Pros

  • Oceanfront property with access to a lovely quiet beach
  • Spacious, contemporary condos with large sliding doors that open onto the lanai
  • All condos have great ocean views
  • Updated kitchens with stainless-steel appliances
  • Two nice pools and hot tubs
  • Well-maintained tropical gardens with many flowers
  • Four tennis courts on site
  • Free Wi-Fi and parking
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Cons

  • Secluded location not walking distance to restaurants or shops
  • No fitness room or spa
  • Some units are more updated than others
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Bottom Line

This 105-unit upscale condo resort is one of the few properties in Makena, a small neighborhood just south of the big resorts and busy beaches of Wailea. It’s a great option for families looking for peace and quiet and a place that’s away from the crowds. The contemporary open-plan condos have big sliding doors that open onto comfortable lanais. All units have lovely ocean views, and the oceanfront units are just steps from the water, where sea turtles are often spotted. There aren’t any restaurants in walking distance, but plenty of options can be found within a 10-minute drive.

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Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Internet
  • Pool

Oyster Hotel Review

Makena Surf

Scene

A peaceful, oceanfront property great for relaxation and escaping the crowds

At the far end of posh Wailea, the small neighborhood of Makena is the gateway to some fantastic state parks and beaches. Makena Surf is a relaxed, upmarket condo resort that occupies a beautiful piece of oceanfront in a lesser-known area of South Maui. Two- or three-bedroom condos, all with great ocean views, are arranged across seven buildings on the 10-acre property. Many of the condos are just steps from the water where sea turtles and whales can be spotted from comfortable lanais. Guests will enjoy great sunsets on this quiet, laid-back part of the island.

With gated access, the property is very private and secure. Makena Surf is maintained by Destination Resorts, a company that manages eight properties in the area. Check-in is at the Destination Resorts office, which is a short drive away. The immaculately maintained grounds at the resort feature lush foliage, with many tropical flowers in bloom throughout the property including several varieties of orchid. The resort is definitely quiet in the evenings and far from any local nightlife, but it’s great for families and those looking for peace and relaxation.

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Location

A quiet area just south of Wailea, with great beaches

One of the last stops on the road down the coast of South Maui, Makena is a tranquil neighborhood just past the swanky resorts of posh Wailea. Makena Surf is an oceanfront property that faces out onto a point and is adjacent to the beautiful beach at Po’olenalena Park. The expansive Wailea Golf Club’s greens are across the street from the resort. This quiet area is largely suburban, and there aren’t many things in walking distance of the property. There are several dining options and shopping, including the upscale Wailea Mall, within a 10-minute drive from the hotel. It’s a great spot to explore Maui’s natural beauty including a surreal-looking lava field and Makena State Park and the local favorite Big Beach, just a short drive farther down the road. It’s about a 35-minute drive from the airport.

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Rooms

Open floor plans that take advantage fo the great ocean views

There are 105 condos at Makena Surf with either two or three bedrooms. The spacious, modern condos feature a great open floor plan, with a kitchen, living room and dining room that face out toward ocean views. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open onto a private lanai with a grill and outdoor seating area. The updated kitchens have stainless-steel appliances, dishwashers, nice counter tops and lots of cabinet space. Some units even offer a wine cooler in the dining area.

The condos feature contemporary furnishings and the furniture is generally up to date and clean – however some units may lack certain updates (the unit we saw, though, was immaculate). The decor mixes dark wood pieces with modern patterns and bold colors like taupe, forest green, and deep red. While specific furnishings and items will differ from unit to unit, all condos have flat-screen TVs and DVD players. Some also include a Bose stereo system or iPod docks. Nice bathrooms include updated lighting, new tile and marble countertops. The walk-in showers are outfitted with local coconut-scented bath products. Every unit has a washer and dryer. While all units have lovely ocean views from the lanais, the oceanfront condos are just steps from the water and the sound of the ocean ripples into the home.

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Features

Two pools, herb gardens, and a lovely, lesser-known beach

There are two pools, both about the same size, on opposite sides of the property. Each pool is accompanied by a nice hot tub and outdoor showers. Comfortable padded lounge chairs and a few umbrellas for shade are arranged around the pools, and the atmosphere is generally peaceful. Near each pool there is a nice communal grilling area, though all units also have their own grill on the lanai. There’s a lovely herb garden with several different kinds of herbs for guests to use, from scallions to basil to thyme. There are four tennis courts at Makena Surf, two with lights. There is no fitness room or spa facilities on the property.

