GREAT EATS HAWAII: WAIALAE COUNTRY CLUB

WAIALAE COUNTRY CLUB

HONOLULU, HAWAII

WAIALAE COUNTRY CLUB

4997 KAHALA AVENUE

HONOLULU, HI 96816

808-734-2151

808-734-4791 Fax

www.waialaecc.com

Regular readers of this blog know how lucky I am to live and work in Hawaii. The people, weather, natural beauty and lifestyle are second to none. Even after living here for well over 20 years, there are still those magical days where I just close my eyes and thank the Lord for what I have experienced and enjoyed. My day at Waialae Country Club was one of those oh so special moments. Blue Skies, a light breeze, cold beer and what seemed to be the entire course to ourselves on a warm October day. It really does not get much better than this. Waialae is home to the PGA Sony Open where the pros tee it up for the first tournament of the PGA season. Each year I attend the Sony and enjoy the day walking the course and taking in the beauty and views. After each Sony Open I say to myself "one day I will play this course". Well that day finally came and I was invited to play on one of Hawaii's oldest and most famous courses. Waialae is only a few minutes from my house, but when on the course it felt like I was on a different Island. The palm trees, ocean views and resort feeling are infectious. Once in this oasis for the privileged few I did not want to leave. Just wanted to take in each hole, relax and savor the moment. Savor I did. Actually felt like time had slowed down as we entered the Clubhouse to enjoy a cold beer and a bite to eat at the Koko Head Bar located right on the ocean and adjacent to the Mens Locker Room. This space is reserved for Waialae Members only and is where the PGA Tour Players eat their meals and relax before and after their rounds. We were greeted by a smiling waitress who addressed our host by his last name. She quickly took our drink orders and in minutes we had some ice cold brews to go with the dramatic view. Palm Trees, a small Island, beach, ocean and a half dozen photographers shooting wedding pictures of Japanese couples. A little slice of paradise indeed. We ordered and array of pupu's (appetizers) to share and another round of brews. Spicy Chicken Wings, Ahi Poke, Sashimi, Kalbi Ribs and a Cheese Platter. Perfect combination after four hours in the sun. Pretty much liked everything served here. No complaints about the food, service or views. The view drew us outside to tables set up in front of the bar and directly on the beach. We set up camp outside at a table that had to be one of the best views on Oahu. Cigars were lit. Beers glasses were filled and we talked and watched several wedding parties take pictures at this amazing spot. I was relaxed, content and happy to be at Waialae. Really did not want to leave the place.