What Happened to the Makena Beach and Golf Resort?

By Robert Palmer

Makena Beach and Golf Resort was one of the most popular resorts in Maui, Hawaii. This beautiful resort provided its guests with luxurious amenities and world-class services. However, the news of its sudden closure left everyone wondering what happened to it.

The Beginning of Makena Beach and Golf Resort

Makena Beach and Golf Resort was originally built in 1986 as the Maui Prince Hotel. It was later renamed as Makena Beach and Golf Resort in 2011. This resort was situated on a 1,800-acre property that included two championship golf courses, a beach club, tennis courts, and numerous dining options.

The Closure of Makena Beach and Golf Resort

The news of the closure of Makena Beach and Golf Resort came as a surprise to many people. The resort officially closed its doors on July 1, 2016, after being sold to ATC Makena Holdings LLC for $95 million.

Many people were taken aback by the sudden closure of this popular resort. The employees were given no prior notice of the closure which left them without jobs. The guests who had already booked their stay at the resort were also left in the lurch.

What Happened to Makena Beach and Golf Resort?

The reason behind the sudden closure of Makena Beach and Golf Resort remains unclear to this day. However, it is speculated that the new owners had other development plans for the property which did not include running a hotel.

There were also reports that stated that the property required significant renovations which would have cost millions of dollars. The new owners may have deemed it more cost-effective to demolish or repurpose the existing buildings instead of renovating them.

What’s Happening Now?

After being closed for almost five years, there are some developments regarding what will happen to the Makena Beach and Golf Resort property. In 2020, ATC Makena Holdings LLC submitted a proposal to the Maui County Planning Commission for a new development on the land.

The proposal includes building over 1,000 residential units, hotels, commercial spaces, and community facilities. The development project is currently under review by the Maui County Planning Commission.

Conclusion

The sudden closure of Makena Beach and Golf Resort left many people surprised and saddened. Although the reason behind its closure remains unclear, there are developments for a new development project on the land. It remains to be seen what will happen to the once-popular resort in Maui.