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
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
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
The space was very clean and well appointed and the ocean views were beautiful.
Eric E.
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
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
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
Great condo in beautiful Poipu. Enas was great to communicate with and condo was nicely stocked with all the beach gear which was so helpful! Loved the pool and watching the turtles in the ocean.
Kristin H.
July 2025
This was our second stay at the property. The location is great and the views are incredible. There are a few drawbacks to the property itself and those are minor. The owners and managing company were very responsive which we appreciated
Brian G.
July 2025
The overall was stay was 4/5. There was a problem with the A/C. I did appreciate Amy stepping up and getting it fixed, tech was finishing but upon are arrival. Location was great! The cleanliness was good. There were some type of stains on inside the tub , we did see a dead water bug behind the sofa. I felt that they could have cleaned the sliding door windows there was a film over them. I would stay here again it was amazing other than those details listed. You could hear the waves and short walking distance to poipu beach ! 4/5 over all.
Sandra Diaz A.
July 2025
We usually stay in Princeville but decided to stretch out try South Shore. It was very nice. Close to shopping, restaurants and local businesses. Even went to the Farmers Market at Kukui Grove.We did travel to Kaapa and went to Kealia Beach. Good body surfing conditions there. We'll be back!
gl e.
July 2025
Great location, quiet, clean, right on the water. The pictures do not do justice. The pool, BBQ, and parking were all easily accessed and clean. Full washer and dryer, beach chairs, ice chests, towels and umbrella were available. Hoping to come back!
Stacy S.
July 2025
My family and I thoroughly enjoyed this condo unit. It's a very clean unit, well equipped and the development grounds are beautiful and well kept. The location was perfect for us. The pool, and ocean views are just steps away. Poipu Beach and restaurants are a stroll or short drive. The use of beach equipment and a wagon were a real plus!
Michael M.
July 2025
The unit was super old. It smelled musty and like a smoker previously lived there. The beds are very uncomfortable and feel cheaply made. The beach chairs were both rusted and busted, the umbrella was unusable. The ACs made a loud noise every 2-3 minutes. The kitchen was sparingly stocked with cooking items. The carpets and furniture felt waxy and were stained. The pictures on VRBO do not reflect what you actually get. Those pictures make the unit seem way nicer. Overall I would not recommend this unit to anyone to rent at this price point.
dennis m.
July 2025
Marsha was amazing! She was very detailed and accommodating for anything I asked. The house had everything you could need. The view was wonderful and loved having our breakfast on the balcony. We would definitely stay here again.
Katrina M.
July 2025
It was amazing... everything was perfect... we loved having a kitchen, a place to park, and a laundry machine. We would come back again!
Koji Steven S.
July 2025
This was our second or third time in this unit - we love the Makahuena and this unit ticks all our boxes. AC throughout (just make sure it's off in the morning to truly enjoy coffee on the lanai), everything works, it's clean, wonderful communication, no surprises. We will be back again and again.
Dave O.
July 2025
We had a family of 8 staying. The condo is in a good location with the parking lot and easy access to the pool and pickleball court. Each bedroom and living area had air conditioning which was nice to have. Being on the ground floor, the grandkids could run around outside easily.
carol m.
July 2025
Nice accommodations. Clean, AC in bedrooms worked great. Nice partial view of ocean. Great location just a short drive to beaches and shopping. We would stay here again. Good value for the price.
Craig H.
July 2025
The unit was super old. It smelled musty and like a smoker previously lived there. The beds are very uncomfortable and feel cheaply made. The beach chairs were both rusted and busted, the umbrella was unusable. The ACs made a loud noise every 2-3 minutes. The kitchen was sparingly stocked with cooking items. The carpets and furniture felt waxy and were stained. The pictures on VRBO do not reflect what you actually get. Those pictures make the unit seem way newer/nicer. Overall I would not recommend this unit to anyone to rent at this price.
dennis m.
July 2025
The overall property is in a great location close to everything. This particular condo has an amazing view and has everything you need to make your stay enjoyable. I would highly recommend this place!
Amber S.
July 2025