Makena, Hawaii
Makena Golf & Beach Club delivers a spectacular blend of dramatic Pacific vistas, strong Jones pedigree, and memorable resort conditioning on Maui’s southern coast. The recently renovated North Course offers a rewarding challenge and truly distinct shot variety—making it a must-play for serious island golfers, even if national bucket-listers may focus elsewhere.
Makena Golf & Beach Club’s North Course channels the best of dramatic Hawaiian golf: broad ocean panoramas, lava rock outcrops, sloping fairways, and holes weaving meticulously through the land’s volcanic contours. Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s original vision aimed for accessible challenge, but Dennis Wise’s comprehensive 2013 renovation restored polish and elevated strategic complexity—firming the greens, enhancing short-par-4 temptation, and accentuating the ground game in select run-up zones. The routing surges and recedes to the coastline, rewarding thoughtful angles and club choice, all while absorbing wind and elevation change into the shot values. From the long, brutal par 4s to the risk-filled short holes, the course is a study in disciplined beauty and strategic invitation, coupling eye-candy scene with authentic golf challenge.
Dennis Wise’s renovation keeps the soul of Jones—playable for all, compelling for the skilled—while intensifying drama and reward for creative thinking.
Your round launches with a par 5 demanding commitment out of the gate. With fairway undulation and ocean wind in play, length is only half the battle—the real test is setting up your preferred angle into the green as the Pacific glimmers ahead.
Tee balls favor left center for best approach; aggressive drives can reach in two with riskier lines.
Stray right, and native flora and tough lies punish the overbold. A miss left brings awkward angles to a raised green.
Meticulously maintained greens, manicured tees, and lush fairways framed by Pacific vistas.
Plan ample time for a premium resort pace—enjoy every view rather than rush your round.
Upscale, member-driven relaxation with an undercurrent of competitive spirit.
Traditional resort-club golf attire recommended.
Firm greens demand touch—dial in mid-iron trajectories before you play.
Bring extra club options and expect crosswinds to impact club selection.
Bring sun protection and water—Maui sun and course exposure can sap you quickly.
Makena’s original 18-hole course opens as centerpiece of Maui Prince Hotel.
Resort expands to 36 holes, adding the North and South courses.
Major Dennis Wise renovation reimagines North Course; private club model adopted.
North Course ranked #9 on Golf Digest's Hawaii Best in State list.
North Course remains operational; South Course closed and set for future renovation.
Makena means 'place of abundance,' and the course lives up to its name with lush fairways, native flora, and a setting locals have cherished for generations. After its resort era, the club's refinement under Discovery Land Company doubled down on exclusivity and the region’s natural bounty.
Makena made its name as a celebrated resort round—playing host to travelers and earning places on national resort lists. Its 2013 renovation transformed it into a private sanctuary, elevating architectural nuances and member experience without losing its sense of adventure.
The 2013 Wise renovation didn’t just polish the surfaces—it reimagined play, like converting the third into a short, spirited par four that tempts boldness. His work artfully blends the bones of Jones’s original with sharper strategic drama.
Makena translates to 'place of abundance' in Hawaiian—a name the property embodies.
The 14th hole, at 632 yards, is one of the longest par 5s you’ll find in Hawaii.
Dennis Wise’s renovation included transforming the 3rd into a drivable par 4—temptation central.
Makena’s North Course slopes from coastline nearly to volcanic foothills—a true elevation journey.
Neighboring 54-hole complex with strong architecture and a welcoming resort vibe.
Classic West Maui venue—ocean views, walkable layouts, rich golf history.
Worth a detour for public play with links-inspired turf on upcountry terrain.
Affordable local play with big vistas and fun layout.
Stay in Wailea or Makena for immediate access to Makena GC and the best of South Maui beaches, golf, dining, and resorts.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: Gozzer Ranch Golf & Lake Club is a natural next stop after Makena Golf & Beach Club: it shares a memorable sense of place.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Aurora International Golf Club shares a memorable sense of place, making it a compelling counterpart to Makena Golf & Beach Club.
Why it matches: Sand Hollow Resort Championship Course is a natural next stop after Makena Golf & Beach Club: it shares a memorable sense of place.
Community Sentiment
See something inaccurate in this listing?