Makena sits silently at the extreme end of the South Shore of Maui. The highway leading there dwindles from four lanes to two and eventually winds its way into a single lane along the edge of the ocean. The terrain goes from manicured to desert-like to untouchable as it moves through Makena into the most recent lava flow on Maui.
But the journey to this area is facing some major changes as developers have differing views on what to do with the jewel of the South Shore. With several major developments planned, the rustic road through kiawe trees and nopales cacti could soon fade away into an extension of the well-manicured golf villas of neighboring Wailea.
Whether the area progresses into a picture of sustainability or continues to stagnate in the old style of building is still up in the air. One project already under way is Maluaka, managed by the Dowling Company. Although the development will be adding to the construction of Makena, this residential community will be one of the most eco-friendly projects built in Hawaii yet. Maluaka will be seeking certification by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) under its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™.
Other developments teeter on the decisions of a few in charge, but they too offer hope. If the areas are developed, right now is the time to define which direction they will go. Sustainability is one way for this area to retain some of its natural beauty. By integrating building with the natural landscape and resources, Makena has a chance to be a great hope and an example for a new standard of building in Maui.
