Maui attractions are conveniently close to Makena Beach & Golf Resort

Historical Keawala'i Church

In the direction towards Wailea is the historical Keawala'i Church.  The stone church occupies a tranquil oceanside site not far from the resort.  Founded in 1832 and built in 1855, the Keawala'i Church was once the cultural and spiritual center of the community.  The building is three feet thick and made of melted coral gathered from the sea.  It was completed in 1854.  The landscape consist of the Ti Leaf plant which Hawaiians believe to provide protection and healing.  It sits quietly along Maluaka Beach making it the perfect wedding location for brides looking for a charming historical church to wed in.  Services are given in both English and Hawaiian.

La Perouse Bay & Ahihi Kinau Natural Reserve

Further south beyond Makena is a short, but winding scenic drive that will take you by beautiful beaches along the coastline and through the lava field, which dates to the 1700s, all the way to rocky La Perouse Bay and Keone’o’io Beach (Bonefish Beach).  It is here where Hawaiian nature is left alone to flourish as it would without human interference.  Here the mind and the eye are awed by the last lava flow of Haleakala volcano dating back to 1790.  Fishing is prohibited in this state park.

There is also a stable with horseback riding at La Perouse Bay and the monolith landmark which pays tribute to the French explore Jean-Francois de Galaup, comte de La Perouse who mapped the area in 1786.

At the end of the road is Ahihi Kinau Area Preserve there is a 5.5-mile strenuous hiking trail from La Perouse Bay to Kanaio Beach over rugged lava flows and unique landforms—Maui’s version of a moon walk.  Wear very sturdy shoes and take water.  Ahihi Kinau Natural Reserve, also has a series of rocky beaches that also provide great snorkeling and diving in Makena.

Turtle Town

Located in the waters fronting Maluaka Beach is the world renowned Turtle Town.  Turtle Town is made up of underwater lava formations that are remains of past eruptions of submarine volcanoes. The area today is the home of the marine life and a sanctuary for the protected Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle.  The coral reefs at Turtle Town are abundant with "limu" (alga), which is why sightings are so frequent.  The turtles are known to be very friendly and encounters with them can come as close as 10 or so feet, so snorkelers and scuba divers are constantly reminded to respect their space.   The Green Sea Turtles can reach up to 400 pounds and are estimated to stay underwater for more than two hours, however they tend to go to the surface to breathe air every few minutes.

It was in 1973 that the Federal Endangered Species Act put protective laws in place.  Prior to they were captured for their skins, meat, and shells.  The Green Sea Turtle population was once at several million.  Today, their numbers are fewer than 200,000. Today they are a protected species and the law strictly prohibits people from touching, riding or harassing the turtles.

Molokini Crater

Molokini crater is a sunken volcanic crater right off the shores of Makena and known to be one of the most popular dive sites in the world.  The water in Molokini Crater is crystal clear year round, with visibility from 80 to 150 feet.  The coral gardens is home to abundant sea life and Tropical rainbow colored reef fish that snorkelers can swim with during their visit.

Pu'u o La'i Cinder Cone

The red earth hillock just beyond the cove that you see on your way to Wailea-Makena fronting the Makena Beach and Golf Resort.  This is Pu'u o la'i, one of Haleakala's craters under which a large cave, said to be the sacred dwelling place of Mano, the ancestral shark deity.  A lookout station is set up atop Pu'u o la'i where volunteers and scientists take inventory of the whales that migrate annually to Hawai'i.  Two of Maui's favorite local swimming spots, Big Beach and Little Beach, Pu'u o la'i offers unprecedented views of Molokini island (a marine preserve and bird sanctuary) and Kaho'olawe island (uninhabited but formerly a men's prison around the 1800's)

Check with the concierge for recommendations about Maui’s night life and entertainment options. Experience a luau or magic show, Cirque Polynesia, or the Ulalena Myth and Magic Theatre. Every performance is unique and unforgettable.

Polynesian Luau

In ancient Hawaii, men and women ate their meals apart.  Commoners and women of all ranks were forbidden by the ancient Hawaiian religion to eat certain delicacies.

This all changed in 1819, when King Kamehameha II abolished the traditional religious practices.  A feast where the King ate with women was the symbolic act - which ended the Hawaiian religious taboo, and the luau was born. Maui has many luau’s to choose from and all will provide you with a Polynesian celebration fit for a King and Queen.  Let us as help you choose!

The Polynesian luau takes us back to a time when the mighty seafaring Polynesians discovered this land of Hawaii, thereafter calling themselves Hawaiian. Explore the different cultures, dances, arts and crafts, and even fire dancing at this family show. This luau is excellent for kids of all ages.Buffet dinner, open bar and Polynesian show.

Ulalena

Maui Myth & Magic Theatre Presents Ulalena, a theatrical experience as impressive as the story. This is not just a theatre. It is a multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art venue built for this presentation. Ulalena employs the talents of some of Hawaii’s most distinguished musicians and performers, combining live traditional Hawaiian music with 8-channel surround sound. ‘Ulalena is a wind unique to Maui, as said in the Kumulipo, an ancient Hawaiian creation chant, as well as a red-yellow colored rain revealed by the twilight....

