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
Excellent communication from the host and rental agency representative, very clean and well-appointed space, and amazing view and location! Quick walks to Shipwreck and Poipu Beaches and easy access to other local restaurants and shops. Highly recommend!
Christine G.
December 2025
The condo was exactly as pictured. Perfect view, super clean, great location.
Rachel H.
December 2025
Great location with view of ocean. Unit was perfect for our group of 5 adults. The 3rd floor bedroom is very small and more suited for children, but our adult son managed fine. Washer & Dryer in unit was a big plus as with beach chairs and coolers. Well stocked kitchen allowed us to prepare meals and save on eating out everyday.Communucation with Liz was easy. She and sophia both checked on us to see if all was well om arrival. Our family highly recommends this unit when staying in Poipu area.
Cheryl C.
December 2025
Easy check in. Well stocked with beach/ocean equipment. Kitchen was very nice and well equipped. View of the ocean was spectacular. Great walking paths and recreational opportunities.
Dave H.
December 2025
We had a wonderful time staying here as a family of four. There was plenty of space which you will not get at a hotel or resort. We were so close to restaurants and only 15-20 minutes from most of our excursions. The beach gear was an awesome added bonus! We would 100% stay here again!
Heidi B.
December 2025
Responsive host, clean, well equipped
Malea N.
December 2025
We had a great stay here. The location is perfect—right between two amazing beaches that are both walking distance. The ocean view is beautiful, especially at sunrise. Waking up to that view never got old.The house was comfortable and well set up, and we loved having AC units in the upstairs bedrooms. It had everything we needed, including beach equipment, which was a huge bonus and saved us from having to rent our own. The host was very responsive and helpful. We’d definitely stay here again!
Donna G.
December 2025
This was perfect for our party of 8. Two bedrooms, one had a king bed and the other had a queen, and a loft with a full bed and a day bed with a trundle. Note: this condo is on a second story with no elevator. The 2 bedrooms are up another flight of stairs, and the loft is up a 3rd set of stairs; so you get your exercise. There are two full bathrooms and a half bath with a washer and dryer. The fully stocked kitchen is nice to prepare food and relax in the living/ dining area.They even have beach towels (8) and beach chairs (I think 7 or 8) and sand toys and some snorkel sets (but only 1 pair of flippers). There was only one boogie board and it was about to fall apart.The condo is next to the ocean, but has lava rock and is too dangerous to swim. It's a few minute drive to Poipu beach where you can swim and snorkel, and if you go in the evenings you can usually see sea turtles!This is on the south side of Kauai, so if you want to do things on the north side you have to drive about an hour or more, depending on where you're going. We had a very fun stay and would highly recommend this unit. Thank you!
Michelle A.
December 2025
The condo was lovely and had everything up to date for our two-couple getaway. Breakfast on the lanai each morning made our vacation! The beds were very comfortable and we slept well, and the condo had all the beach things that we needed. We would absolutely return and encourage you to experience Kauai with this condo as your base! Danna was very responsive, both to questions beforehand and when we had a slight air-conditioning issue at the condo, which was resolved quickly.
Mary U.
December 2025
The host was helpful. And the condo was well stocked with necessary items. The condo was about a "C" rating - it is beginning to show its age and the whole unit needs to be refreshed - especially the woodwork. The shower curtain on the half-bath/laundry room in lieu of a broken pocket door was a non-starter for me. The sheets, while clean and serviceable are getting pretty thin.
Iral R.
December 2025
Looks small in the pictures but it is a very spacious ground floor condo. Walk right out of your slider and down to the pool. It fit our family of 6 so great. Everything was so clean and so nice. Well stocked kitchen gadgets and plates. Everything you need to stay. We got in real late and we were able to have our Instacart order delivered and put in the fridge before we arrived. Walk down to the ocean and you can watch the sun rise in the morning and set in the evening. Highly reccomend this place!
Shane D.
December 2025
This place is incredible! Danna was a great host as well - very communicative and answered any questions we had in a timely manner. You really can’t beat this view - we hope to be back!!!
Catherine P.
December 2025
Location was perfect. Accessible to everything, the pool was a great amenity. Kitchen was well-stocked, and the provided beach towels, beach chairs, and beach gear were all welcome.
Annette H.
December 2025
This unit was wonderful, and the location was great! A public beach access was right next door that you could walk out on the rocks and watch the sunrise. It was just a short half mile walk to Poipu Beach to watch the sunset. The unit had everything you could need. Beach supplies were awesome, although flippers for the snorkel gear would have been a plus. We would definitely go back!
Allison J.
December 2025
The whole experience was delightful.
Jeffery M.
December 2025
Great beach view and spacious patio. The kitchen was fully stocked.
