Shirai was inducted into the Hawaii Golf Hall of Fame in 1989. There are two sets of tees at Kukuiolono Golf Course, so a slightly different course can be played for a second nine. Wind is a prime factor on this golf course. Because Kukiolono is located on a bluff overlooking a plains area and the Pacific Ocean, there are tradewinds here at all times - sometimes very strong by late afternoon. That makes club selection difficult, into or with the wind.
Golfers can avoid the windiest conditions by playing early in the day.
The greens here are common Bermudagrass, and are not as plush as those of the island's resort courses. But there is plenty of challenge on this hilly, mountainside course. But this one has a tiered green that demands an accurage approach and steady nerves. This picturesque and historically rich golf course is a little out of the way, but playing it is certainly worth the effort. It is still one of the best golf bargains in the Islands.