The following executive summary is based on a comprehensive and impartial AI analysis of guest reviews. Keep in mind that all units are individually owned, and review scores among units can vary considerably.
Staying at Makahuena feels like classic Poipu: dramatic oceanfront cliffs, constant surf, and front‑row seats to sunrises, sunsets, whales, turtles, and even a small blowhole right off the point. Guests love the location—an easy walk or short drive to Poipu and Brennecke’s beaches, Shipwreck Beach, and the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail—plus landscaped grounds with benches for sunset viewing. Condos are spacious and family‑friendly, many with multiple bedrooms/baths, full kitchens, in‑unit laundry, and thoughtful extras like beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers, boogie boards, and snorkel gear. The pool, hot tub, grills, and even pickleball/tennis are popular, and many reviewers praised responsive hosts/property managers and welcome baskets that make arrivals feel seamless.
Do note the complex is older, and units vary: plenty are updated and spotless, while others feel basic or due for a refresh. Air-conditioning differs by condo (some have none or bedroom‑only portable units that can be loud), and living areas can run warm without the trade winds. A recurring theme is stairs—no elevators, multi‑level layouts, and some longer walks from parking—so mobility and luggage can be a consideration. Several guests mentioned intermittent maintenance quirks (sticky sliders, fogged windows, appliance hiccups), occasional tropical pests or musty odors, and that the pool isn’t always heated and opens at 9am. Recent nearby construction and some on‑site balcony work have, at times, affected views or added weekday noise, though many still found the area quiet and relaxing.
Overall sentiment is very positive—many would “stay again in a heartbeat.” Makahuena suits travelers who want space and self‑catering in a prime south‑shore spot with big views and easy access to beaches, trails, and Koloa/Poipu dining. If you’re heat‑sensitive or traveling with older adults, choose a unit with AC, ask about stair counts and layout, and confirm current construction status and renovation level if views/finishes matter. Plan on walking or a quick drive to sandy swimming, and consider stocking up in Lihue (Costco/Target) on the way in. For wildlife watching, family convenience, and that crashing‑waves soundtrack, it’s hard to beat.
This summary is based on a comprehensive analysis of 1000 reviews
What a great place to stay. Lots of room for six adults; but roll out couch wasn't as comfy for our 7th person. Loved being so close to the ocean!
Debra V.
September 2025
Beautiful property. Host was super communicative. Condo located downstairs and very close to the water. Condo was well equipped and comfortable. Thank you we had a great stay.
Nan P.
September 2025
Great place with a ocean view and close to several beaches.
Tracy Z.
September 2025
Wonderful stay. Perfect location.
Tami D.
September 2025
Great location for access to local beaches and activities. The condo is as advertised, and the complex has a pool/hot tub and a pickleball court. Everything we needed in one place for a fantastic vacation!
Christie D.
September 2025
The stay was good.The only thing that needs attention is the shower curtains they were moldy and some improvement in cleaning under the couch and beds .Otherwise it was a good place to stay.
Susan K.
September 2025
Wonderful quiet spot to relax. The pool was relaxing. Would stay here again.
Naomi K.
September 2025
Overall a great experience. No elevator and stairs required make this not a great option for the mobility impaired. But, a great location to use as a home base for exploring the island. No A/C in the living area but cross breeze makes it pleasant, just open the front door.
Tim T.
September 2025
The property was comfortable and well equipped.
Our vacation was amazing.
Thank you!! 😊
Cecilia
September 2025
We had a wonderful stay at this beautiful oceanfront condo! The view was incredible, and the condo had everything we needed for a comfortable trip. The pool was amazing—our kids loved spending time there. We also enjoyed cooking dinner in the fully equipped kitchen and relaxing out on the patio in the evenings. A perfect spot for a family getaway!
Mary G.
September 2025
A beautiful condo in an excellent location on the south side of the island. We had plenty room for our Ohana and we appreciated the well equipped kitchen and laundry. The property managers were responsive and their help was much appreciated especially during the tsunami warning. We would highly recommend this condo for your stay.
Christina C.
September 2025
The condo was dirty and poorly furnished. There was a cockroach in the bathroom. Beds were not proper beds, but rather steel cots with dilapidated mattresses. Thick mattress tops were on them to conceal their sorry state and linens were dirty. The view of the ocean would have been fantastic had it not been for the windows being so dirty. The beach umbrella was broken. The owner and property manager were nice enough, but it just didn’t compensate for the highly disappointing aspects of the condo. The property manager replaced the umbrella with two the next day and also came to place roach traps. The condo needs a very deep cleaning and proper furniture. The photos were very misleading. I would not recommend staying here, especially at the cost. See photos below.