Throughout the property, beautiful, serene grassy lawns slope down toward the sea, and near the water a walkway leads the way to the beach. Paipu beach is a smaller beach, but it is quieter and less crowded than some of the bigger beaches in Wailea. There is plenty of space to enjoy and it is a great place for families, but there is little natural shade. There’s great snorkeling right off the beach. Most of the condos provide beach chairs and a few other items for your day in the sand. Wi-Fi and self-parking are included.

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Oyster Hotel Review

Makena Surf

Scene

A peaceful, oceanfront property great for relaxation and escaping the crowds

At the far end of posh Wailea, the small neighborhood of Makena is the gateway to some fantastic state parks and beaches. Makena Surf is a relaxed, upmarket condo resort that occupies a beautiful piece of oceanfront in a lesser-known area of South Maui. Two- or three-bedroom condos, all with great ocean views, are arranged across seven buildings on the 10-acre property. Many of the condos are just steps from the water where sea turtles and whales can be spotted from comfortable lanais. Guests will enjoy great sunsets on this quiet, laid-back part of the island.

With gated access, the property is very private and secure. Makena Surf is maintained by Destination Resorts, a company that manages eight properties in the area. Check-in is at the Destination Resorts office, which is a short drive away. The immaculately maintained grounds at the resort feature lush foliage, with many tropical flowers in bloom throughout the property including several varieties of orchid. The resort is definitely quiet in the evenings and far from any local nightlife, but it’s great for families and those looking for peace and relaxation.

See More Scene

Location

A quiet area just south of Wailea, with great beaches

One of the last stops on the road down the coast of South Maui, Makena is a tranquil neighborhood just past the swanky resorts of posh Wailea. Makena Surf is an oceanfront property that faces out onto a point and is adjacent to the beautiful beach at Po’olenalena Park. The expansive Wailea Golf Club’s greens are across the street from the resort. This quiet area is largely suburban, and there aren’t many things in walking distance of the property. There are several dining options and shopping, including the upscale Wailea Mall, within a 10-minute drive from the hotel. It’s a great spot to explore Maui’s natural beauty including a surreal-looking lava field and Makena State Park and the local favorite Big Beach, just a short drive farther down the road. It’s about a 35-minute drive from the airport.

See More Location

Rooms

Open floor plans that take advantage fo the great ocean views

There are 105 condos at Makena Surf with either two or three bedrooms. The spacious, modern condos feature a great open floor plan, with a kitchen, living room and dining room that face out toward ocean views. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open onto a private lanai with a grill and outdoor seating area. The updated kitchens have stainless-steel appliances, dishwashers, nice counter tops and lots of cabinet space. Some units even offer a wine cooler in the dining area.

The condos feature contemporary furnishings and the furniture is generally up to date and clean – however some units may lack certain updates (the unit we saw, though, was immaculate). The decor mixes dark wood pieces with modern patterns and bold colors like taupe, forest green, and deep red. While specific furnishings and items will differ from unit to unit, all condos have flat-screen TVs and DVD players. Some also include a Bose stereo system or iPod docks. Nice bathrooms include updated lighting, new tile and marble countertops. The walk-in showers are outfitted with local coconut-scented bath products. Every unit has a washer and dryer. While all units have lovely ocean views from the lanais, the oceanfront condos are just steps from the water and the sound of the ocean ripples into the home.

See More Rooms

Features

Two pools, herb gardens, and a lovely, lesser-known beach

There are two pools, both about the same size, on opposite sides of the property. Each pool is accompanied by a nice hot tub and outdoor showers. Comfortable padded lounge chairs and a few umbrellas for shade are arranged around the pools, and the atmosphere is generally peaceful. Near each pool there is a nice communal grilling area, though all units also have their own grill on the lanai. There’s a lovely herb garden with several different kinds of herbs for guests to use, from scallions to basil to thyme. There are four tennis courts at Makena Surf, two with lights. There is no fitness room or spa facilities on the property.

Throughout the property, beautiful, serene grassy lawns slope down toward the sea, and near the water a walkway leads the way to the beach. Paipu beach is a smaller beach, but it is quieter and less crowded than some of the bigger beaches in Wailea. There is plenty of space to enjoy and it is a great place for families, but there is little natural shade. There’s great snorkeling right off the beach. Most of the condos provide beach chairs and a few other items for your day in the sand. Wi-Fi and self-parking are included.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Beach

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Full Kitchen

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Pool

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.