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Trip Advisor rates Makena Beach 5 stars

Mark — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 04:40:04 +0000

Reviews for Makena Beach, Maui

“Big Beach, Big Waves”

The beach is stunning, but the current is quite strong and the waves tend to break right on shore. Not often a good swimming option for inexperienced swimmers, but definitely worth a visit.

“Heaven on maui”

Maui is a very conservative place, and can be quite culturally stifling to those of us from more liberal places. That’s why Little Beach in Makena is my favourite place on Maui. You’ll find some of the most interesting and eclectic people in Hawaii and from around the world here. See humpback whales breaching , turtles swimming, rainbows appearing, while a drum circle performs, people body surf, spear fish drink beer, smoke and socialize – and it’s all clothing optional. This beach is not for everyone, but a more interesting beach does not exist on Maui. Lots of parking at Big Beach next door. Try it at least once.

Visited February 2012

“Best beach I have ever been to”

This beach is absolute perfect. The views are breathtaking views. The beach is huge and offers good boogie boarding and snorkeling. You can see whales right from shore. There is ample parking. We were going to go for a few hours, then work our way back up to Kihei by stopping at other beaches in Wailea and south Kihei on the way. We got here in the late morning and never wanted to leave. Do NOT miss this beach!!

Visited December 2011

“Vow Renewal at Maluaka Beach, Makena, Maui”

We used Makena Weddings with Rev Al and Laurie. I needed to view the locations before I chose my beach location. I am sooooooo glad I did. All the beaches are great but check them out so you get a feel for the location. Research online as well. Many locations can be busy at sunset. I chose the north end of Maluaka beach because the “sand and back drop were the best!” Consider a professional phototographer, I had someone else use my Nikon D70 and they came out beautiful but …. professional photos may have even been better. As for Rev Al and Laurie, they came highly recommended by locals and many top notch hotels work with them exclusivley. I was 110% satisfied! Laurie dealt with my ongoing stress and Rev Al knew exactly how to keep it a surprise and make it so special for me and my husband! I planned this surprise for our 10 year anniversary and my husband said it was “the best gift ever.” Rev Al is Hawaiian and did an amazing ceremony and drew out emotions we forgot existed! Wow, that’s all I can say! Wow! I planned this trip in less than two weeks and pulled off this amazing day without a hitch! Even the sunset cooperated after overcast weather all day! Hawaiian musician set the tone and brought it all together for the best memory ever!

Visited January 2012

“Big beach and heavy surf”

A nice beach with lots of space. Not very much parking so go early. Even in rough conditions the water seems to stay clear in this area. Though its not recommended to go into the water some nice sea life can be found out from the life guard stations. I saw lots of sea turtles. On the north side of the beach the rock outcrop is supposed to have more sea life but didn’t make it there.

The surf is almost always a shore break so going into and out of the water can be hazardous.

Visited February 2011

“sunset to die for”

Make sure you go here, we came at the end of day and watched the sunset this was perfect! the sand goes forever, great for long walks , the beauty is unique, you wont find another like it on the island. There is parking, food trailers etc. I stil think about it now that im home. sad in canada.

Visited November 2011

via www.tripadvisor.com

Maui voted “Best Island” by readers of Conde Nast Traveler for seventeen years

Mark — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 04:23:08 +0000

Explore Maui’s top sights and attractions. From landmarks like historic Iao Valley to Makena Beach, one of Maui’s largest beaches, learn about the special places that make Maui so unforgettable.

- Hana is a small, untouched town on Maui’s eastern coastline. To get here visitors must travel one of the world’s most scenic drives.

- Haleakala National Park, a scenic national park on the island of Maui and home to Maui’s highest peak.

- Central Maui’s Iao Valley State Park features one of Maui’s most recognizable landmarks, the 1,200-foot Iao Needle.

- Kaanapali Beach is the signature beach of West Maui.

- Lahaina is a historic whaling village and lively west Maui hot spot.

- Makena Beach, also known as “Big Beach,” is one of the largest beaches in Maui.

- Molokini is a small island a few miles off of Maui’s southwestern coast that’s well suited for snorkelers and divers.

- The Pools of Oheo, located just past Hana, are beautiful pools fed by cascading waterfalls.

- A rural, artistic community on the slopes of Upcountry Maui, Makawao is home to the Paniolo, or Hawaiian cowboy.

Ship Harvests Ocean Water

Mark — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:02:46 +0000

: Deep Ocean Hawaii’s pump extends 2,000 feet into the ocean off the Waianae Coast and draws water, which is desalinat-ed and purified aboard its ship before being trans-ferred to a cargo vessel. Illustration Courtesy: Deep Ocean HawaiiDeep Ocean Hawaii is taking Hawaii’s most abundant resource — ocean water — desalinating it and selling the purified product in bulk to companies in countries like China, where water is polluted or in short supply. “Hawaii can become an international leader in a safe and green exportation of water in a more socially responsible way,” says Rob Robinson, senior adviser for Deep Ocean Hawaii.

