You just got the keys to Makena Surf. Now comes the part that makes everyday living smooth: understanding the community’s house rules and how they work in real life. You want quiet mornings, easy guest visits, and stress‑free move‑ins. This guide gives you the essentials you need to respect the community, protect your investment, and set up guests and contractors for success. Let’s dive in.
How Makena Surf is governed
Makena Surf runs on three core documents that work together. The Declaration/CC&Rs sets overall use rights and obligations. The Bylaws cover how the association operates. The Rules & Regulations, often called the House Rules, set day‑to‑day standards like quiet hours, parking, amenity use, pets, and contractor activity.
Always use the current, official documents from the association as your source of truth. Policies can change, and times or procedures can be updated. Ask the association office or your property manager for the latest PDFs and keep them handy on your phone and in a unit welcome packet.
Quiet hours and everyday noise
Quiet hours are one of the most important rules to learn first. Resort communities often restrict loud activity during evening and early morning, and may address amplified music, balcony conduct, and pool noise. Associations can be stricter than county ordinances, so do not rely on public rules alone.
What to do next:
- Ask for the exact quiet hours listed in Makena Surf’s current House Rules.
- Learn who to contact for after‑hours issues. Note the on‑site office, manager, security, or HOA complaint process.
- If you host guests, include a one‑page summary in your welcome materials so expectations are clear before the first night.
Parking and vehicles
Parking at Makena Surf typically involves assigned owner stalls and separate guest spaces. Most associations regulate commercial vehicles, trailers, oversize vehicles, and long‑term storage. Unauthorized vehicles can be ticketed or towed according to posted policies.
What to confirm with the association:
- Your assigned stall number(s) and a parking map for your building.
- Guest parking rules, time limits, and whether guests need a placard or registration.
- Any towing policy, enforcement hours, and contact information you should share with guests.
Guests and amenities
Clear guidance for guests prevents headaches for everyone. House Rules usually address occupancy limits, supervision in pool and spa areas, BBQ use, fitness room etiquette, and footwear or towel requirements. Many Hawai‘i associations prohibit smoking or vaping in common areas and sometimes on lanais; check Makena Surf’s specific rules.
Key points to review:
- Occupancy limits for your unit type, as defined by the HOA.
- Pool, spa, fitness center, and BBQ hours and conduct rules.
- Beach access protocols. Makena Surf is beachfront, and you should understand public shoreline access rules, any posted paths, and protections for dunes and walkways.
- Pet policies. Know what is allowed, any registration steps, leash rules, and cleanup requirements. Service animal requests must follow federal and state disability law.
- Short‑term rentals. If you plan to rent, confirm the association’s rental policy and any manager‑of‑record or registration requirements. You also need to follow Maui County regulations and tax registration rules for transient accommodations.
Renovations, contractors, and deliveries
Before you start upgrades or schedule deliveries, coordinate with the association. Most HOAs require prior approval for interior or exterior alterations and will share guidelines and forms. Expect rules for contractor insurance, work hours, debris handling, and elevator protection.
Steps to take:
- Request the Architectural/Alteration Guidelines and the application forms.
- Confirm permitted work hours and any blackout days or holidays.
- Obtain a Certificate of Insurance from your contractor or moving company naming the association as additional insured if required.
- Ask about elevator reservations or protective coverings and any related fees.
- For any structural, electrical, plumbing, or similar work, confirm Maui County permit requirements in addition to HOA approval.
Move‑in planning checklist
A little planning makes your first day smooth and neighbor‑friendly. Use this quick checklist and confirm each item with the association office.
Pre‑move:
- Reserve your move date and window with the association. Some communities require several days’ notice.
- Reserve the elevator if needed and confirm protective pads and routes.
- Provide the moving company’s Certificate of Insurance if required.
- Pay any move‑in fees or refundable deposits.
- Get parking placards, gate codes, and on‑site contact information for move day.
- Review trash, recycling, and bulky item disposal rules.
On move day:
- Give movers a simple route map and parking plan that follows HOA rules.
