When you travel to Hawaii there are certain things you expect to find: brilliant sunshine, balmy temperatures, endless beaches that scream “tan on me,” and cobalt blue waters to dip into when the sun sizzles your skin a bit too much. Ninety percent of the time that is exactly what you will find, however—news flash—it does rain in paradise (and I’m not just talking about passing trade showers that traditionally hold off until after sunset).
So what do you do if your Hawaiian holiday is not as bright as you expected: golf. That’s right, golf. I’m not talking about the back nine at one of the island’s world-famous outdoor resorts, rather I’m referring to the 3-D glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course that journeys through a jungle, ocean waves, underwater coral reefs and active volcanoes…located in the heart of famed Waikiki (specifically the Waikiki Shopping Plaza).
The “Big Kahuna” is a great family-friendly space that allows children of all ages, the opportunity to experience a Hawaiian adventure—rain or shine (it is also fabulously air conditioned so it is often used as a haven for tourists who have had more than their share of sun exposure). The place is loaded with Hawaiian theme fun from the exotic flowers and sea creatures to the massive tikis and a raucous background drum beat.
The course itself begins with you donning 3-D glasses. The spectacles make you feel like you are entering a jungle filled with tropical birds and trees. From there, the course winds through a deep blue ocean filled with dolphins and other finned friends. By the end of your round you find yourself facing an active volcano. The 3-D glasses coupled with the sounds of crashing ocean waves make you feel as though you are playing golf in the middle of a tropical rainforest.
The course is challenging, not because of the physical intensity of each hole, but because you are trying to swing at a golf ball while a myriad of 3-D effects (including an out-of-control canoe) whiz by you. What’s more, the lighting at the end of the course makes your toenails glow.
The “Big Kahuna” is a great escape for the entire family. Like I said, it is high on my list of “Things To Do In Hawaii When It Rains.” It is located indoors in the heart of Waikiki and it comes with the added bonus of five hours of free parking (which is practically unheard of in Waikiki). An average round of golf takes about 45 minutes, which leaves you ample time to dine at one of the area’s award-winning restaurants or browse at one of Waikiki’s many beach front shops.
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