We Tried It: The Best Mini Golf Courses for Families on O‘ahu

We test out the putting greens at three mini golf courses on O‘ahu.

April 6, 2023

Cathy Cruz-George,

Editor’s Note: This story was first published in 2017 and was updated in April, 2023.

Tropics Mini Golf. Photo: Cathy Cruz-George

Mini golf can be a pleasant, bonding experience for families and there are three great family-friendly mini golf courses on O‘ahu. We‘re all about indoor playgrounds that keep the kids occupied while we get some coveted time to ourselves, but every now and then it’s fun to actually play together!

Keiki and adults can enjoy a round of mini golf at Bay View Mini-Putt & Zipline in Kāne‘ohe, Glow Putt Mini Golf in Kāne‘ohe and Tropics Mini Golf in ‘Aiea. To save you research time, we’ve compiled a roundup of these three miniature golf courses worth playing on O‘ahu. Happy bonding!

Bay View Mini-Putt & Zipline (18 or 36 holes)

Address: 45-285 Kāne‘ohe Bay Drive, Kāne‘ohe
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Open on all federal, state and school holidays.
Fees: Ages 12 and up, $15 for 18 holes and $20 for 36 holes; children 3 to 11, $10 for 18 holes and $12 for 36 holes; free for kids younger than 3. Kamaʻāina and military discounts available.
Phone: (808) 247-6464
Website: bayviewminiputt.com
Description: The Ko’olau mountain range provides a peaceful backdrop against this mini-golf course, comprising 18 and 36 holes. Expect short and long putts, challenging slopes and breaks, and a dark, cave-like structure on the course. Zipliners in the distance occasionally scream and holler, but nothing too distracting.
Tip: The Likelike Course is relatively flat with a descending ramp you can use instead of stairs. The Pali Course, however, does not have ramps and requires you to climb up multiple hills and stairs. Be mindful of the layout when playing with grandparents and older relatives with “bad” knees. For those ages 6 and older who have a wild side, try the 400-foot-long zipline. It begins at the suspended tree house within Bay View Mini-Putt and spans over the Likelike Course. Along with the adrenaline rush you get as you glide up to 25 mph, you’ll get amazing views of Kāne‘ohe Bay.
Special Events: If you’re looking for a fun place to have you or your keiki’s birthday party (or any type of event or special occasions), Bay View Mini-Putt and Zipline is a great venue!

Glow Putt Mini Golf (18 holes)

Address: 45-056 Kamehameha Highway, Kāne‘ohe
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fees: Children 5 and under, $5; regular admission ages 6 and older, $9; military and law enforcement $8; replay per round, $5.
Phone: (808) 235-6600
Website: glowputtminigolf.com
Description: Glow Putt has been a staple in the community for more than 20 years. The space is transformed to feel like a dance party with neon-lit floors and thumping music. The indoor course is compact, easy to navigate and perfect for rainy days, when beaches or playgrounds aren’t options. Little kids will appreciate the glow-in-the-dark animal décor on the walls.
Tip: Players receive glow bracelet as part of pricing. Bring ID for special discounts for military and law-enforcement employees.

Tropics Mini Golf Photo: Cathy Cruz-George

Tropics Mini Golf (18 holes)

Address: 98-1101 Moanalua Road, ‘Aiea
Hours: Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Monday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Fees: General admission for ages 8 and up, $11.45; military and kama’āina, $9.95; children 3 to 7, $7.50; free for kids 2 and under. Discounted group rates are also available.
Phone: (808) 200-5331
Web: tropicsminigolf.com
Description: True to its moniker, this course felt like the tropics. We spotted geckos in the bushes and a live bee inside the 15^th hole. Lush vegetation and a faux volcano in the middle of the course also camouflaged the fact that we were in a commercial district in ‘Aiea. The course itself is relatively easy and flat, save for a few challenging breaks. Plus, Tropics Mini Golf offers food—Texas-style barbecue, to be specific. Think meats cooked low and slow, plate lunches and more.
Tip: Go hungry or plan on eating after a round of golf. And before playing, ask if there is a birthday party ahead of you. Otherwise, you might get stuck behind a big, slow-moving group.