Toyo Shirai

[Forrest Richardson]

I did not know Mr. Shirai, but learned that he has passed away in Hawaii just recently. He apparently designed Wailua Municipal GC in Honolulu. Did he ever complete any other courses that anyone knows of?

[Jim_Kennedy]

Forrest,
There's a nine hole course called Kukuiolono, also on Kaua'i, which was built by Toyo Shirai.
A friend who lives there says he was one of the best loved figures in the Hawaiian golf world.

He didn't know of any other courses, at least ones on Kaua'i, that Toyo Shirai may have built.

[Tommy_Naccarato]

Forrest,
Count me as one that has played Wailua GC--lauded as one of the busiest courses in all of golf.

The one and only time I played the course was in January 1983, which after playing 18 holes at Billy Bell Jr's Makaha Valley, I felt the need for another 18; walking it in under 4 hours, playing by myself.

The course was virtually empty as it was an late/early Saturday afternoon/evening. I was told that I was never going to finish nine holes. But I did get it all in, and it was just the normal flat muni course that plays near or around the Ala Wai Channel. Nothing special that I can remember.

The coincidence in this is today I was at my local golf store, and the guys started talking about the course, which they were amazed I played in under 4 hours. The rounds there usually last about 6 to 6 1/2! And that is no joke.

The thing is practically on hotel row in Wakiki, and I actually walked to and from the Halikalani carrying my clubs.

All my best,
The Big Kahuna

[Evan Fleisher]

Not to be nit-picky here guys...but either you've got the course name wrong, are talking about the wrong island, or I'm really halucinating about my previous trips to the islands!

Wailua Municipal Golf Course is on the Eastern side of the island of Kauai right near their airport...NOT on the island of Oahu.

Try again fellas!  

[Allan Long]

Evan,

You are correct. Wailua is right by the airport, not too far from the Kauai Lagoons resort. One tidbit about Kukuiolono--although it is only a somewhat-ragged 9-holer, it is only $7 to play--and that's an all-day green fee. It is a pleasant course, not on anyone's top-100 list, but where else are you going to get those ocean views for $7 a day.

[Jim_Kennedy]

Evan,
Give 'em a break. With Waialae, Waieau, Waikele, Waikoloa, Wailea and Waimea golf courses inhabiting the Islands it's not hard to see where Wailua might get lost in the mix.  

[Scott_Burroughs]

I've also played Wailua on Kauai.  Not bad, but not as good as it was made out to be when GD had it among the Top 25 Affordable.  Definitely top 25 in location (one or two holes on the ocean, with plenty of views), but not in architecture - although GD's lists weren't/aren't necessarily about that anyways....

The course Tommy is referring to is Ala Wai, I believe.

[Tommy_Naccarato]

Thank you Scott, I'm glad at least one Kahuna has got it right.

[Evan Fleisher]

Well, eeexxxxcccccuuuusssseeeeeee me!