Kaua'i rose above sea level some five million years ago. The remnants of her volcanoes are majestic mountains sometimes shrouded in clouds, sometimes pouring forth, white ribbons of waterfalls. North most, first populated and geologically oldest, Hawaii's Island of Discovery is a recreational paradise, a land of legends or a seductive romantic retreat – whatever you'd like it to be. It's also home to several wonderful tropical resorts and nine golf courses, including two Jack Nicklaus designs and four Robert Trent Jones Jr. creations. Nearly circular in shape, the spectacularly beautiful and pristine island of Kaua'i encompasses just 850 square kilometers, but its golf is truly unforgettable.

Set high upon a bluff overlooking Hanalei Bay and the lush valley below, elegant Princeville Resort is fit for royalty and anyone looking for a luxurious ocean-side getaway in one of the most beautiful spots in the world. With 252 impeccably appointed rooms, three buildings terrace the ridge from the lobby entry to the beach below and three restaurants including the renowned La Cascata, offer excellent cuisine.

Robert Trent Jones Jr., the designer of the 18-hole Prince GC and the 27-hole, Makai GC has said, "In all the world, I never expect to find a more spectacularly beautiful place to build a golf course than Princeville," and he's not exaggerating. Since opening in 1990, the Prince Course has been consistently chosen among the top golf courses in the United States and is Hawaii's top-rated layout. Just a short distance away is the friendlier Makai course. Play has been known to back up on No. 7 Ocean, a 157-yard, par-3 over an ocean gorge, as visitors watch pods of humped back whales jump and breach in the blue Pacific Ocean during the winter months from December to February. Even if you're not playing the championship tees, walk back to observe and enjoy a 180-degree view Kauai's north shore. Taking its name from the series of lakes integrated throughout the holes, The Lakes nine heads out in the opposite direction and works its way back to the ocean cliffs. The Woods, the inland nine, features rock garden style bunkers and views of the mountains with towering waterfalls.

Kauai Lagoons Golf Club is home to two of four Jack Nicklaus designed golf courses in Hawaii. Over the next three years both the Kiele and Mokihana courses will receive extensive upgrades, including the addition of two new ocean holes at Kiele, one nine at a time, so there will only be 27 holes open at one time.

The dramatic Kiele Course, Nicklaus' best in Hawaii, weaves along imposing ocean cliffs, lush valleys, and among 40-acres of fresh water lagoons. Each hole is named for an animal, depicted in a marble statue at the tee. Nicklaus saves the Golden Bear until the 13th hole, a 207-yard par-three over the crashing surf below to a diagonal green. The course's signature hole is No. 16, a 330-yard, par-4 that requires a leap of faith down to a hidden ocean-side green that can be easily reached with a solid drive and a lucky bounce to the hole.

Its companion, the Mokihana Course, opened a year later. This Scottish style links course features more open fairways and fewer forced carries. The real challenge lies in the short game and putting where well guarded, small undulating greens make it a test for the best of putters. It's a five-minute drive from Lihue Airport, which connects tourists to all other island flights as well as Hawaii's main terminal in Honolulu.

Nearby, you'll find Puakea GC, Kaua'i's newest 18 holes. Kaua'i unveiled its latest golf gem, Puakea Golf Course in July of 2003. Designed by Hawai'i's most prolific golf course architect, Robin Nelson, Puakea is a truly spectacular experience. Framed by sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, historic Mt. Ha'upu, and the lush tropical landscape that served as the set for Jurassic Park, Puakea delights golfers with all that is magical about Kaua'i golf.

Backed by lush emerald mountains and sculpted from rolling plateaus eight stories above the expansive blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, golfers will find Poipu Bay Golf Course nestled along Kauai's south shore. At Poipu Bay, nature and renown architect, Robert Trent Jones Jr. have conspired to create a stunning venue, with breathtaking views that make it difficult for any golfer to stay focused on their game. Consistently rated as one of the top-10 course in Hawaii, this 7,043-yard, par-72 ocean-links course covers 210 seaside acres and when the wind blows it really heats up. Poipu Bay's par-4, 510-yard 16th hole was dubbed "the Pebble Beach of the Pacific" by Robert Trent Jones Jr. for its sprawling run along the rugged coastline.

Princeville Resort: 800.826.1105, www.princeville.com

Poipu Bay Golf Course and Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa: 800.858.6300, www.poipubaygolf.com

Kaua‘i Lagoons Golf Club and Kaua‘i Marriott Resort & Beach Club: www.kauailagoonsgolf.com

Puakea Golf Course, 866.773.5554, www.puakeagolf.com