First Tee Hawai‘i opens youth golf programs on Kaua‘i in 2026

First Tee – Hawai‘i opened registration this month for its first 2026 youth programs on Kaua‘i, offering structured coaching that pairs on-course instruction with social and emotional skill building. The nonprofit’s Kaua‘i offerings include two multiweek sessions at Kiahuna Golf Club in Poʻipū and additional sessions at The Ocean Course at Hōkūala in Līhuʻe slated for mid-February.

At Kiahuna Golf Club, 2545 Kiahuna Plantation Drive, organizers scheduled Session 1 for 3 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays from Jan. 20 to Feb. 17, and Session 2 for 9 to 10 a.m. Saturdays from Jan. 24 to Feb. 21. Both Kiahuna sessions are open to keiki ages 7 to 13. The Ocean Course at Hōkūala, 3132 Ninini Point St., has sessions planned for mid-February, with registrations expected to open in early February.

First Tee emphasizes trained coaches who combine golf fundamentals with lessons in resilience, self-confidence and other life skills that can support keiki academically and socially. For parents, the program provides a supervised after-school and weekend activity that mixes physical exercise with character development. Registration and additional details are available at FirstTeeHawaii.org or by emailing joie@hsjga.org.

For Kaua‘i families, the near-term impact is practical: organized activity options for elementary and middle school children during late afternoons and weekend mornings, and the chance to use local courses as learning spaces beyond tourism play. Locally held sessions may modestly boost weekday foot traffic and ancillary spending at course amenities in Poʻipū and Līhuʻe, and create demand for part-time coaching and program staff. Over time, consistent youth programming can feed a pipeline of local players who are comfortable on Kaua‘i courses and may help sustain community-oriented golf offerings outside the peak visitor season.

The program also fits into broader trends around youth development and after-school programming. Public and nonprofit providers increasingly pair physical activities with social-emotional learning, aiming to improve school readiness and reduce youth risk factors. For Kaua‘i, where transportation and access can shape program participation, scheduling sessions on both the south shore and near Līhuʻe helps spread opportunity across the island.

The takeaway? If you have a keiki between 7 and 13 and want a mix of fresh air and life skills, sign up early. Our two cents? Treat this as both recreation and character building, check schedules, book your spot at FirstTeeHawaii.org or email joie@hsjga.org, and plan carpools to make it par for the course.