Why Is Makena Resort Closed?
The Makena Beach and Golf Resort, located on the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii, has been a popular vacation spot for tourists and locals alike for over three decades. However, in 2016, the resort unexpectedly closed its doors, leaving many wondering what happened.
History of Makena Resort
Makena Resort was originally built in 1986 as the Maui Prince Hotel. It was a luxurious beachfront hotel that offered stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The resort was later renamed to Makena Beach and Golf Resort after it underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2007.
The resort had 310 guest rooms, two pools, a spa, fitness center, and three restaurants on-site. It also offered guests access to two golf courses – the North Course and South Course – which were both designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Reasons for Closure
In early July 2016, the management company that operated Makena Resort announced that it would be closing its doors indefinitely. The reason behind this sudden closure was due to financial issues faced by the ownership group.
The primary issue faced by the owners was that they were unable to secure financing to complete planned renovations for the resort. In addition to this financial hurdle, the resort was also facing stiff competition from newer hotels and resorts on Maui.
Impact of Closure
The closure of Makena Resort had a significant impact on both visitors and employees alike. Many guests who had booked their vacations at the resort were left scrambling to find alternative accommodations at short notice.
In addition to this, over 385 employees lost their jobs when the resort closed down. This had a major impact on Maui’s economy, as the unemployment rate in the area increased significantly following the closure.
Future of Makena Resort
Since its closure in 2016, Makena Resort has remained shuttered. However, there are plans to redevelop the property in the future. In 2018, Discovery Land Company – a luxury resort developer – purchased the property with plans to build a new resort on the site.
The new resort is expected to feature a mix of residential and commercial properties, including a hotel and private residences. The project is currently in development, and construction is expected to begin soon.
Conclusion
The sudden closure of Makena Resort was a major blow to Maui’s tourism industry and economy. However, with plans for redevelopment underway, there is hope that the site will be restored to its former glory as a top vacation destination on Maui.