Makena Beach & Golf Resort (Maui) - Pictures & Course Review

You can read the "live" update from our trip in Maui at the following link: MAKENA...

But if you want details and quality photos (not from my iPhone), read on...

I loved the course. I can't say this enough. I did my research and found that it was a beautiful course in addition to being challenging. The book that Deb's uncle was reading, Maui Revealed, called it an "ego bruiser" so I had my concerns the night before.

I played with two ex-teachers (Doug and Frank) from Colorado, and they made for a great day on the course. Doug gave me a tip midway through the round that improved my game and made me conscious for future rounds...more on that to come...

Hole 1 was a straight par 4...nothing much of a challenge...drive off the tee sailed right, ended up with an 8. I had that thought, "oh crap, first time I play in front of Deb and I'm playing like this!"

Holes 2, 3, and 4...I was fortunate to bogey the three...granted this by no means is a confidence builder, but I at least got the doubt out of my head and control of my game. I won't mention that hole 4 was a par 3, where I made a big "no no," by three-putting!

I shot a par on holes 5, 7 and 8...and closed the front 9 with a 45 (on 36 par). It was hole 6 (I believe) that Doug noticed I wasn't bringing my hips through the swing, and wasn't turning post-swing...technically, I can't really speak to what I mean, but it helped... On hole 9, my drive was 300+ yards, setting me up for a feel-good back 9.

To sum up the back 9, it was awesome...I shot par on holes 11, 13, 14, 17 and 18. I had solid drives, solid irons, and sand shots...my putting was "so so." Shot a 40, on a 36 par.

Holes 14 and 15...WOW. These were by far the most unique holes that I've ever played on. As we were playing, we were slowly inclining up the side of the volcano. It was on these two holes that we came back down the most. I asked in the club house and they said the drops were over 200 feet! My drive on hole 14 was awesome...it was long and straight...straight over the fairway! Luckily, it hit a tree and ricocheted out into the rough...playable! Great holes, quite memorable.

Overall, it was an awesome day...much thanks goes to my lovely wife and personal photographer, Deb. I joked that she was my lucky charm...outside of the first hole, the day was impressive...it was the only hole I was beyond a bogey. It has been a long, long time since I shot an 85...and definitely was not expecting it on vacation, while using rental clubs, all while being distracted with views of the Hawaiian islands!

Kickin' it in Ka'anapali

So we are back from Maui, unfortunately. We were gone for 8 great days, but by day 8, I think both Deb and I were missing the kids... Roma was so excited to be picked up from boarding (although we have been bringing her to Pet Paradise Resort, where she gets much play time and attention), and the whining started from kitty the second we opened the door at home. (Much thanks goes to the Reyes' for watching Midnight for us...we know she was in good hands and remember those are only "play bites!")

In Maui, we stayed at the Ka'anapali Beach Club...in Ka'anapali, which is located on the west side of the island. The resort itself was located right on the beach with great beach access and offered great views of Molokai and the evening sunsets. We stayed at the resort three years ago, also...


Our second day was kicked off with shopping! Not your souvenier shopping, rather groceries! With our rooms being fully equipped with kitchens we opted to pick up the essentials. That included Maui Onion chips, which are awesome! As well as all the other necessities for sandwiches, snacks, and adult beverages...

I can't imagine going shopping every week there, the prices were quite high for pretty much anything... Although, pineapples were priced affordably less than $2 each...


FYI, for you thinking about gas prices...well they were a little steep, right around $3.80/gallon. We locked in the gas with the rental car for a penny-saving, $3.62/gallon...go us!

Vacation Ends, no more live updates...

Our 8 days in Maui ended late Sunday, departing on the last flight from the island. We had a great trip and will be sure to blog much once we sleep some! Our first night back we definitely were restless, which we chalked up to jet lag...

Pics and stories to come!!

Breakfast crepes!

We had breakfast crepes this morning at a great place, Paradise Found Creperie...

Deb had a Mac-Nutella crepe...which she loved. It had macadamia nuts and Nutrlla which made it awesome! I had an Aloha Sunrise, with eggs, Portuguese sausage, roasted peppers, and cheese. Definitely a must-eat on any future trips...

Today we have minimal plans...pool time, tour of a coffee farm, and snorkeling. Not looking forward to reality in a couple days, except seeing our kids, Roma and Kiddy.

..the road to Hana

Yesterday we did the "road to Hana." It is known for being one of the most scenic drives to experience, and nauseating. There are hundreds of turns, which can take their toll on the stomach.

We saw countless waterfalls, exotic animals, the bamboo forest, and sampled banana bread and fresh fruit along the way. We also saw a black sand beach, which was formed from lava flow. The sand was more like small, but very smooth pebbles.

Our last stop was at the seven sacred pools, where we all swam under the falls...

The day was looong, but absolutely worth it! The drive itself was a little stressful. Most of the bridges are one way, the two-way roads are more like 1.5 lanes, you can't see hardly anything around turns, coupled with tourists driving their convertibles and SUVs! We got behind the same guy twice and he was in love with his brakes, and not in a good way. Granted the speed limit varies from like 5 to 10 to 15 along the way, he was driving me crazy! Eventually he let us "crazy" drivers pass by. Within the last 25 years or so they have improved the road to what it is today. They used to say it was a drive only for the "well insured!"

More Maui today...