Debra G.
December 2025
Our stay was wonderful. The views were gorgeous, and we loved how simple it was to head out for walks along the beach. One sunset, we were lucky enough to see whales right from a bench on the property.
Karin
December 2025
The host was responsive to messages. House was exactly as described. It was packed with all the amenities our family could wish for. Our kids thoroughly enjoyed all the beach toys and boogie boards. The location was great to all the must do's in Poipu. It was by the best beach as well.
Hayley T.
December 2025
Great location! Right on the water for viewing the turtles, dolphins, whales and the gorgeous sunsets! The host was very quick to respond with any question we had. We would love to go back and stay again!!
Amy S.
December 2025
No personal contact with the host. Well appointed unit with a few significant flaws. Many stairs to unit.
Bill W.
December 2025
The views are great. The Rooms are good for our family
Bo
December 2025
The code didnt work when we arrive but they helped us. All good!
Paula B.
December 2025
Nice property good location and amenities. Nice view
December 2025
Loved our stay. Unit was well stocked. Lovely view of sunrise and sunset. Grateful for the beach chairs, cooler, snorkel gear, etc. They even kindly accommodated a late check out to bridge the gap between check out in Poipu and our check in time in Princeville. Will stay again!
Jessica H.
December 2025
We had a great stay. Really enjoyed watching sunrise over the ocean every morning from the lanai.
Karla H.
December 2025
This 3b2b is just right for us and our two adult children. Lots of space for all of us to stretch out. The basic necessities are all there if you want to cook and do laundry. I cooked a very simple Thanksgiving dinnerFor 4 people. Both Shipwreck and Poi’pu beaches are 15-16 mins walk. All required beach gear were provided. The food options were not that close except for Brenneke which is not that great either food wise or service. The dishwasher needs a thorough cleaning. Some cups were not washed and placed back into the cupboard. Overall, a nice location and place to stay.
November 2025
We asked to check in early, our host was more than accommodating! Thank you!
Jennifer O.
November 2025
Really appreciated the way this property was taken care of and the views in the living room/veranda and master bedrooms were lovely. The pool was nice and the proximity to the beach was good as well.
Hansel
November 2025
We enjoyed our stay here. It was a spacious accommodation, clean, comfortable and quiet. Will definitely use again in the future!!
Ardell B.
November 2025
The condo was amazing. Great renovated space with a lot of amenities. One thing that was not mentioned prior to us renting is that the property is under construction and the doorway (step) entry to the condo is taped with caution tape and support beams and partially obstructed. The tennis courts are also closed due to repairs. Overall, it is a great place, just a heads up on maintenance/repairs would have been nice since we had kids.
Raji
November 2025
walking distance to Poipu beach clean comfortable unit covenient location
Robert M.
November 2025
Check in and out was easy. The location was great. The place had lots of beach gear that was super helpful. Overall it was a wonderful stay. It was a little bummer that there was construction right outside our door that we didn't know ahead of time was going to be happening. And the bathroom slider door seems to be off track or broken. As it was difficult to move and very load when you did. But even with these bummers, we still had a great time and it wouldn't stop us from staying here again.
Dana P.
November 2025
![Makahuena Oceanfront Condo]()
Pros:Great location! Turtles and dolphins and sunset! Relatively quiet for a bottom floor condo.Clean with most amenities accounted for.Sophia was extremely responsive in communicating.Nice pool and access to the local gym.Walking distance to several beaches.Cons:Large deposit.Many rules including DO NOT BRING SAND INTO THE CONDO. How can you stay on an island at a beach location? This last bit colored our stay as we were so paranoid of breaking this rule, among the many others...with the large deposit we were constantly worried that a grain of sand in the condo would cost us our deposit. There is no easy way to rinse your feet prior to entering the unit - we would stop at the pool area to rinse and dry before going in. The directions stated that beach accessories such as boogie board were stored in the closet but they were not. By the time we inquired with Sophia (we did not want to get accused of stealing the equipment), we had already rented the equipment only to find out from Sophia the equipment was stored on the side of the unit in a storage bin.
November 2025
Lovely Appartments Perfect location in a spot where you can meet the sunrise and see the sunset from same cliff ;)
Georgiy V.
November 2025
Amazing location! Looks right over crashing waves. Spacious, had everything we needed. Both beds super comfortable. Air conditioning the best we’ve had anywhere in Hawaii. Responsive host. We’ll hope to stay here next time.
Suzanne W.
November 2025
It was a beautiful, we had everything we needed. Great view of the ocean and close to everything. We enjoyed our stay in Kauai!
Stefanie D.
November 2025
Host was great!
Earl P.
