Should You Buy A Condo At The Makena Surf Resort?
Makena Surf is a luxury oceanfront community located right on Po’olenalena Beach and near the Makena Boat Ramp.
The first phase was completed in 1984, and the second phase was completed in 1993. The design is contemporary and luxurious, with mature landscaping and beautiful grounds that are directly on the beach.
Amenities are excellent, this is a first class development in Makena that is Hotel-zoned. Most units have a view of the ocean or Makena, as well as Molokini crater.
Makena Surf, The Good And The Bad
The large 10.81 acre property is made up of 12 residential two and three-story buildings, for a total of 107 separate residences that are both large and well-designed. Amenities include a BBQ area, 2 swimming pools, hot-tubs, recreation area, a putting green, exercise room, tennis courts, gated property, and 24 hour security.
Makena Surf is located on Po’olenalena Beach, near the Makena Boat Ramp, and minutes away from world-class golf. It is a 5 minute drive to the Shops at Wailea and world class resorts, dining, and activities. There’s onsite storage for paddleboards and kayaks, and you are about 250 feet from the world famous 5-Graves/5-Caves scuba diving spot.
The property is exceptionally well-managed and the location is perfect for many people who like the Makena vibe, which is quieter and slightlky less manicured than Wailea. Makena Surf is not for everyone. If you are thinking about buying here, you need to be aware of a few things before you make an offer.
First, the good..
- Security and Privacy: This is an exclusive property, and one of the few condo complexes on the island that has active perimiter security and a 24 hour a day front gate.
- Direct Beachfront: Makena Surf is not only near the beach, it is directly on the beach. The only similar property in the Wailea - Makena area is Wailea Beach Villas, which are significantly busier, more crowded, and more expensive.
- Short term rentals allowed: Because the complex is zoned hotel, and was originally developed as a short term rental complex, many owners will rent their units, which can generate substantial cash flow, and some cases over $250,000 per year.
- Incredible Views: Makena Surf is right on the ocean, and most units have stellar views of the beach, Makena, Molokini crater, and sometimes all three.
- Location: Many people love the location. Overlooking the beach, the resort is luxurious without being fussy. Makena is a bit more laid back than Wailea, it feels wilder, and away from it all, even though you are only a few minutes from world-class shopping and dining.
- In-Demand Complex: People who know the complex love it, and more than one owner has multiple units. When it comes time to sell or upgrade, there's usually a ready supply of buyers, perhaps even a neighbor.
- Large Floorplans: These are not small units, the average Makena Surf condo is between 1,300 ft² and 1,500 ft², and there are even some units as large as 3,400 ft².
And now, the bad…
- Expensive: Makena Surf is one of the most expensive communities in Maui. Cost per square foot can easily exceed $3,200. Units require a fair amount of money to purchase, and even more to maintain and pay ongoing expenses, especiallt considering that they are on the beach, which can be hard on a building.
- HOA Fees: A property this nice needs multiple full-time landscapers, maintenance staff, guest services personnel, and management to run it all. HOA fees include building maintenance, 24 hour a day security, landscaping, pools, BBQ, Jacuzzi, as well as water, sewage, cable, Internet, and trash pickup. At the time of this writing, HOA fees are approximately $1,952 - $4,041 per month, depending on how big your unit is.
- Newer Buildings Can Be Noisy: The first phase of Makena Surf was built with concrete, but the later phases mixed concrete with wood frame. Some of the owners in newer buildings have reported that they can hear noise from top units. There are now rules that specify soundproofing and specific materials (like hardwood floors), but it can still be an issue.
- No Elevators: While this isn't a deal killer for everyone, if you have a unit on the top floor, it can be a pain bringing your luggage, groceries, or packages up three flights of stairs.
- Limited remodel schedule: Major construction is only allowed between April 1st and Thanksgiving, and only every other year based on where you are in the complex. This is because many owners visit during the high season and don't want to be disturbed by construction noise. While this is great for residents, if you are going to remodel your unit, it means you need to carefully plan because many large construction projects can take longer than eight months.
Should You Buy At Makena Surf?
Makena Surf is a beautiful high-end condo complex directly on the beach. It’s gorgeous, but not cheap, with prices starting at $3.6 Million and exceeding $10 Million
The grounds are beautifully maintained, and there’s 24 hour a day full time security, and a host of amenities. If you are looking for a luxury oceanfront condo you can rent out when you aren’t on the island, this is your place. Prices are down slightly, even for the most premium units. It is currently considered a buyer’s market.
Makena Surf Fact Sheet
Recent Sales Price Ranges: $3.6 Million to $5.25 Million
Maintenance Fees: $1,952 – $4,041/Month
- Address: 4850 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753
- Zoning: H-M (Hotel)
- Vacation Rentals: Allowed
- Gated Complex: Yes
- Beachfront: Yes
- Nearest Beach: Po'olenalena Beach
- Amenities: 2 Pools, BBQ area, 4 Tennis Courts, Jacuzzi, Picnic area
- Construction: Concrete and Wood Frame
- Year Built: 1984 - 1993
- Stories: 3
- Units: 107
- Buildings: 66 Total
- Elevator: No
- Air Conditioning: Central
- Pets Allowed: No
- Front Desk: Yes
- Flood Zone: No
- Value: A-
- Design: A+
- Location: A
- Overall Grade: A
Makena Surf Plat Map
Makena Surf Location
The Verdict...
In our opinion, Makena Surf is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-end luxury experience. It’s a legal vacation rental that generates income while you are off-island, and it’s right on the beach.
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Is Now A Good Time To Buy?
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