Susan K.
September 2025
Great location! You can walk to the point and watch the sunrise in the morning (my favorite part). The condo had beach gear available to use that is perfect for spending the days on at the beach and enjoying the sun and ocean. The condo is all one level which was helpful for our family. The air conditioning worked really well. For those that air conditioning is important, this condo will be perfect for you! The ocean view from the lanai was great. A perfect place to have your morning coffee. The close proximity tot he pool and hot tub was also very nice. The kitchen had items we needed to make many of our meals there at the condo. Overall a wonderful place to stay!
Jeannine C.
August 2025
We had a wonderful time. The property was gorgeous.
Eileen W.
August 2025
The space was very clean and well appointed and the ocean views were beautiful.
Eric E.
August 2025
The location was beautiful and it had everything we needed!The property manager responded quickly to our questions. We loved this property!
L D.
August 2025
Beautiful view of the ocean.
Kristen J.
August 2025
This condo is comfortable and in a great location with beautiful views.
Jacqueline R.
August 2025
Absolutely perfect— location, comfort, attention to detail, convenience. This was such a special experience for my mom’s first visit to Hawaii and the condo was one of her favorite things! Mahalo!
Nicole R.
August 2025
It was wonderful!!
Joel H.
August 2025
Lovely stay, GREAT location, very comfortable and as advertised!
Monica V.
August 2025
Excellent location. Great condo - It was roomy for a group of 6 and had everything we needed. Appreciated the beach chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards. An unexpected bonus of this location was the soul soothing effect of listening to and watching the waves crash onto the rocks. We would definitely stay here again.
Karen W.
August 2025
![Makahuena 4307]()
We arrived to a very well kept property. The condo was very clean. Loved having a welcome package with al the Hawaiian fare. Linens were very nice! Towels were very soft & fluffy. Beds were very comfortable including the hideaway couch. We were so amazed by having everything there for our family for snorkelling, body boarding, and the beach, including coolers for lunches. The fridge ice maker works fast which was wonderful. The AC at night in the rooms was very nice since our week there in August was very humid. By opening the front door and the Lanai’s doors though you could get a very nice breeze through the living room. The staff were so quick to respond with any questions. We were also so grateful to get a late checkout the day we left. The view of the ocean was Beautiful. There is some construction going on right out front of the property but we were mostly gone during the days so it was fine. Check in was so easy with the key codes and our family really enjoyed the very clean refreshing pool. Our two teenage boys enjoyed the pickle ball/tennis courts too. Thank you for an amazing 8 days.
Tami B.
August 2025
The location is unmatched. Directly on the water. So peaceful watching the waves crashing in and hearing it all night long. Pure bliss. The home is well stocked. Beach gear, extra towels, soaps, many kitchen essentials. It seems this host is trying to make sure everything you might need is available to you and not locked away in the owners closet. So nice.Walk along the path to the east to shipwreck beach. Also pure bliss. Minor points: to sit on the balcony and enjoy the water you are sitting up straight at a high top we were wanting more comfortable seating. it’s hard to keep the floors clean with the sand that comes up on the balcony. We tried but kept tracking it in. These are minor points this place was a PRIME place to stay we will recommend to friends and would come back again.
Teresa P.
August 2025
Amazing home in a great location! Went above our expectations!
Steph N.
August 2025
Beautiful property. Enjoyed the view everyday!!
Martha B.
August 2025
Everything was great
Hayes W.
August 2025
Wonderful condo with beautiful views
Rebecca M.
August 2025
It was a good space! Worked great for us.
Megan K.
August 2025
Very nicely remodeled.
Douglas S.
August 2025
The owner and property manager were very responsive to a couple of questions we had about the property. Soon after we arrived on the island, there was a tsunami warning and Evelyn provided guidance on where to go as the area was being evacuated. The cable box wasn't working and she had it fixed right away. The kitchen and bathrooms were recently updated. The kitchen, living room and dining room was spacious. The only concern we had was that the portable A/C in the smaller bedroom was extremely loud and our kids had trouble sleeping due to the noise. The A/C in the larger room worked well.
Brian S.
August 2025
Amazing location
Nathan M.
August 2025
Makahuena building 5 has a great location. You are overlooking beautiful Southwest sky/ocean with really beautiful sunsets. Waves crash on rocks which also has a spouting hole. We really had a very enjoyable and unforgettable stay. The property is well stocked, matches description and the hosts communicate well. We would stay again. The property is well-maintained, but there is some room for improvement. The parking is a bit further from parking, which is something one might want ti consider if traveling with checked in bags.
