Secluded Hawaii beauty amid 1,800 acres at Makena Beach & Golf Resort on Maui
MAKENA, Maui, Hawaii -- Located on Maui's southern tip is Makena Beach & Golf Resort, a secluded piece of spectacular Hawaii property.
Makena, which can be reached by heading past Kihei and Wailea, is a more peaceful, less developed part of the island compared to its neighboring communities. Here, golfers can find tucked away beaches, including famous "Little Beach" and "Black Sand Beach." This historic spot, where fishing villages used to reign, is also home of "Turtle Town," where giant turtles come to rest.
Makena Beach & Golf Resort, formerly the Maui Prince Hotel, has undergone an ownership change and major renovation project. By 2012, all guest rooms and public areas should be fully upgraded.
The resort used to be home to 36 holes of golf, though today only Makena North is open (Makena South may open some holes in 2012). Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the Makena Golf Course winds up and down the base of Mount Haleakala and plays along lava rock and lush trees. It's also home to the island's second-longest hole, the par-5 14th, which starts from the highest point of the golf course and heads downhill. It plays more than 600 yards.
The golf club has been revamped by the new owners as well. A new fleet of golf carts, irrigation and new pro shop are among many enhancements new to golfers.
Makena Beach & Golf Resort on Maui
Makena Beach & Golf Resort has received a major renovation to the hotel and golf course after new owners took over the property in 2010.
Courtesy of Makena Beach & Golf Resort
Makena Beach & Golf Resort - beach
Makena Beach & Golf Resort has a series of secluded beaches on the southern end of Maui.
Courtesy of Makena Beach & Golf Resort
Makena Beach & Golf Resort on Maui - lobby
The Makena Beach & Golf Resort redesigned its open-air lobby as part of the renovation project.
Courtesy of Makena Beach & Golf Resort
Makena Golf Course - hole 5
The par-5 fifth hole at Makena Golf Course plays straight up the hill.
Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf
Makena Beach & Golf Resort on Maui - Makena Golf Course - hole 6
The par-4 sixth hole at Makena Golf Course has a split fairway.
Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf
Makena Beach & Golf Resort on Maui - Makena Golf Course - hole 13
The 13th hole at Makena Golf Course is a short par 4 that doglegs toward the ocean.
Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf
Makena Beach & Golf Resort on Maui - Makena Golf Course - hole 14
At more than 600 yards, the par-5 14th at Makena Golf Course is the second-longest hole on Maui.
Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf
Makena Beach & Golf Resort on Maui - Makena Golf Course - hole 14 green
Lava rock sits beside the 14th green at Makena Golf Course.
Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf
Makena Beach & Golf Resort on Maui - Makena Golf Course - Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed Makena Golf Course, which opened in 1993 on the southern end of Maui.
Courtesy of Makena Beach & Golf Resort
Makena Beach & Golf Resort on Maui - Makena Golf Course - hole 15
The 15th hole is the last par 4 at Makena Golf Course and plays more than 200 yards from the back tees.
Courtesy of Makena Beach & Golf Resort
Makena Beach & Golf Resort on Maui - Makena Golf Course - hole 7
The seventh hole at Makena Golf Course is guarded in front by sand and a small creek.
Courtesy of Makena Beach & Golf Resort
Makena Beach & Golf Resort on Maui - secluded beauty
Makena Beach & Golf Resort on Maui is secluded beauty amid 1,800 acres.
Courtesy of Makena Beach & Golf Resort