Where

Most desalination water plants take water from the top 325 feet of the ocean, “which has a lot of environmental negative elements,” says Robinson. But, he says, Deep Ocean Hawaii’s electric pipe harvests water from 2,000 feet below the surface — “where the water is pure and it is going to have less ecological impact” — and desalinates it onboard its ship using reverse osmosis.

Different  Method

Deep Ocean Hawaii uses a ship called The Spirit of the North, whereas other Hawaii companies that sell purified seawater pump the water into onshore purification plants in Kona. The 150-foot ship pumps up the water from three to four miles off the Waianae coast, and transfers it at sea to a cargo ship.

How Much

The ship can pump and purify 130,000 gallons of water a day, but the company is increasing that to a million, says Roger Ulveling, president and CEO of Deep Ocean Hawaii and a former director of the state Department of Business and Economic Development. “We have taken technologies that have existed in other locations and put them together into a process that has solved the problems (of previous technologies).”

Other Uses

Deep Ocean Hawaii says it is in discussions with the state to  supply water in emergencies when the normal water supply is cut off.

By Mark Brislin

Maui one of the world’s best places

Mark — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 01:35:36 +0000

Maui is one of the most visited islands in the Hawaiian chain. And for good reason. As Rough Guides says, the beautiful patch of land in the Pacific is “the best equipped of all the islands for activity holidays — whale-watching, windsurfing, diving, sailing, snorkeling, relaxing and cycling.”

Some things To Do in Maui

From breathtaking beaches to serene gardens, cultural sites to underwater playgrounds, Maui offers several days worth of diversions. The island is especially popular with active travelers since it offers plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors. But after hiking in Haleakala National Park or whale watching off the island’s southern or western coasts, writers urge you to visit Maui’s historic sites. Some of the best include the Whalers Village Museum or the Lahaina District, home to numerous plantation towns, ancient Hawaiian churches and the largest statue of Buddha outside of Asia.

Luau

Cliché as it might seem, many travel writers and recent visitors insist that you can’t go to Maui without participating in a luau. One of the most famous is the Old Lahaina Luau, located along Front Street in the town of the same name. Travel experts praise the luau for its authenticity, fine food and entertainment.

The Road to Hana

Maui’s most famous road is also one of the most romantic and iconic in the world. Stops along the way allow tourists to explore Hawaii’s lush forest, wildlife and waterways. A tip from travel writers: Start along the road in the early morning, when you can avoid heavy traffic. The Road to Hana is best enjoyed at your own pace.

Beaches

In Maui, deciding which beach to visit depends a lot on your favorite color. Take your pick of white, gold, black, red and even green sand; the different hues are a result of minerals found in the volcanic stone from which the sand was formed. Writers and recent visitors especially suggest Kaihalulu in East Maui, better known as Red Sand Beach.

Nature

Maui’s upcountry offers some of the best hiking and most awe-inspiring natural sights in the United States, and perhaps even the world. An almost universally loved hiking and eco-tourism destination in Maui is the fabulous Haleakala National Park, which contains several waterfalls, hiking trails, views of the ocean and an almost surreal volcanic landscape.

Those interested in seeing the back-country — complete with virgin waterfalls, remote wilderness trails, and quiet, meditative settings — should head for Haleakala’s upcountry or the tropical Hana Coast.”– Frommer’s
Get ready for an otherworldly experience at Haleakala National Park. It’s astonishing volcanic landscape so resembles a lunar surface that astronauts practiced mock lunar walks here before landing on the moon.” — Lonely Planet

Additional Maui Information . . .

Mark — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:37:25 +0000

Maui is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, as is evidenced by yet another title of “Best Island in the World” by Conde Nast. A true outdoor-lover paradise, it boasts breathtaking beaches, pristine tropical jungles, and unparalleled wildlife. The possibilities of a Maui lifestyle are boundless, from hiking in Haleakala, surfing in Paia, exploring immaculate beaches in Wailea and Makena, taking in yet another awe-inspiring sunset in Kihei or Lahaina, your imagination will be the only limit.

Golf

Golf in Maui is the ultimate golf experience. Experts and amateurs will relish the experience of golfing in some of the most picture-perfect, yet challenging courses in the world.

Shopping

Shopping in Maui is an experience in it of itself. From world-famous retailers like Tiffany’s and Louis Vuitton, to quaint antique stores, to the neighborhood local retailer, you can enjoy it all in Maui.

