expect that too if you go as a two some.
Now…parking takes a while because if you are a civilian, you need to get a parking pass and that process takes a while. My tee time was at 12:06, I got there by 11:15am, and by the time I got my parking pass, I got to the pro shop by 11:45am, just in time to check in. So don’t go right at your tee time, give yourself a lot of time to get that parking pass, otherwise it’s a bit stressful. I was somewhat stressed when I got there because the line for the parking pass was super long!
Definitely a course worth checking out!!! Awesome!

Unilocal Challenge 365 # ⁴⁶⁄₃₆₅
Gotta hand it to the Military because every military golf course I’ve been to sits on VALUABLE real estate and so very scenic and beautiful.
Boy oh boy! What a course. Beautiful view of the best beaches from the back 9. (White sand, clean, empty! We civilians can’t get to the beach as it is accessible through military property.) As to the course, the greens were a little slow;and sime looked and felt like it was recently airated. The fairways as beautiful as anything!
It’s not the easiest course to golf at and is definitely the most scenic.
Oh, I didn’t see any beverage carts so I’m not sure if beer or alcohol is allowed on the course. But they do have water fountains planed througout the course.
If you are a golfer– A definite must try. Even if you are not a golfer, worth the cart fee just for the view

Before coming to this course, if you are not military, be sure to come early to get your one day guest pass. It might take a while so don’t come just before your tee time.
This course is amazing, although can be a bit more difficult when it’s windy. When you get to the back 9 (which everyone talks about) you will be amazed at the views. BUT DON’T GET DISTRACTED! Maintenance is very good although some holes are really close to either the road or houses so be careful.
**TIP**
The pu’uone (sand dunes) are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The sand dunes are a ancient Hawaiian burial site and they ask not to remove any stones or other items from where they lie out of respect and it is also a federal and state crime to disturb native burial sites.
Just a thought before you climb up these dunes to take a better picture or something.
Driving range looked like it was off grass and they had a very large putting green for practice.