Kihei-Ma’alaea Harbor

Just a short drive from the resort through the seaside town of Kihei is Ma’alaea Harbor, home to the Maui Ocean Center, one of the top rated aquariums in the world. Dedicated to education and conservation, this quality family attraction showcases marine life found only in Hawaiian waters. The Ma’alaea Farmer’s Market features local artisans, crafters, and fresh farm produce from Maui farmers. Deep sea fishing charters, whale watching expeditions, and other ocean adventures are headquartered here. Kihei has nice mix of residents and tourists with shopping, public beaches, restaurants, and a Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Education Center.

UpCountry Maui & Mt. Haleakala

A beautiful drive up the slopes of a dormant volcano ends at the Haleakala Visitor Center where visitors learn about the geologic and cultural history of Maui’s House of the Sun and visit interpretive centers for astronomy. It’s the earth’s largest dormant volcano, rising over 10,000 feet and measuring 3,000 feet deep with a 21-mile circumference. Day hikes into the crater are also permitted. Other interesting side trips in this area include the Tedeschi Winery and Surfing Goat Dairy, the charming art-centric town of Makawao, and Kula’s botanical gardens. Feeling adventurous?  Bike down the volcano, ride a horse through a fragrant eucalyptus grove, or zipline at Piiholo Ranch. Bring a light jacket along for cooler temperatures and occasional passing showers.

Kahului & Wailuku

The center of commerce and industry for the island, the Kahului-Wailuku area boasts major shopping centers, hospitals, and malls, an airport and heliport, and Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanctuary. The airport is just 40minutes from Makena and serves as a major embarkation point for helicopter tours of the island. In old town Wailuku, explore historic landmarks such as the Bailey House Museum and Ka’ahumanu Church, which was built in 1876 to honor Queen Ka’ahumanu who embraced Christianity and used her influence to spread it across her lands.

Historic ‘Iao Valley

Beautiful and lush and culturally rich, ‘Iao Valley State Park is one of Maui’s scenic wonders. Presided over by a natural rock pinnacle called ‘Iao Needle, the valley was once the site of a famous ancient battle between King Kamehameha I and Maui warriors that changed Hawaiian history forever. This spot is great for hiking, exploring the Hawaii Nature Center, and picnics in an exotic, tropical setting.

Heavenly Hana

This breathtaking journey into the remote paradise community of Hana requires a long and winding drive through curvy mountainous coastline roads. Take it slow on the 617 turns and over the 56 one-lane bridges and be sure to bring a camera, snacks, and a swim suit.

Lovely Lahaina

Lahaina has been a top draw since the early 1800s when King Kamehameha made it his capital. Since then, it has attracted rowdy whalers and quiet missionaries to its bustling Front Street along the bay. Now filled with art galleries, shops, restaurants, and restored historic landmarks, a day-trip to Lahaina is always a good bet for a Maui adventure. Have fun imagining the bay filled with 400 anchored whaling ships!  Further beyond Lahaina is the Ka’anapali resort complex with shopping, restaurants, golf, tennis, and beaches.

Enticing Lana’i

Accessible by ferry with departures from Lahaina or Ma’alaea harbors, the neighboring island of Lana’i may be explored for an afternoon of golf or a beach adventure. Lana’i was formerly called the pineapple isle from the days when the Hawaiian Pineapple Company (later Dole) operated vast pineapple plantations over 20,000 acres.

While Maluaka Beach fronting the resort is spectacular, the island of Maui offers many beautiful beach experiences.

South Side

The Kamaole beaches in nearby Kihei are very popular with residents and offer great snorkeling, but watch for strong tradewinds in the afternoon. On the Southeastern end close to Makena is Oneloa, or Big Beach, as the locals call it. Truly one of Maui’s spectacular stretches of white sand and surf, Big Beach is a great place for a family picnic.

North Shore

Ho’okipa Beach Park is world-famous for surfing and windsurfing, especially in the winter months. Baldwin Beach Park is popular with families and good for body boarding, kayaking, and surfing. On the

West Side

Hanakao’o or Canoe Beach Park, north of Lahaina, hosts championship canoe races and is good for swimmers and windsurfers.  D. T. Fleming Beach Park was voted America’s best beach by Dr. Beach (Stephen Leatherman).

Maui’s own arts headquarters, Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center, offers ongoing exhibition and classes. The Maui Arts and Cultural Center is a performing arts venue featuring both local and international talent. Various museums interpret sugar cane history, whaling, botanical flora and fauna, and Hawaiian history.

Every June, the Maui Film Festival brings out the stars and offers open air and beachfront screenings. Ethnic celebrations such as Chinese New Year, Japanese Matsuri, and American 4th of July all feature a relaxed, island-style ambience and connect visitors with local residents in meaningful ways.

On the hunt for a solid gold pendant or an inexpensive T-shirt for the kids? The shopping in the Wailea-Makena area affords lots of options in all price ranges.

Visit the hotel gift shop for wearing apparel, jewelry, snacks, toiletries, and gift items. Minutes away are the upscale and very trendy Shops at Wailea where you can find everything from Tiffany’s to Tommy Bahama’s. Specialty stores like The Maui Quilt Shop in Kihei and Island Paperie in Kahului cater to special interests and hobbies. Free shuttle service to neighboring shopping districts is provided.