At The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

My husband Eric and I already had a special place in our hearts for The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa — it’s where we spent our honeymoon in 2006 — so it only made sense that it would be the place we took our kids for their first trip to Hawaii. Keeping in mind that family travel can often feel more like work than actual vacation, we decided to wait until the kids got a bit older so we, as parents, could truly relax on this trip as well. At what age does that happen? I’m still not sure but we took a shot at 12 (daughter) and 13 (son).

Truth be told, our kids haven’t yet fully embraced the game of golf to the point where they’d trade pool time to go tee it up, so it was a lofty goal to think we might be able to enjoy a few family rounds at Poipu Bay GC (located adjacent to the property). We left our clubs at home but not without hope that we’d somehow be able to experience the golf course at some point. To our surprise, it was much easier than we anticipated to sneak in a few rounds and there wasn’t even any bribing, whining, kicking or screaming.

How did that come about? Very organically. We spent our first morning hiking at the resort, along the cliffs of Shipwreck Beach, which just happens to run along some of the most spectacular golf holes that Poipu Bay GC has to offer. Our hike included breathtaking ocean views on one side and a golf wonderland on the other.

When our kids spotted other children of similar age riding along in carts with their parents, they excitedly gave a friendly wave. Before we knew it, the carts were heading in our direction and we quickly found ourselves in a happy conversation with fellow golf enthusiasts who were, coincidentally, also making their first attempt at a family golf vacation with reluctant offspring.

As we congratulated them, we noticed there were no junior clubs to be seen. And that’s when our moment of enlightenment happened: A “family golf trip” doesn’t mean that everyone has to play. It simply means that those who want to can and those who don’t are still able to enjoy the experience.

“We spent our first morning hiking at the resort, along the cliffs of Shipwreck Beach, which just happens to run along some of the most spectacular golf holes that Poipu Bay GC has to offer.”

And trust me when I say, those other kids were having a great time. They marveled at the wildlife, carried bamboo sticks around like magical staffs, collected lava rocks and (sshhhh…) even drove the golf cart a few times. After our brief discussion, our kids were asking when we could all go play this enchanted golf course. My husband and I danced the family to the golf shop quicker than a two-step.

The fact we didn’t bring our clubs was no issue. The rental sets were new and available for every type of player. We stocked up on snacks, drinks and were on our way. The golf course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., but the most amazing sights included endangered Hawaiian monk seals, green sea turtles (honu) and nēnē geese that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The course itself was everything you’d imagine a high-end resort to be: in great condition, fun to play, astonishing views and no issue with pace of play.

After nine holes, the kids had about enough of the ride-along experience and were ready for the pool, which I was mentally prepared for. I took our little grommets back to the resort while Eric finished the round.

Ironically, we ran into some family friends from back home later that day who have kids the same age as ours. Their vacation was soon coming to an end while ours was just starting. The overlap was perfect. Our husbands ended up playing another round of golf together the next day, as us moms sat under an umbrella by the pool enjoying a drink and catch-up session, watching the kiddos fly down the waterslide.

Eric and I were satisfied that we were able to get some golf holes under our belts during our stay. Everything else was just the icing on the volcano. Turns out that family golf vacations are real. They can happen. They might not resemble a golf pilgrimage to the game’s birthplace. But with a bit of compromise, a family golf vacation can be a reality. ▪