The Hawaiian island of Maui is a sun and beach seeker's as well as golfer's favorite destination. There are so many unique and amazing attractions at Maui's Makena and Wailea resort areas, that one will probably lack words to express all that can be said about these two favorites. Maui is great for families going on a beach vacation, superb for golfers, gorgeous for newly weds on their romantic honeymoon... Offering a number of luxurious hotels to stay, outstanding golf courses to play, spacious white-sand beaches to lounge – the vacation destinations Wailea and Makena are just perfect for everyone.
The first thing you will notice in
Wailea is lush, green, and meticulously manicured landscaping. This is home to some of Maui's finest golf courses, excellent tennis courts, high-end boutiques, and art galleries featuring the works of Picasso, Botero, and other great artists. Add to this five world-class hotels, six luxury condominiums, restaurants, and gorgeous beaches that have few equals anywhere in the world, and you will understand why a stay in Wailea is a delight to all the senses. Sporty, culturally rewarding, relaxing, refreshing and exciting – that's what your vacation will be if you choose Wailea as your next golf and beach vacation destination.
Located some four miles away from Wailea,
Makena boasts some of Maui's best beaches. Here you will find world-famous "Big Beach", one of Hawaii's most fabulous strands, as well as "Little Beach", Maui's popular nude beach. Sunbathing, swimming, scuba diving, and whale watching (in winter) are among the most favorite beach activities. Some beaches are more crowded, some are less crowded, varying from long stretches of white sand beach, to smaller cove-like beaches. Keawakapu Beach, Wailea - Makena, Ulua / Mokapu Beach(s), Wailea Beach, Polo Beach, Palauea Beach, Makena Landing, Malu'aka Beach, Oneuli Beach, Makena Beach, Little Beach, Ahihi -Kina'u Reserve, and La Perouse Bay – are among the most recommended. With such a variety of options, you will always be able to find an isolated beachfront oasis to relax under the generous and very friendly Hawaii sun, which shines here 365 days a year.
If you are traveling with kids, you will definitely find Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve interesting; it is located roughly 4 miles past Makena. This Preserve occupies over 2000 acres that has been protected to preserve the habitat of a wide variety of coastal marine creatures. Here, you and your children will be able to see the remains of an ancient Hawaiian fishing village, snorkel the bay and find brightly colored corals and a dazzling array of fish.
Finally, getting down to golf, don't worry – you will not be disappointed. On this side of Maui, you can experience the Wailea Golf Club, which is home to three championship golf courses: the Gold, Emerald, and Blue courses offer breathtaking ocean views from every hole and boast dozens of prestigious accolades. There are also two intriguing and scenic courses at nearby Makena.
The Gold Course, home to the Champions Skins Game, is a 7,078-yard Robert Trent Jones II masterpiece, which features more challenge than its two sister courses together. You will be amazed by a rugged design that takes advantage of the terrain's natural undulations. The Gold Course is also called a "thinking player's course" with distracting island views as the most difficult hazards. Not to mention spectacular ocean views, Molokini islet, ancient lava rock walls, coconut trees, and sparkling white bunkers... Very spectacular, and a very challenging course for any player.
The Old Blue Course, a classic Arthur Jack Snyder beauty, stretches 6,765 yards from its tips, and features cooling fountains, serene lakes, exotic blossoms, and coral sand bunkers. The Old Blue is more of a beauty and splendor than a challenge. A "weekend" golfer will be rewarded by the graceful design and generous fairways. On the other hand, pros will also be able to find their niche on the course, thanks to the course's elevation changes and strategically placed hazards. Almost every hole is blessed with stunning ocean vistas, and the 12th hole allows amazing whale watching in season.
The Emerald Course at Wailea Golf Club can also be called a tropical playground for its tropically colored layout. It is interesting that the course was designed for fun, for practically every player. It's no wonder that Women Magazine first granted the Wailea Golf Club a Top Fairways Award for the country's most women-friendly golf clubs. So if you are a novice or just want to get some fun, the Emerald Course is right for you. While playing, you will be delighted with its carpet-like fairways, colorful foliage, and numerous vistas of the Pacific Ocean and Mt. Haleakala. One of the more unusual features of the Emerald Course is the double green shared by holes # 10 and # 17. The green borders a 2.7 million gallon brackish water lake and is one of the most picturesque spots on the course.
Truly, some of the best golf in Hawaii is to be found at the Wailea Golf Club - challenging on the Gold course, rewarding on the Old Blue, and amazing on the Emerald. It is a golf course experience to suit any taste!
If you have already played the fantastic threesome at the Wailea Golf Club, enjoy the peaceful golfing escape at the nearby Makena North and South courses. The Makena North Course is another 18-hole championship golf venue designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Its natural surrounding is inseparable from the course, so when you play the course, it feels like you play the untouched landscape. Natural Hawaiian rock walls play an integral part in the course design. Natural gullies and streambeds are also left intact, along with Makena's indigenous kiawe trees. Holes # 13 and # 14 are special on the course because of their unexpected wonderful views and elevation drops between tee and green. Opened in 1993, the course has gained popularity among thousands of golfers. Come and play the fabulous North course if you want to see why.
The South Course provides the serenity and tranquility that many golfers are searching for. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., the South Course is a spectacular 6,739-yard, par 72 with natural rolling fairways, undulating greens, and startling ocean and mountain vistas. The South Course is highlighted by one of Hawaii's top driving holes, the par-5 number 10. According to members of the PGA Aloha Section, # 10 was ranked as one of the top par 5's in Hawaii! The course's signature hole is # 16, running parallel to the ocean, and one of the toughest challenges. If you come in winter, you will be lucky to watch humpback whales from holes # 15 and # 16.
Makena-Wailea is home to several world-class resorts that offer superb accommodations complimented by fantastic dining. The magnificent Fairmont Kea Lani and Maui Prince Hotel, Makena Resort welcome you to become their guest. The Fairmont Kea Lani can be called a luxurious heaven lying on the sunny shores. The Resort's proximity to both Makena's North and South courses and Wailea's three championship 18-hole, par 72 golf courses, 11 tennis courts, and boutique shopping, allows a myriad of activities during the day. Spacious suites and villas are provided with all the amenities you might need for a comfortable stay. You can choose from one-bedroom suites, or two and three-bedroom villas - some with a private courtyard with plunge pool, deluxe barbeque grill, second bathroom, private washer and dryer, and a full kitchen. You will be enchanted by warm and gracious service, and the resort's polite and friendly staff is ahead of your every wish.
The other strongly recommended resort - Maui Prince Hotel, Makena Resort is located on a perfect crescent beach at the foot of Haleakala. You will enjoy the ambiance of serenity everywhere at the Resort – from your comfortable room to outdoor recreational amenities where you will face the genuine smiles and warm attention of the staff. Built around an Asian meditation garden with stone paths, quiet corners for contemplation, and waterfalls, Maui Prince Hotel offers 310 well-appointed oceanfront guest rooms, two golf courses (Makena North and South), signature restaurant offering Hawaii Regional and Japanese cuisines, excellent spa services, fitness facility and endless resort activities...
Resort dining is unsurpassed, if you decide to eat at one of Maui Prince Hotel's or Fairmont Kea Lani's signature restaurants, including award-winning Prince Court, Sunset Lu'au, Polo Beach Grille & Bar, Nick's Fishmarket-Maui, Caffe Ciao Deli. Or perhaps you'll want to dine nearby at The Shops at Wailea, where such favorite restaurants as Tommy Bahama's Tropical Café and Ruth Chris Steak House treat you with delectable lunches and dinners.
There is good reason why Maui is and remains a favorite among golfers and beach vacationers!