November 2025
Everything exceeded expectations. The host was amazing - fast communication - accommodated our every need - made us feel welcome and valued. The condo is gorgeous. The views must be some of the best of any condo on the island of Kauai. You can eat your meals in view of a sea arch and lava rocks with ocean waves crashing non-stop. The condo's temperature was perfect with the help of two portable air conditioners. There was plenty of supplies for our excursions like a small cooler. The condo was spotless and in excellent condition. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and will definitely be back!
Michael Y.
November 2025
Everything was great, excellent communication.
Sheri G.
November 2025
This location was fantastic. The rooms were clean and well furnished.
Nathan F.
November 2025
The property management responded quickly to requests forearly check in and additional questions I had.
Vicki S.
November 2025
Beautiful view, well appointed interior, excellent communication.
LYNNE K.
November 2025
Our host was friendly and responsive. The location of the property is perfect. We enjoyed gorgeous sunrises and had an overall terrific experience.
frank m.
November 2025
Very pleased with everything. We had a wonderful stay, only wish it was longer!
Bryan M.
November 2025
![Makahuena # 4205]()
The property manager/host was great. He was very responsive and allowed an earlier check in, which was appreciated. The condo does NOT have AC. This was my first issue. It is a portable unit that in no way cools 900 sq.ft. It also had a torn hose that was blowing the hot air back in. We turned it off and opened all the windows to use the breeze, which it is BREEZY/WINDY. The owner needs to do so serious remodeling. The pergo floor are a mess, the furniture and drapery are filthy, packing tape was holding the master bedroom drapery rod together, slider that is VERY difficult to open, holes in the slider screens and peeling paint falling on the floor from around the windows. The host said the filthyness of the sofas and drapery was due to the construction going on next door and the blowing dirt from the very windy conditions. Makes sense. However, if appropriate/working AC was in the unit guests would not have to keep the windows open to stay cool. The location is FANTASTIC. Super close to Poipu beach. The complex itself, even though it could use a refresh, had beautiful views. We saw turtles in the alcove by the pool area.
Pamela M.
November 2025
![Makahuena Condo 1-303]()
Just got back from a week at the Makahuena 1-303. Pros:* Good location, 15min walk to Poipu Beach. It's an uphill walk back. We just drove everyday. Restaurants, stores, within 10 min drive* Property grounds are we taken care ofCons: * The unit is much older than what's in the pictures. Different furniture, etc.* Completely broken beach umbrella. Shannon told me to go get one from Costco rather trying to help. I had to spend 1 1/2 hours to go back to Walmart by the airport to buy one. No reimbursement. * One of the toilets was leaking and kept running 24-7* Kitchen faucet is leaking and gets all over the counter. It also turns on by itself as it's loose.* The dryer kept shutting off after 15 min with a "Check Dryer Vent" light. Annoying when you have wet clothes. * WiFi router upstairs kept failing (red light)* After my brief conversation about the umbrella, I didn't even bother to report the other issues as I did not want to spend my vacation time waiting for service and repairs, we just dealt with it. Would I stay here again? Yes if I was better informed and needed accommodations for 5 people. No if it was just my wife and daughter.Recommendation for management: * Accurately represent your property* Help rather then provide answers with no resolution, where's the Aloha spirit? Hope this honest review helps someone out! Cheers!
T P.
November 2025
The floors were dirty when we got there as well as the comforter in the guest bedroom
Jamie M.
November 2025
The property was absolutely stunning, from the views to the amenities (pool was amazing!) to how close shipwreck beach and other places were. Each room had air conditioning and great natural light. There were only two drawbacks: first, the stairs. To reach the place, you must go up two flights and then there are an additional one to two flights within the condo. (2nd story has 2 bedrooms, 3rd story has the two twin beds). If you have ANY mobility issues, this place would be very difficult. Also, the AC vent was on the balcony which meant hot air was continually blowing making sitting outside uncomfortable once it was past morning. Communication with leasing agent was easy and
Christine K.
October 2025
The host was very welcoming. Great location. Condo was clean. Beds were very comfortable.The condo had everything you needed such as water toys, beach chairs snorkel gear. 10 min walk to the beach to see the turtles. Highly recommend to anyone. Just FYI condo was on the 3rd floor.
Christopher P.
October 2025
Wonderful condo! We were there celebrating my dad's 80th birthday so the three rooms with attached bathrooms were perfect for us. The top floor room is smaller and the bathroom is tiny but my husband and I stayed in it and since we are small it was not a problem. It could be for people over 5'6" though. The only thing not working was the ceiling light/fan in the upstairs room. Additional fans were available but the room was dark with only one lamp. We were all very happy!
Dawn S.
October 2025