Khurram W.
August 2025
This condo was great for our family plus grandma. Having two bedrooms plus the loft gave us space to spread out and the large dining table was good for meals and playing games. We used the cooler every day on our car trips around the island.
Tammy V.
August 2025
Really enjoyed the lanai. Could see turtles and dolphins. Property manager very responsive. Would definitely come again.
Vickee D.
August 2025
A breathtaking location and view in a well maintained home! Owners and management were extremely attentive and the house was completely equipped with all we needed. Perfect week on Kauai.
Jennifer Culkin S.
August 2025
We had a great time staying in this condo. Property is well maintained and stocked. It is very close to the nearby two beaches. Great sunset view from the Property grounds. Property owner and the manager were very responsive to our messages. We will definitely return when the next opportunity comes.
Swapnesh S.
August 2025
Despite the tsunami warning, it was a good stay. Awkward to have to pack up in middle of stay and the unpack again andpack when we left.Felt that property managers were a little slow on responding, especially my request for later check out time(didn’t even answer my request).Besides tsunami warning and slow/no communication, property was well stocked, clean, and accessible.
Bob J.
August 2025
Nice location close to Poipu beach and with a nice balcony overlooking the ocean. We were there in the summer and the AC (two portable units) was undersized. The unit (especially the master) felt warmer than the outside, even with the AC running. I was very warm at night which made it difficult to sleep. They could just have put a couple of floor fans in or an AC in the master, which I see a few other people have already commented on.
Esaias J.
August 2025
Vacasa was very responsive and helpful with regards to the condo. The condo was very clean, and in a good location to walk to the beach or coastal trail. Although there was no AC, having the windows open provided a nice breeze. There was basic gear provided, and most all that was needed in the kitchen. Overall, we were happy with our two night stay!
Heather T.
August 2025
Overall our stay was pleasant.
August 2025
![Makahuena 4102]()
Nice condo, true to the description and photos. Very well stocked kitchen, and a closet full of beach gear: umbrella, beach bags, beach towels, body boards... The separation between the master bedroom and the living room is a Japanese style sliding paper wall, so not a lot of privacy, which did not bother us since it was just the two of us. Also, the condo is located on the lowest floor, below the level of the walkway to the buildings, which means that the windows of the second bedroom and the kitchen are at the level of said walkway. Not an issue in the kitchen, but it makes the second bedroom a bit cave-like.It's very close to the ocean, and we enjoyed sleeping with open windows, to the sound of waves. There is a hiking trail behind the fence along the patio, that gets busy in the morning with hikers and joggers, but it's a gorgeous trail along the coast line, passing by a lava arch, the beautiful Grand Hyatt, Shipwreck Beach, and all the way to beautiful bluffs. It's about a ten minute walk to Poipu Beach. We enjoyed the pool and the hot tub after our hike. Overall a lovely stay.
Isabelle D.
July 2025
Check-in was easy, kitchen had everything we needed
Kevin F.
July 2025
The unit was downstairs, so people walking along the fence to access the shoreline could look down right into the living room. After the unit was remodeled, the curtains were not replaced. The air conditioner units in the living room and master bedroom made an intermittent buzzing sound. Hope those issues can be fixed before future guests come. Even though the unit was older, it has been remodeled and everything is fine. It was very close to the sea arch so that was neat to see. Parking was ample. Management was very responsive and friendly.
July 2025
Great location and beautiful property. Family of 5 adults with one toddler had lots of room and loved the pool. Property management also called to ensure we had received the Tsunami warning! The sense of community that we experienced in Koala with hundreds of other evacuees was true Hawaiian spirit! Though we have been Maui visitors for years we all fell in love with Kauai!
Sally S.
July 2025
We had a wonderful time in this condo. The view is breathtaking and the location is very close and walkable to the beaches. WouldLove to visit again!!
Victoria m.
July 2025
The place was amazing and in a great location. Pool was a life saver to keep cool.
Karri W.
July 2025
Comfortable and quiet bedrooms, great location! We had a couple issues, but property manager addressed them promptly. Pool was a nice temp and our kids liked that it was deep enough for diving.
Angie D.
July 2025
Yes, indeed it is an amazing view of the ocean! The condo is up to date and has everything you need! Like they say location, location, location!
Luis A G.
July 2025
Incredible location in Poipu. First time to Kaua’i and was definitely a great home base for many activities and beaches.
Yuji S.
July 2025