When I first visited Makena in 1979, it was a sleepy little place at the end of the road. We set out to route a golf course over the lava rock and through the kiawe trees. When finished, we were very proud of our work. Now the little place at the end of the road had a golf course; those who played there seemed to like it a lot; but, no one else paid much attention, as other resort locations elsewhere on Maui and on other islands gained more attention... and respect.

But, then a strange thing happened. Little by little, like the ordinary young girl who gradually grows into a beautiful woman, Makena seemed to blossom. The course matured beautifully and people started to talk about it. It wasn't much later that folks used to tell us that Makena was their "favorite course in the Islands."

Perhaps this was the first chapter in the Makena story, since everything has changed from this modest beginning. Having just returned from there, I can tell you about the gracious Maui Prince Hotel. I can't think of any place which offers a more pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. It is just delightful in every way. I can also tell you about the new 18 holes we have just built there.

A new nine has been added to either side of the original golf course to complete a 36-hole complex, and I can tell you that the golf course architect is excited about these new holes.  Most of them are very carefully terraced on the sloping ground, commanding a view of what seems to be the entire Pacific Ocean, and isolated as the golfer's own private little piece of paradise. By very careful planning and careful attention to some technical engineering principles, we have been able to present many of these new holes separately and apart from all the others. Often no other holes is even visible beyond the one you are playing. This creates a very special feeling for the golfer, almost like this tiny little part of the world was created just for you.

This time, the young lady will grow up much more quickly. She will be noticed much sooner. Makena, with the grandeur of the Maui Prince and 36 holes of breathtaking golf is; just about as good as it gets, if I can set humility aside for just a moment.

For me, it is still that same little old place at the end of the road, and it still retains that marvelous feeling of isolation from all the cares and troubles of the world. But now, you won't just make a U-turn and head back from whence you came.

The beautiful young lady has developed very nicely thank you, and they are starting to talk about her. You may want to stay a while.

All best wishes and a warm aloha,

Robert Trent Jones, Jr.