Makena Condominium Guide
Makena Surf
A secluded, gated oceanfront condominium community set across more than ten acres along the Makena coastline, with direct access to Poʻolenalena Beach, expansive ocean views, resort-style amenities, and hotel zoning.
Makena Surf Condos for Sale
Explore currently available residences at Makena Surf.
Makena Surf at a Glance
Makena Surf is one of South Maui’s most private and recognizable oceanfront condominium communities. The property sits along the southern end of Poʻolenalena Beach and combines a low-rise resort layout with expansive tropical grounds, direct shoreline access, and broad views toward the Pacific, Kahoʻolawe, Molokini, and the West Maui Mountains.
The community is spread across approximately 10.81 acres and consists of six low-rise buildings developed in multiple phases. Residences are primarily two- and three-bedroom layouts, many with large lanais and direct or panoramic ocean views. Unlike the denser condominium developments found in parts of Kihei, Makena Surf feels spacious, quiet, and intentionally separated from surrounding commercial activity.
Makena Surf is both a residential ownership community and an established vacation-rental destination. Its H-M Hotel zoning is one of the property’s most important distinctions for buyers considering short-term rental use. However, zoning alone should never replace a full review of current condominium documents, rental-management requirements, county regulations, tax treatment, and the rental history of the specific residence being purchased.
The Appeal
Why Buyers Consider Makena Surf
Oceanfront Location
Makena Surf occupies a rare position directly along the Makena coastline. Depending on the building and residence, owners may have views across Poʻolenalena Beach, the smaller cove near Chang’s Beach, Molokini, Kahoʻolawe, and Maui’s western coastline.
Low-Rise, Low-Density Setting
The buildings are only two or three stories and are distributed throughout more than ten acres of landscaped grounds. This gives the property a quieter and less compressed atmosphere than many larger resort communities.
Hotel Zoning & Rental Flexibility
Makena Surf is identified as H-M Hotel zoned and currently allows vacation rentals. This can be a major consideration for buyers who want to combine personal use with rental income, although the economics and operating requirements vary significantly by residence.
Established Luxury Market
Makena Surf is a long-established luxury condominium community with limited overall inventory. Individual residences vary considerably in condition, renovation level, view, floor, building position, rental performance, and proximity to the shoreline.
Nearby Landmarks
- Poʻolenalena Beach
- Chang’s Beach
- Wailea Beach
- The Shops at Wailea
- Wailea Golf Club
- Makena Landing
- Mākena State Park
- ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Reserve
Directly on the Makena Coastline
Makena Surf is positioned along one of South Maui’s most scenic stretches of coastline. The property fronts the southern end of Poʻolenalena Beach, which is also sometimes associated locally with Paipu Beach, and is close to the smaller shoreline area commonly known as Chang’s Beach.
Poʻolenalena is known for its broad sandy shoreline, swimming conditions during favorable weather, sunsets, seasonal whale watching, and opportunities to see tropical fish and sea turtles. Ocean conditions can change quickly, and swimming, snorkeling, and shoreline access should always be evaluated based on current surf, wind, and weather conditions.
The community is south of Wailea’s main resort corridor. Shops, restaurants, golf courses, spas, and resort services are accessible by car, but Makena Surf itself is intentionally removed from the busiest commercial areas.
Buildings and Property Layout
Makena Surf’s buildings were completed in several phases, beginning in 1984, with later construction occurring around 1989 and 1994. The property contains a combination of two- and three-story buildings. There are no elevators, making stair access and floor location important considerations for buyers.
Views and property experiences can vary dramatically by building and unit. Some residences face the broad expanse of Poʻolenalena Beach, while others overlook the smaller southern cove, landscaped grounds, or rocky shoreline. Ground-floor residences may offer convenient lawn and beach access, while upper-floor residences may provide greater elevation, privacy, and wider ocean views.
Why the building matters
At Makena Surf, building location can be nearly as important as interior condition. Buyers should compare view corridors, beach proximity, afternoon sun exposure, prevailing winds, parking access, stairs, pool proximity, privacy, shoreline exposure, and surrounding landscaping before relying only on interior photographs.