- Install elevator protection and keep hallways clear.
- Keep the association contact or security number handy in case timing changes.
After the move:
- Return any elevator keys, pads, or placards as instructed.
- Walk common areas and remove any debris.
- Verify that your owner registration and contact info are on file with the association.
Enforcement and legal context
Associations have tools to maintain a safe, consistent environment for all residents. Common remedies include written notices, monetary fines, towing for vehicle violations, and temporary suspension of amenity use. Unpaid fines and assessments can lead to collection action according to your governing documents and Hawai‘i law.
Most associations offer hearings or an appeal process to contest violations. Document issues, follow the written procedures, and communicate promptly with management. For persistent noise, street‑parking issues, or public‑safety concerns on public roads, Maui County departments can also enforce applicable ordinances. For legal questions about your rights and responsibilities, consult Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 514B or speak with counsel.
Where to get official documents
Start with the association office or its management company. Request current PDFs and, if possible, printed copies for your files and a unit welcome packet.
Documents to request, in priority order:
- Declaration/CC&Rs
- Bylaws
- Rules & Regulations or House Rules
- Architectural/Alteration Guidelines and forms
- Move‑In/Move‑Out Policy, elevator rules, and reservation form
- Parking map and written parking rules, including towing policy
- Rental/short‑term rental policy and any required registration forms
- Insurance requirements for owners, movers, and contractors
- Current Reserve Study, Budget, and recent meeting minutes
- Contact list for the on‑site manager, property management company, board, emergency, and security
You can also obtain recorded instruments such as CC&Rs through the county recording office or via your title company. If you closed recently, escrow often delivers a document package. Ask early if something is missing.
First 30 days: orientation and setup
Use your first month to complete onboarding with the association and set your property up for success.
Owner checklist:
- Register your contact details and primary property manager.
- Confirm your assigned parking stall and post any resident placards.
- Program gate codes and verify key fob access.
- Review trash, recycling, and bulky item rules.
- If planning renovations, submit your alteration application and confirm county permitting.
- If planning to rent, notify the association as required and complete county tax registrations.
Property manager tips:
- Create a one‑page guest summary for your unit that covers quiet hours, parking, pool/BBQ rules, occupancy, and emergency numbers.
- Keep a copy of the parking map and guest parking protocol in your arrival instructions.
- Maintain contractor COIs and approval letters for any alterations in a shared digital folder.
Your next steps
- Request the latest Rules & Regulations and a parking map from the association.
- Register your owner and manager contacts with the office.
- Reserve your move‑in window and confirm COI, deposits, and elevator protection.
- Prepare a one‑page guest conduct summary for your unit.
- Verify the association’s rental policy and complete Maui County requirements if you plan to rent.
Ready for a smooth start at Makena Surf?
If you want a local, concierge‑style partner as you settle in, we can help you navigate association documents, coordinate trusted service providers, and plan for future resale value. As a senior luxury broker with Coldwell Banker Global Luxury, Riette blends multi‑decade local expertise with attentive, private client service. Contact Riette for a private consultation with Unknown Company.
FAQs
What are the quiet hours at Makena Surf?
- Quiet hours are set in the current House Rules. Many resort HOAs use late evening to early morning windows, but you should confirm the exact times with the association office.
How does guest parking work at Makena Surf?
- Guest parking is typically separate from owner stalls and may have time limits or placard requirements. Ask for the parking map, guest protocol, and any towing policy before hosting visitors.
Can I rent my Makena Surf condo short‑term?
- It depends on both the association’s rental policy and Maui County rules. Request the HOA’s rental policy and complete all county registrations and tax requirements before advertising.
What do movers or contractors need to provide at Makena Surf?
- Most associations require a Certificate of Insurance naming the HOA as additional insured, adherence to set work hours, and elevator protection for moves. Confirm all requirements with the association before scheduling.
Who enforces the rules at Makena Surf?
- The association and its manager handle most violations through notices and fines, and may suspend amenities or tow vehicles when posted. For issues on public streets or public safety matters, Maui County authorities can enforce applicable ordinances.