Dining

Maui offers some of the finest and most diverse cuisine in the world. Often overlooked in all its natural beauty is the talent of cuisine revolutionaries who reinvent the art of cooking.

Private Schools

The centerpiece of the Montessori School approach is allowing children to learn on their own while being guided by the teacher. Montessori teachers do not correct work and hand it back with lots of red marks. A child’s work is not graded. The teacher assesses what the child has learned and then guides him into new areas of discovery.

Seabury Hall is an independent school affiliated with the Episcopal Church designed to prepare students for successful college and university work; move students to develop mind, body, and soul; and cause students to realize their responsibility to community.

Haleakala Waldorf School places human development and creativity at the center of its work and curriculum. The HWS approach provides a rich education preparing children to meet the challenges of our world and the future with clarity of thought, trust in the value of each human being, and inner confidence.

Activities

Maui is known as a true utopia, from body-defying water sports, to indescribable hiking opportunities, activities to enjoy are limitless.

You can often SEE whales from shore … but you can not experience them from that distance. There is a tremendous difference between watching a whale splashing in the water two miles away and experiencing the thrill of looking over the edge of the boat and having one of these gentle giants swim directly underneath you. If you are here during peak season from December 15th to April 15th, do yourself a favor and go on a whale watch.

Snorkeling in Maui is some of the best snorkeling in the world. From Molokini Crater, to Lanai, and even out in front at your closest Maui beaches, it is an experience not to be missed.

Everyone knows Maui has great surf, we’ve all seen the amazing video clips of pros tackling the monster Maui wave called “Jaws.” But how about for beginners? Is it safe and fun to surf in Maui? Of course! Anyone can learn to surf in Maui. Surfing is fun, easy and great exercise for the whole body (every single muscle in your shoulders and back will remember it).

The Road to Hana is an event in it of itself. This scenic coastal road consists of over 600 curves and more than 50 one-lane bridges. Offering views of the ocean, beaches, valleys, and waterfalls, you will have glorious photo opportunities the whole day through.

Makena – Maui

Mark — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:18:01 +0000

Bordered on the north by the posh Wailea Resort area and on the south by the ʻAhihi Kinavu Natural Area Reserve, the Makena area of South Maui, offers an unparalleled experience 0f nature in a world of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and breezes that soothe the spirit.

Oneloa, appropriately called Big Beach, runs more than 3,000 feet long and 100 feet wide. The sands are dazzling white and the water runs turquoise to jade.

Space and freedom are the signature of Makena.

History of Makena:

In ancient times, Hawaiians settled in small villages along the Makena shore. They came to fish the large schools of akule that practically swam into their nets.

People from the uplands would come for the weekly hukilau, the seafood version of the luʻau.

It was just south of here that French explorer Jean-Francois de Galaup, Compte de La Pérouse, became the first non-Polynesian to set foot on Maui in 1786. The place where he landed is named after him: La Pérouse Bay.

In the 1800′s Makena Landing served as the dock for the famous Rose Ranch (now the ʻUlupalakua Ranch) located in the hills of Upcountry above Makena.

King David Kalakaua, was a regular visitor at the ranch, and ships from around the world came to call at Makena Landing to visit the successful American rancher who was the trusted friend of royalty.

Makena is the area where the developed area of South Maui meets the site of the most recent (1790) lava flow from Haleakala volcano. The beaches in this area of South Maui are rarely crowded, in many places wider, always excellent and with great sun and swimming.

excerpted from : gohawaii.about.com , John Fischer, About.com Guide

Maui, The Magic Isle . . .

Mark — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:45:45 +0000

Maui, “The Magic Isle”, is considered the most diverse of all Hawaiian Islands. It is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands, occupying more than 727 square miles.

Are you looking for seclusion? The enormous dormant volcano, Haleakala Crater, dominates the center of the island. The upcountry meadows and roads around the crater are a wonderful area for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

Do you want to hit the town? Maui’s main town, Lahaina, is a lively oceanfront village with exotic restaurants, bars, shops and art galleries that stay open late at night. This is where sport fishing, whale watching, sightseeing and snorkeling cruises set sail from.

Maui combines world-class resorts with scenic small towns like no other island. The West Coast is known for prime resort areas – Kapalua, Kaanapali, Wailea and Makena. The secluded East Coast is best known for the tiny Hana town where you can witness the unspoiled lifestyle of last century’s Hawaii.

- EVERYONE LOVES IT
According to Travel & Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler, Maui provides a very high level of satisfaction. The locals simply say: “Maui no ka oi!” – “Maui is the best!”.

- EXCELLENT CHOICE OF DINING, SHOPPING, GOLF
You will find an abundance of restaurants that offer European, American, Pacific Rim, Japanese, Hawaiian and other fare. Shopping includes exclusive boutiques, quirky souvenir shops and local markets. Maui is home to a dozen championship golf courses designed by the likes of Nicklaus, Palmer, Jones and Norman, and hosts 3 major PGA golf tournaments.