Makena Surf Residence Sizes and Configurations
Makena Surf is best known for spacious two- and three-bedroom residences, although the original condominium data includes several uncommon larger configurations. Interior square footage, lanai area, floor-plan measurements, bedroom counts, and legal unit descriptions should be verified against the condominium map, tax records, and the specific listing.
| Bedrooms | Bathrooms | Approx. Interior Sq. Ft. | Historical Unit Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 1,038 | 11 |
| 2 | 2 | 1,313 | 22 |
| 2 | 2 | 1,379 | 8 |
| 2 | 2 | 1,420 | 2 |
| 2 | 2 | 1,510 | 22 |
| 2 | 2 | 1,548 | 8 |
| 2 | 2 | 1,600 | 8 |
| 2 | 2 | 1,616 | 1 |
| 2 | 2 | 1,618 | 4 |
| 2 | 2 | 1,622 | 1 |
| 2 | 2 | 1,627 | 2 |
| 3 | 3 | 1,640 | 9 |
| 2 | 3 | 1,644 | 1 |
| 2 | 2 | 1,644 | 1 |
| 3 | 3 | 2,477 | 1 |
| 3 | 3 | 2,494 | 1 |
| 5 | 5 | 2,678 | 1 |
| 4 | 4 | 3,218 | 1 |
| 3 | 3 | 3,415 | 1 |
Published sources differ slightly regarding Makena Surf’s total residence count. Historical records have reported between 104 and 107 units. Real Maui Life currently uses 105 residences as the primary reference while recommending that buyers verify the legal project count and specific unit information through current condominium and public records.
Most commonly available residences are two-bedroom layouts.
Interior size alone does not determine value; view, building, floor, renovation quality, and shoreline position can create major price differences.
Larger and less common configurations may be combined, modified, or otherwise unique and require closer review of legal records and renovation approvals.
Makena Surf Amenities
Pools & Wellness
- Two temperature-controlled swimming pools
- Two hot tubs or spas
- 24-hour fitness center
- Landscaped walking paths
- Tropical gardens
- Two herb gardens
Sports & Recreation
- Four tennis courts
- Two tennis courts with lighting
- Pickleball striping/courts incorporated
- Basketball hoop
- Recreation areas
Outdoor Living
- Gas barbecue areas
- Direct beach access
- Oceanfront and beachfront setting
- More than 10 acres of landscaped grounds
- Outdoor gathering areas
- On-site parking
Access & Security
- Gated entrance
- Professional on-site security
- Security coverage available around the clock
Note: Amenity availability, hours, rules, court reservations, fitness-room access, and guest privileges are controlled by the association and may change.
Complete Property Details
General Information
Pet Information
Based on the current project information supplied. Service animals, assistance animals, and legally protected accommodations are governed by applicable law and should not be described as ordinary pet permission.
Rental & Occupancy
Historical owner occupancy and rental participation are estimates and not guaranteed current statistics.
Commonly Found Features
- • Private lanai
- • Full kitchen
- • Dishwasher
- • Refrigerator
- • Range and oven
- • Microwave (many units)
- • In-unit washer & dryer
- • AC (many residences)
- • Ocean/garden views
- • Assigned/designated parking
Interior finishes, appliances, air-conditioning systems, furnishing packages, renovations, and lanai configurations vary because residences are individually owned.
Association Services
Historical data indicates some or all of the following may be included through association assessments:
- • Water & Sewer
- • Garbage
- • Cable & Internet
- • Common-area maintenance
- • Landscaping
- • Pool/recreation maintenance
- • Security
- • Property management
Buyers should review a current budget, resale certificate, or listing documentation to confirm which utilities are included in a specific unit's maintenance fee.
Vacation-Rental Ownership at Makena Surf
Makena Surf is one of the Wailea and Makena condominium communities buyers often consider when legal vacation-rental use is a priority. The property is identified as H-M Hotel zoned, and both the association and resort operators currently reference active vacation-rental use within the community.
A buyer should not interpret “vacation rentable” as meaning every residence produces the same income or can be operated without restrictions. Rental performance can vary according to building location, view, floor, bedroom count, renovation quality, furnishing standard, management company, owner use, marketing, nightly rate, occupancy, operating expenses, taxes, insurance, and association policies.
What a vacation-rental buyer should verify
- Current county zoning
- Current short-term rental eligibility
- Association rental rules
- Minimum-stay requirements
- Existing management agreement
- Transferability of future reservations
- Rental history for the specific unit
- Gross versus net rental income
- Management fees
- Housekeeping and maintenance expenses
- Transient accommodations tax obligations
- General excise tax obligations
- Property tax classification
- Insurance coverage
- Furnishings included in the sale
- Upcoming assessments
- Required renovations or rental-program standards
- Owner-use restrictions, if any
- Guest parking and amenity policies
Real Maui Life does not provide legal, tax, zoning, accounting, or vacation-rental compliance advice. Buyers should independently confirm all rental rights and obligations with Maui County, the condominium association, qualified legal and tax professionals, and the buyer’s chosen rental-management company.
