Andy Carlson
Andy Carlson
Andy Carlson
Makena Golf & Beach Club: North
About
Awards
Best in State: Ranked ninth, 2019-'20.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“As a Discovery property, Makena excels in service and aesthetics. The redesign by Dennis Wise of the original Robert Trent Jones design converted the property from a public to a high-end private course and fills that need for those living in Hawaii seeking such amenities and quality. The course provides an ample variety of holes ranging from fairly flat and benign to more undulating and even rugged terrain. One of Makena’s strengths are the undulating greens that give plenty of pin placements and challenge if an approach shot does not land on in the right quadrant. One of the more interesting holes providing both challenge and character is the par 5, fourteenth with an elevated tee descending to a fairway below with well-placed bunkers. The second shot often requires a downhill lie with plenty of trouble on both sides of the fairway and green. Throughout the course, there is an abundant of sand bunkers both in the fairway and protecting the greens. While the course provides good variety, it does not rise to the ranks of the best in the world or even the best in Hawaii. That said, it is hard to beat the views of the ocean from virtually every hole and the unparalleled service. While it is not germane to the golf course, lunch, offered at no extra cost at the halfway house where players can sit as long as they want and waive on other groups who are more anxious to finish sooner, just adds to the overall experience."
Read More2025
Review
“Beautiful restoration by Dennis Wise of one of the more scenic sites one will ever experience w/ views of the ocean, area vegetation, and neighboring islands! Great design variety between using every club in one's bag, uphill/downhill variation, change in direction, and differing length of par 3's, 4's, and 5's. #6 was a unique split fairway par 4 that provides option of playing as a dogleg right or dogleg left up the mountain. #8 is one of the more dramatic par 4's a player will experience hitting over a lake between bunkers off the back tee overlooking the north shore of Maui in the distance. Very playable for all skill levels and in the wind w/ how the designer left room for shots to run into greens...yet still challenging for the scratch or better player. Wonderful all paspalum grass surface conditioning, never made a ball mark all day, greens played firm and fast while fairway and tee surfaces left perfect lies all day similar to zoysia."
Read More2022
Review
“It is all about enjoying your golf from the driving range to the first hole. Management and the Hawaiian coastal view makes every aspect of your round memorable."
Read More2021
Review
“Off the charts service here. A very pretty course and a wonderful way to spend the day. The atmosphere and service exceeds the quality of the golf, but that golf quality is still quite good if not great. A really solid golf course, but nothing of unique note or world class status. All of the Par 3s playing downhill takes away from some of the design variety."
Read More2018
Review
“One of the unsung courses on the island, it should get more play. Just down the road from Wailea, Makena is a solid design. The resort had fallen on hard times but the new owners have made some good changes and the south course is going to be resurrected."
Read More2018
Review
“Makena is a Discovery Land Company development and is possibly the best course on Maui. It offers some amazing views, and the routing and layout are outstanding. The service by the team at Makena is low key and welcoming. The facilities including clubhouse, locker room, dining area and practice range is second to none. At the turn, there is a comfort station to prepare whatever you would like to eat and provide refreshments. Truly one of the great golf experiences in Hawaii."
Read More2018