- BEST BEACHES
There are over 80 beaches, including The World’s Best Beach.

- WHALE WATCHING
In the months of December through April, giant humpback whales come to Maui’s warm waters to frolic, mate and bear their young. Maui’s West Shore (Kaanapali) is the best area for whale watching.

- ARTS
Most travelers do not know that Maui is famous for its thriving artist colony. There are over 40 galleries around the island showcasing everything from ceramics to woods, Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Lahaina Art Nights, and other special events throughout the year.

from : hawaiitravelbureau.com

Makena launches Friday Night Seafood Buffet

Mark — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:29:17 +0000

Friday nights on Maui just got better with the recent launch of the Makena Beach & Golf Resort’s Friday Night Seafood Buffet at its newly renovated Molokini Bar & Grille Restaurant.

Under the direction of Executive Chef Marc McDowell, the seafood buffet features the best of Pacific Ocean’s bounty. With his culinary team, McDowell artfully puts together five stations that highlight the fresh offerings he mainly obtains from the ocean waters surrounding Maui.

“We are excited to offer a Friday Night Buffet that showcases the bounty of the ocean surrounding the islands,” says Chef McDowell, formerly with The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.

“We’ve created a menu that makes use of multiple cooking styles from many countries while highlighting fresh local ingredients. We hope you will come and join us. You will be happy you did.”

Bring your appetites, and savor the fresh salads such as shrimp Caesar, and shrimp and artichokes with fresh greens from the chef’s own garden. Then move on to the seafood terrines, and soups such as clam and corn chowder and seafood bisque with herb crostini (little toasts), which provide a creamy variance to the Friday night spread.

The Friday night buffet complements the resort’s popular weekend lineup of buffet and brunches, such as the Saturday Japanese Buffet and the multiple award-winning Sunday Brunch.

Chefs hand carve prime rib of beef with caramelized-onion and port-wine demi glace, and whole mahimahi steamed in ti leaves with Thai coconut curry.

Other top picks are crab au gratin potatoes, steamed clams with bread and garlic butter, basil salmon and beer-batter mahi with tangy jalapeno remoulade.

Save room for the dessert bar with apple crumble, pineapple rum colada bites and mini pumpkin pies.

from : The Maui News

Maui’s Makena Beach’s world-class golf resort

Mark — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 06:59:26 +0000

Ranked in the Top 10 Hawaiian Golf Courses by Golf Digest, the Makena Golf Course is one of Maui’s only sea-to-mountain 18-hole golf courses with an all natural surrounding.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the Makena Golf Course is a natural test of golf that winds up, down, over and around the verdant foothills of Maui’s 10,028 foot-high dormant volcano, Mt. Haleakala. The course offers awe-inspiring ocean and mountain views on every hole, panoramic views of native kiawe forest and indigenous wiliwili trees, ancient Hawaiian rock walls, natural streams and gullies, and abundant wildlife, unique among Maui golf resorts. It’s as much a remarkable nature walk as it is an unforgettable golf outing, providing a truly memorable setting to enjoy your day on the links.

Visually stunning and an experience for golfers of all skill levels, the Makena Golf Course has long been a standard bearer for an unforgettable experience and will satisfy any golfer in pursuit of the ultimate round in Hawaii.

from makenaresortmaui.com

Maui’s Sustainable Future

Mark — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:43:29 +0000

There are competing visions for Maui’s future. One is more of the same type of development we have had for the past 40 years: hotels, condominiums, upscale subdivisions and workforce housing, all connected by collector roads lined with shopping malls. The alternative is more complex and more appealing, one in which we overcome our depending on foreign oil, imported food and planeloads of visitors arriving in ever greater numbers. Maui currently spends north of $700 million importing fuel and about $500 million bringing in food. There is a movement underway to generate vastly greater amounts of energy using the winds over our mountains, the waves off our shores and the abundant sunshine the pours down most days. Even our vast sugar fields are now being considered for huge solar arrays. The network of tunnels and ditches that has brought north shore water into the cane fields can be used to grow bamboo, one of the best carbon sinks on earth; the bamboo can be burned for fuel and the resulting biochar will be use to regenerate our depleted soils. That is a superior winning strategy if it can be pulled off. Not all of this is destined, but much of it is in the planning state. Hotels, condos, business, farms—all are shifting from carbon burning and polluting technologies to these alternative technologies. This is a great green opportunity for the innovators. One of my favorites is the Hawaii Electric Vehicle Network that plans to bring in hundreds of electric cars. Isn’t Maui the perfect place to experience the future?