This is Golfer Geeks’ Maui Jim Makoa sunglasses review.
I’m an avid golfer, a 7ish handicap on my way to a 2 (been a 5.6), and frequent tester of golf clubs and equipment since 2015.
See how the Makoas stack up against other top picks.
Maui Jim Men’s Makoa Polarized Wrap Sunglasses
4.33 Overall Score
Score | Category | Score | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
4.5 | Lens Clarity | 4 | Fit & Stability |
5 | Eye Comfort | 4.5 | Style |
4 | Contrast & Color Enhancement | 4 | Wallet Damage |
What We Like
Sharp optics and quick eye relaxation, especially in full sun.
Easy to wear for long periods with no slipping or pinching.
Wrap-style design blocks side glare effectively.
Lifetime lens replacement adds long-term value.
Sporty but stylish enough for everyday use.
What We Don’t Like
Lacks the vivid contrast of Costa or Oakley lenses in cloudy or mixed light.
Double-hinge arms don’t grip well when resting on your head.
Tint Can Be Too Dark – In lower light, lenses feel a bit heavy.
Verdict
The Maui Jim Makoa sunglasses are a high-performing option for bright, sunny conditions.
The lenses offer excellent clarity and glare protection, though they don’t quite match Costa or Oakley in color enhancement or contrast.
The frames are lightweight and comfortable, but the double-hinge arms don’t grip the head well.
Still, they’re my go-to shades for full-sun days on the course or behind the wheel.
Where To Get Yours
Amazon
Who Are They For?
The Maui Jim Makoas are best for anyone spending a lot of time in full sun—golfers, boaters, hikers, or drivers who value lens clarity and comfort over flashier contrast or color pop.
If you have a smaller or average-sized face, these will likely fit you well. And if you’re sick of eye strain and want a lens that keeps things cool and clear, they’re a smart choice—especially if you live somewhere bright.
Lenses
I’ve owned the Maui Jim Makoas for nearly three years—and I’ve worn them everywhere: golf course, driving, walking, and just being outside.
The PolarizedPlus2 lenses are clear, comfortable, and reduce eye strain quickly. They block glare well and perform beautifully in full sunlight.
But here’s the thing—they’re a little darker than others I’ve tested. In bright light, they’re perfect.
In cloudy or mixed light? Not quite as impressive.
Colors aren’t as vivid, and contrast isn’t as sharp as what I see through Costa’s green lenses or Oakley’s Prizm lenses. You won’t squint, but you won’t get that extra visual pop either.
Bottom line: great eye protection and comfort, just a little flat in the color department compared to the top-tier lenses I’ve tested.
- Superb clarity & glare protection
- Good color and contrast
- Fit well (Light & Comfortable)
- Great looking
- Double hinge arms won't stay on my shiny head
- Colors & contrast aren't as vivid as our top choice
Frames
The Makoa frames are lightweight, flexible, and very comfortable. They fit my face well and don’t pinch or slide during wear.
However, the double-hinge arms are a pain when it comes to keeping them secure on my head.
They bend outward and don’t hold pressure, so I had to buy a Maui Jim sunglasses cable to keep them in place when not on my face.
That said, I haven’t had issues while actually wearing them during activity. They stay put when I’m moving—just not when I try to rest them on my head or hat.
The wrap style is great for side glare protection, and the design is sleek without being too sporty.
Best Alternatives
If you like the Makoa frame style but want more vivid lenses or a better on-head fit, we’ve got two strong alternatives and one alternative if you want the same vivid lenses in smaller, more sporty frames:
- Oakley Holbrook Prizm Sunglasses – Similar squared wrap-around style, but with Prizm lenses that deliver sharper contrast and more vibrant color enhancement. Great clarity and better grip on your head.
- Costa Rinconcito Sunglasses – Sporty wrap design with green mirror 580G lenses that outperform the Makoas in color pop and contrast. They also offer a snugger fit for medium-to-large faces.
- Costa Whitetip Sunglasses – Smaller frames that wrap around more and offer more side glare protection than the two choices above.
Both offer the frame style you like—with a boost in lens performance.
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Editor's Pick
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Highly Recommended
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Highly Recommended
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Primary Rating:
4.7
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Primary Rating:
4.4
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Primary Rating:
4.4
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Cons:
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Cons:
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Cons:
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- Superb Clarity & Glare Protection
- Vivid colors
- Fit well (Light & Comfortable)
- Nice style
- Nada
- Superb clarity & glare protection
- Vivid Colors & Contrast
- Fit well (Light & Comfortable)
- Nice style
- Frames look good...not great
- Superb clarity & Glare protection
- Vivid Colors & Contrast
- Fit well (Light & Comfortable)
- Nice style
- Pricey
Final Verdict
The Maui Jim Makoa sunglasses are a high-performing, comfortable choice for bright, sunny days.
The lenses offer great clarity and glare protection, and the wrap-style frame keeps you covered from all angles.
They’re lightweight, stylish, and built for long wear.
They don’t enhance colors or contrast as vividly as some competitors, and the flexible arms don’t grip your head well off-face.
But for full-sun performance and daily wearability, they’ve earned their spot in my regular rotation.
Thanks for checking out our Maui Jim Makoa sunglasses review.
- Superb clarity & glare protection
- Good color and contrast
- Fit well (Light & Comfortable)
- Great looking
- Double hinge arms won't stay on my shiny head
- Colors & contrast aren't as vivid as our top choice