What to Investigate Before Buying
Maintenance Fees
Association fees may cover common-area operations, staffing, security, landscaping, pools, recreation facilities, insurance, reserves, and selected utilities. Obtain the current maintenance fee for the specific residence and determine exactly what is included.
Insurance
Oceanfront condominium insurance has become a major ownership consideration throughout Hawaii. Buyers should review the association’s master policy, deductibles, exclusions, loss-assessment exposure, hurricane coverage, flood considerations, and individual HO-6 requirements.
Reserves and Assessments
Review reserve studies, current financial statements, approved budgets, meeting minutes, pending projects, litigation, and any announced or anticipated special assessments.
Renovation History
Individual Makena Surf residences range from older interiors to extensive luxury renovations. Confirm permits, association approvals, electrical and plumbing work, air-conditioning changes, window and door replacements, and any alterations to the original floor plan.
Rental Operations
Request complete rental statements rather than relying on projected gross revenue. Account for management, cleaning, maintenance, taxes, utilities, supplies, replacement reserves, owner use, and vacancy.
Building & Unit Position
Evaluate stairs, lack of elevators, parking, beach access, sun exposure, wind, landscaping, privacy, noise, shoreline conditions, pool proximity, and view protection.
Is Makena Surf the Right Fit?
Potential Advantages
- • Direct oceanfront and beachfront location
- • Hotel zoning
- • Established vacation-rental use
- • Large two- and three-bedroom residences
- • Low-rise design
- • Gated entrance
- • Expansive landscaped grounds
- • Two pools and two spas
- • Tennis and pickleball facilities
- • Strong privacy and seclusion
- • Wide range of ocean-view orientations
- • Limited overall inventory
Potential Tradeoffs
- • No elevators
- • Pets are generally not allowed
- • Significant variation between renovated and unrenovated units
- • Oceanfront insurance costs and risks
- • High purchase prices and ownership expenses
- • Distance from walkable commercial areas
- • Rental performance varies substantially by unit
- • Association fees and future assessments require careful review
- • Some ground-floor units may have different privacy characteristics
- • Beach and ocean conditions change seasonally
- • Published property data contains discrepancies that require verification
Living in Makena
Owning at Makena Surf places residents beyond the main Wailea resort corridor in a quieter part of South Maui. The setting feels more residential and secluded than central Wailea, while remaining within a short drive of restaurants, shopping, golf, resort spas, beaches, and everyday services in Wailea and Kihei.
The lifestyle is centered on the ocean, outdoor living, sunsets, snorkeling, swimming when conditions permit, and spending time on the lanai. Makena is generally warmer and drier than many parts of Maui, although wind, sun exposure, and rainfall can vary by season and exact location.
Nearby Highlights
- • Poʻolenalena Beach
- • Chang’s Beach
- • Makena Landing
- • Mākena State Park
- • Wailea Golf Club
- • The Shops at Wailea
- • Wailea Beach Path
- • ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve
- • La Perouse Bay
Makena and Honuaʻula
Makena lies within the traditional region of Honuaʻula, an area with deep Native Hawaiian cultural, fishing, agricultural, and settlement history. The coastline contains culturally significant sites and historic resources that predate modern resort development.
Makena Surf’s association describes the property as being near a historic fishing shrine or heiau. We ask all visitors and residents to treat these sacred and cultural sites with the utmost respect.
We encourage residents and visitors to:
- Remain on established paths
- Respect posted cultural sites
- Avoid moving rocks or artifacts
- Follow shoreline-access rules
- Protect reef and marine life
- Use reef-conscious practices
- Observe all conservation-area restrictions farther south
Makena Surf Sales and Market Activity
Makena Surf values should not be evaluated using price per square foot alone. Building position, directness of ocean view, floor level, renovation quality, bedroom count, lanai orientation, rental history, and proximity to the shoreline can produce substantial differences between units.
How Makena Surf Compares
Explore other relevant Wailea and Makena condominium communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Considering a Makena Surf Residence?
Makena Surf units can differ significantly even when they share the same bedroom count or approximate square footage. Building position, floor level, view, renovation quality, rental history, and shoreline orientation all matter. Real Maui Life can help you compare available residences, review recent sales, understand the due-diligence process, and evaluate how Makena Surf fits your ownership goals.
Property information is compiled from association materials, public records, MLS data, property-management sources, historical condominium guides, and other sources believed to be reliable. Information may change and is not guaranteed. Buyers and sellers should independently verify zoning, vacation-rental eligibility, pet rules, unit counts, square footage, maintenance fees, assessments, insurance, utilities, school assignments, financing eligibility, and all condominium rules before making a real estate decision.