5 Surprising Facts About Ke'alohi Par 3: The Secret Night Golf Gem Of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

Jan 10, 2026 • minute read

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For golfers in Hawaii, the name "par 3 Hickam" immediately conjures images of a relaxed, accessible, and uniquely Hawaiian golfing experience. As of late 2025, this beloved course—officially known as the Ke'alohi Par 3 Golf Course—remains one of the most unique and under-the-radar military recreation facilities in the entire Pacific. It’s not just a place to practice your short game; it’s a slice of history and a vibrant hub for the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) community, offering features you won’t find anywhere else on Oahu. This article dives deep into the latest details, from current tiered pricing for military members to the course's one-of-a-kind night golf feature.

The Ke'alohi Par 3 is a testament to the enduring appeal of accessible golf, providing a perfect setting for beginners, families, and seasoned players looking to sharpen their iron play. Nestled within the historic confines of Hickam Air Force Base, it offers a distinct contrast to its longer, more challenging sister course, Mamala Bay, by focusing on fun, speed, and affordability. Whether you're a DoD cardholder, a local visitor, or just curious about this Honolulu gem, here is the essential, up-to-date information you need about this iconic 9-hole facility.

Ke'alohi Par 3 Golf Course: Essential Profile and Biography

The Ke'alohi Par 3 Golf Course is a key recreational asset of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), serving the military community and authorized visitors in Hawaii. Its history is significant, as it represents one of the earliest examples of the par 3 golf concept on the island of Oahu. It is a vital component of the Navy Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR) program, ensuring high-quality, low-cost recreation for service members and their families.

Official Name: Ke'alohi Par 3 Golf Course
Common Names: Hickam Par 3, JBPHH Par 3, Hickam Pitch and Putt
Location: Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), Honolulu, Hawaii
Course Type: 9-Hole Par 3 Short Course
Total Yardage: Approximately 1,435 yards (for 9 holes)
Total Par: Par 27 (for 9 holes)
Opened: 1960
Unique Feature: The only military golf course in Hawaii to offer Night Golf (Pitch and Putt)
Sister Course: Mamala Bay Golf Course (18-Hole Championship Course, also at Hickam)
Management: U.S. Navy Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR)

The Allure of Night Golf: Why Ke'alohi is Truly Unique

What truly sets the Ke'alohi Par 3 Golf Course apart from every other military or public course in the state is its commitment to after-dark play. Ke'alohi is the only military golf course in Hawaii that is fully lit, allowing for a unique and memorable "Pitch and Putt" experience well into the evening.

A Different Kind of Round

Playing golf under the lights is a completely different challenge and atmosphere compared to a sunny morning tee time. The course’s lighting system illuminates the fairways and greens, transforming the game into a fun, relaxed, and often social event. This "Night Golf" feature is especially popular with active-duty personnel who may not have time for a full 18-hole round during daylight hours due to operational commitments.

The night atmosphere is also perfect for families and beginners. The shorter distances and the novelty of hitting a glow ball (as is sometimes offered for special events like the "Holly Jolly Glow Golf" in December) remove some of the pressure of traditional golf, making it an excellent introduction to the sport. The relaxed environment encourages a quicker pace of play, which is a major draw for players on a tight schedule.

The Perfect Pitch and Putt Practice

For more experienced golfers, the Ke'alohi Par 3 is an invaluable resource for short-game practice. With a total yardage of around 1,435 yards for its 9 holes, the course demands precision with wedges and irons. Mastering the distance control from 75 to 150 yards on this course will translate directly to lower scores on the longer, more demanding courses like Mamala Bay or the Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course.

The course’s design, which dates back to 1960, was part of a national trend to make golf more accessible and less time-consuming. This historical context means it was built with the intention of being a fast, fun, and affordable option, a mission it continues to fulfill today.

2025 Green Fees, Foot Golf, and Visitor Information

As a military MWR facility, the Ke'alohi Par 3 Golf Course offers highly competitive and tiered pricing, ensuring the greatest value for service members. While general visitor fees may fluctuate, the military rates provide a clear picture of the course’s affordability and commitment to the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam community.

Current Military Green Fees (Per Round)

The pricing structure at Ke'alohi is based on military rank, making it incredibly accessible for junior enlisted personnel. These rates are significantly lower than most public courses in the Honolulu area.

E1 – E5 (Junior Enlisted): $6.00
E6 – O3 (Senior Enlisted/Junior Officer): $8.00
O4 – O10 (Senior Officer): $9.00
20-Round Play Card (E1-E5): $100.00 (Further reducing the cost per round)

This tiered pricing is a key differentiator of the military golf experience in Hawaii, reflecting the Navy MWR's mission to support all ranks. The course also offers rental equipment, making it easy for those new to the island or the game to play without a major investment in clubs.

Foot Golf: The Other Game at Ke'alohi

Adding to its reputation as a family-friendly and multi-sport facility, Ke'alohi Par 3 is one of the few places in Hawaii to offer Foot Golf. Foot Golf is a blend of soccer and golf, played with a soccer ball on the same course, but using larger holes. It's a fantastic, low-impact activity that is perfect for all ages and skill levels.

Foot Golf Fee: $5 per person
Ball Rental: $1 to rent a ball (or bring your own)

This offering highlights the course's dedication to providing diverse recreational opportunities for the entire Joint Base community, including military families and their guests. The combination of traditional golf, night golf, and Foot Golf makes Ke'alohi a true recreational powerhouse.

Topical Authority: Ke'alohi’s Place in Hawaii’s Military Golf Scene

While often overshadowed by the larger, 18-hole courses, the Ke'alohi Par 3 holds a significant place in the network of Military Golf Courses on Oahu. Its relationship with its sister course, Mamala Bay Golf Course, and its role within the larger Navy MWR system solidifies its topical authority in the Hawaii golf landscape.

Complementing Mamala Bay

The Mamala Bay Golf Course, also located on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, is a full-length, 18-hole championship course known for its scenic views and challenging play. Ke'alohi Par 3 serves as the perfect complement to Mamala Bay. Where Mamala Bay tests a golfer's long game and endurance, Ke'alohi focuses intensely on the short game—pitching, chipping, and putting—which are the scoring keys to any round.

Many golfers use the Ke'alohi course as a warm-up or cool-down after a round at Mamala Bay, or simply as a dedicated practice ground. The proximity and shared management under JBPHH MWR create a complete golf training and recreational facility.

A Part of a Larger Network

Ke'alohi is one of several high-quality military courses in Hawaii, including the Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course (Marine Corps) and the Leilehua Golf Course (U.S. Army MWR Hawaii). These courses are consistently praised for their maintenance, affordability, and stunning Hawaiian settings. The existence of the Ke'alohi Par 3 ensures that the Pearl Harbor-Hickam base offers a spectrum of golf options, from the challenging championship layout to the quick, fun, and accessible par 3.

Whether you are stationed at JBPHH or visiting the area, the Ke'alohi Par 3 Golf Course provides a unique, affordable, and fun golf experience. Its night golf feature and commitment to the military community make it a hidden gem that every golf enthusiast should seek out.

5 Surprising Facts About Ke'alohi Par 3: The Secret Night Golf Gem of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

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