Well, my wife was right again. A few years back, we visited The Big Island of Hawaii and I, of course, wanted all the bells and whistles of the swankest hotels on the island.  My wife, on the other hand, preferred the old charm of Hawaii and wanted to chill on a beach at a hotel that reminded her of Hawaii of years past.

Of course, she won and we stayed at Mauna Kea instead of The Fairmont.  We sat on Mauna Kea’s world-famous beach for eight straight days and had the best of times, coming back completely rejuvenated and ready to face the real world.

So, when we visited Maui earlier this year, I must have lost some of my memory cells because I wanted to take her and my son to the best Wailea had to offer…water slides, an abundance of pools, shops to spend frivolously, you name it.  There’s a “grand” hotel on the Wailea strip that has all that and it had my name on it.

Unfortunately, another hotel had my wife’s name on it.  It was the Makena Beach & Golf Resort, five miles past anything Wailea had to offer and with that “old Hawaii feel” that she relishes.  

Naturally, she won.  Naturally, she was right.

Makena Beach & Golf Resort is situated on 1,800 acres of the southern shore of Maui in the Makena district of the island and is the “only” resort in the Makena area.   On the other hand, while Wailea is blessed with an abundance of fine hotels, they are lined up one after another.  And, with that in mind, it feels like there are people everywhere you turn and everywhere you go. At Makena, you literally feel like you’re staying at your own home on the beach.

The resort's perfect beachfront location at the foot of Mount Haleakala affords all rooms and suites views of the blue Pacific and the beauty of Makena's natural landscape and a spacious, private lanai to soak it in. While all rooms are air conditioned, they also have a unique feature: a louvered door and screened lanai door to allow fresh ocean breezes through the room. Rooms also feature new Serta Presidential Plush beds, with crisp, elegant white-on-white linens, and décor with a warm palette and floral motifs inspired by Hawaii’s natural landscape. Each one of the 19 suites has a living room and a spectacular ocean view.

Makena’s Beach’s activity center offers a variety of things to do, including an Eco Kayak Snorkel Tour, outrigger canoe excursions, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkel gear, scuba, body boards and beach umbrellas for those that prefer to relax on the beach.  Moored off the beach fronting the hotel, the Kai Kanani catamaran takes visitors to nearby Molokini Island for snorkeling or site seeing excursions.  On land, the Peter Burwash Tennis Center offers six Plexipave championship tennis courts, two lit for night play. The hotel also offers a fitness center, with massage and spa services.

For dining, the resort offers a number of outstanding eateries, which again affords you the luxury of not having to leave the grounds.  From the Molokini Bar & Grille, which offers a casual dining experience with panoramic ocean views and a killer Mai Tai to Zen-Zen, Pacific Rim fusion cuisine served in a peaceful natural environment overlooking the ocean. With selections from both land and sea, Zen-Zen brings a fresh presentation to quality local ingredients. Choose from Maui Grown Rib Eye Steak or Broiled Black Cod and Slow Roasted Salmon, or sample from the sushi bar.

The Sunday Brunch, voted “Best Brunch on Maui" by the Maui News poll, is just that…the best.  And, the Maui Sunset Luau allows you to enjoy an authentic Hawaiian experience in a secluded, romantic, oceanfront paradise setting at Makena beach with spectacular sunset views, entertainment and an all-you-can-eat buffet including kalua pork cooked in the on-site imu (earthen oven).

But, when push comes to shove, the golf at Makena is still the star of the show.  It is widely acclaimed and it deserves every accolade you can muster.

Makena Golf Course, a Robert Trent Jones, Jr., 18-hole course that runs along the Pacific coastline, possesses possibly the most breathtaking views in all the land, sans Pebble Beach.  With stunning vistas from nearly every hole, the course is also renowned for its ancient Hawaiian rock walls, natural gullies and stream beds, which were incorporated into the course's design. The endangered Nene birds (or Hawaiian Goose) are plentiful.

The layout rivals the views, so it’s a win-win.

The course has a collection of great Par 3s.  The 183-yard, 4th hole requires an accurate shot to a long, narrow, green with bunkers flanking both sides, water on the right front and a lava area right rear. This hole begins what will be a series of 10 straight holes in which the views get more spectacular with each hole.

The Par 4, 6th hole, while only 364 yards, is a devilish hole that offers a split fairway separated by a large lava ravine that runs nearly the entire length of the hole.  Find the ravine and you’ll find double bogey staring at you on your scorecard.  If you do find trouble, just look back and take your mind off your game with views of Kahoolawe and Molokini.

No. 12 is another great Par 3, with Molokini as a backdrop and Mt. Haleakala behind the tee.  Hit the putting surface or find another large lava ravine running from tee to green along the right side and two bunkers on the left.

The 14th  hole, regarded as the course’s signature hole, is a monster 620-yard, Par 5 that tees you off from 200-feet above from tee to green. Despite its length, you can reach it in two by bombing your drive and carving a fairway wood to severely sloping left to right green.

The last of the Par 3s is a demanding 217-yard masterpiece that requires a long iron to a large green guarded by bunkers left and right front.  It’s also the final hole in which you get an eyeful of eye candy.

The closing stretch of holes is a trilogy of tough, long Par 4s which measure 392, 395 and 433 yards, so re-focus your view from the islands to your golf game or you’ll be running to the 19th hole.

So, if you’re looking for all the bells and whistles like I was before we made our trip, visit Wailea.  It’s a great spot with lots to do.

But, if you’re into a relaxing Hawaiian trip, go with Makena Beach & Golf Resort.  You’ll arrive home without that gnawing feeling of needing a vacation from your vacation.  

For me, I felt like I was at home.  Only difference was that my backyard was my own private, un-crowded beach with only the neighboring sea turtles to rustle the soft, white sand.  Now, that’s what I’m talking about.

Did I say my wife was right again?  Well, you can never say that enough!

Makena Beach & Golf Resort
(800) 321-MAUI
www.MakenaResortMaui.com