Anyone Tried Maui Through Dvc?

[dvc-NE]

I was just wondering if anyone has tried any of the II exchanges through our vacation club and if there were any
resorts that were truly spectacular. Thanks, Matt

 

[OurDogCisco]

I haven't tried through DVC but we own at Westin Villas in Kaanapali Villas and they are beautiful. GL... Maui is a very popular island.

Tina

 

[Dean]

Many have tried and few have been successful. And those that have for the most part have been offered the Sands of Kahana and the Schooner, neither a reasonable trade using DVC points in my book. But there are ways to give yourself a chance which I've posted many times. Do a search for Maui, Marriott, Hawaii with my name and I think you'll get some helpful info.

 

[RLevy29]

We went to the Sands of Kahana and we were very happy. It did take us 18 months to get the exchange, however.

 

[debbie in Seattle]

Ha! Good luck! I've tried up to two years out and they say nothing.
We'll save our points and pay cash then play those games.

 

[Julylady]

We were able to use points for a 2-bedroom to trade for a 3-bedroom at Sands of Kahana. It worked just fine for us. Although not as nice as the Disney properties it was very acceptable. A friend had suggested buying some ant spray at the supermarket and giving the unit a good spray ASAP. We have done this as a preventative measure for 3 Maui vacations and have not had any bug problems.

When I called for the trade, I gave them a year ahead with a large window of about 3 months (Sept - Nov). I was called back about six weeks later with the offer.

Maui is our absolute favorite spot next to WDW! Our favorite place to stay is the Whaler.

Donna

 

[debbie in Seattle]

Maui is our absolute favorite spot next to WDW! Our favorite place to stay is the Whaler.

Donna-
Our favorite spot is the Kaanapali Alii-two doors down from the Whaler.
If I'd ever have to spray ant spray prior to staying on a property-I'd think about staying somewhere else!

 

[dvc-NE]

There are 11 resorts through II that are on the DVC list for Maui. Is that simply not enough?

 

[OurDogCisco]

There are 11 resorts through II that are on the DVC list for Maui. Is that simply not enough?

Well, normally in II you don't see very many trades into DVC units. It can be a difficult trade which mostly likely occurs during off season. Maui is just the same. We use our timeshare in Maui and to date I haven't deposited it in Interval for trade. I probably never will.

It really depends on what you are willing to accept for your trade. As Dean stated above mose people get the Sands of Kahana and Maui Schooner. These are definitely not comparable trades. But if your goal is to get to Hawaii then, try it.

Also, all the Marriott properties have priority with other Marriott owners in Interval. Generally, for the 1st 21 to 24 days of the deposit only other Marriott owners will be able to trade to that unit. It is our internal trade preference. After that the left overs are left for the remaining traders. By then, the unit could be gone.

GL...

 

[caverill]

While we didn't use our DVC points, we did just return from staying at the Marriot Maui Ocean Club Resort.

It is a great resort. Most rooms have some type of ocean view. Our room was ocean front.

We actually stay there on cash, since we are not Marriot owners. We paid $748 for 5 nights, rental car, and $100 GC. We also didn't have to attend a timeshare presentation.

The resort is well run and clean. They were still doing some construction to the rooms since they are in the final stages of converting from a hotel to a timeshare.

I would stay there again in a heart beat. Not sure how we ended up with the invite, but it was worth every penny.

 

[Dean]

There are 11 resorts through II that are on the DVC list for Maui. Is that simply not enough?

Of those, only the Marriott and Westin are truly up to DVC standards. The Embassy is pretty close. The problem with trading to Maui is that there are few units and most are smaller ones. Off season is not really that off but includes May, Sept, Oct and the first half of Dec. Even then there are individual weeks where the demand varies. For example, the last week in Jan is very low as well. IF one wants to go to HI, they should decide what's important. Decide whether to take any available property as far out as possible or to hold out for a comparable trade. One should plan AT LEAST a year out however getting a unit in time to use FF miles is extremely unusual through II.

Don't forget about the independent exchange companies and private exchanges, frequently the best option for trades to HI.

 

[dvc-NE]

Of those, only the Marriott and Westin are truly up to DVC standards. The Embassy is pretty close. The problem with trading to Maui is that there are few units and most are smaller ones. Off season is not really that off but includes May, Sept, Oct and the first half of Dec. Even then there are individual weeks where the demand varies. For example, the last week in Jan is very low as well. IF one wants to go to HI, they should decide what's important. Decide whether to take any available property as far out as possible or to hold out for a comparable trade. One should plan AT LEAST a year out however getting a unit in time to use FF miles is extremely unusual through II.

Don't forget about the independent exchange companies and private exchanges, frequently the best option for trades to HI.

Thanks, Dean. I read your older post as well. My first choice would be the Marriott. I looked at it a little bit last year and this upcoming year I figure I need to think about it again. From what you're saying, cash seems like the way you need to go. That's too bad, we stayed at The Marriott at Ford's Colony in Williamsburg, Va this past April using points and liked it alot. I guess Hawaii is a whole different bird. Matt

 

[RLevy29]

We were perfectly happy with the Sands of Kahana. It was clean and close to a small beach. There was no air conditioning but the ocean breeze kept the room cool. The only "hot spot" was the vanity area which is where the washer /dryer was located. Luxurious? No. Comfortable? Yes! We have stayed in several different condo units in Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island and we found the Sands of Kahana to be the same comfort level. You can't beat checking out with no room bill!

 

[dvc-NE]

We were perfectly happy with the Sands of Kahana. It was clean and close to a small beach. There was no air conditioning but the ocean breeze kept the room cool. The only "hot spot" was the vanity area which is where the washer /dryer was located. Luxurious? No. Comfortable? Yes! We have stayed in several different condo units in Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island and we found the Sands of Kahana to be the same comfort level. You can't beat checking out with no room bill!

You are not the first person that said this place was nice. I am surprised at no air conditioning. Do you remember when you went and how many points you used and for what type accomadation? Thanks, Matt

 

[dvc-NE]

I haven't tried through DVC but we own at Westin Villas in Kaanapali Villas and they are beautiful. GL... Maui is a very popular island.

Tina

Thanks, Tina. Dean rates the Westin and Marriott as the top 2. Your timeshare there sounds great!! Matt

 

[disneydenisel]

Definitely consider a private exchange. We own at the Westin Ka'anapali and were thinking that we might contact a DVC member to do a trade some year (that is, assuming we don't buy DVC) when we could only afford one vacation. Good luck!

 

[skibum]

We posted a private exchange on the DIS Boards this year for over Thanksgiving at the Maui Marriott, and although there were a few "lookers", we ended up renting it for cash. If you are interested in doing a private exchange, try the TUG Boards.
By the way, our family loves the Maui Marriott!

 

[girth]

A new addition to the Concierge Collection is the Grand
Wailea. Not II, but worth checking out their website. I stayed there on a business trip 2 years ago and WOW!!!!!

 

[RLevy29]

You are not the first person that said this place was nice. I am surprised at no air conditioning. Do you remember when you went and how many points you used and for what type accomadation? Thanks, Matt

We went the first week in July and had a 1-bedroom unit. There are quite a few places on the islands that have noairconditioning. As I said, it was not too warm except for the vanity area of the bathroom where the w/d was located. We used 160 points.