Anyone used pts to stay in Hawaii?

[Dgentrysim]

Husband & I are looking into going to Hawaii next year w/our 2 boys. Been checking out the resorts there where we can use our DVC pts. Would be interested in hearing from anyone that has done this and your opinion of where you stayed. Kind of hard to get an idea of what they look like from some of the pictures I've seen on the internet. When did you go, any special thing you did that you would recommend, any budgeting tips, etc. Just would like to hear from some people and their advice on what/what not to do. Would appreciate any suggestions/experienced advice you can give! Thanks! Getting excited just being at the planning stage!

 

[DizneyNutz]

Hey there---my DH and I are contemplating doing the same thing---we did some research, and found that the hotel in Maui is not taking reservations after Dec'05 due to the fact that they will be doing renovations there, however, the hotel on the Big Island is still available---don't know what time frame you are looking at going, we were looking at December of '06---we threw out the "can anybody help us with answers to a Hawaiian trip" and never got a reply!!! Good luck, if you go before us, please give us the scoop! One thing we found was that making ressies, airline tickets, etc. was a bit confusing, so we did two things, we bought a copy of the "Unofficial Guide to Hawaii" from Amazon.Com and sent an email to the "Big Kahuna" asking for any and all information available, he QUICKLY emailed us back with several links to Hawaiian Vacations, this website was EXTREMELY helpful. We didn't get any support from these boards, whatsoever. So, that said, if you go before us, PLEASE pass along any helpful information, and I promise we'll do the same. Please feel free to email us privately and I will share all the info that we have thus far, we haven't rec'vd our book yet, but we've recomended this book ( they have books on just about any place imaginable that you could visit ) to friends that were going to WDW and we've/they've found that it's a MUST READ before going anywhere. Good luck and Aloha!

 

[babylisa4]

We used points at Kapalua Bay hotel in Maui. It was a beautiful hotel and we had a great time. We had two teenage boys at the time. We did Kapalua Bay because it was Concierge collection and it was easier for us than an exchange. "Dean" on these boards though gave lots of advice. If you can do a search on his name you may find some of the threads. I think someone told us to get a book called Maui Revealed I think that was helpful..

 

[grumpysimmons]

I have been a DVC member since 1997 and an owner of a timeshare in Maui since 1994. We have made 10 trips to Hawaii since our purchase. Please email me your address and I will try to get you some information for your trip. The Kapalua Bay Hotel in Maui used to be part of the Concierge Collection and is a beautiful place. We learned on our last trip that it has been purchased by Marriott and is going to be torn down (a tear comes to my eye) in the spring of 2006 to build timeshares. Our timeshare, The Sands of Kahana, is listed in the Vacation Planner. We own a 2-bedroom. I would NOT recommend the 1-bedroom. This complex is not air-conditioned. It is not a problem in the 2-Br because of the airflow, but the one time we stayed in a 1-BR, it was really uncomfortable. And it was in April. Some friends of mine own there, too, and went in September, and said it was really miserable.

This last year we also stayed in a Westin on Kaanapali Beach (Maui) and in a 1BR at the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Waikiki Beach on Oahu. Although it is a beautiful setting, we have been spoiled by staying in timeshares and found the hotel room at the Westin to be really confining. The Hilton Hawaiian Village is beautiful. I really loved it there.

Let me know what specific information you are requesting and I will try to give you some pointers. A friend once asked me, "what do you like better...Hawaii or Disney World?" My reply was "that's like asking which of your children do you like better?"

GrimpySimmons

 

[Dean]

For II exchanges, only the Marriott's, Embassy's and Westin are truly worthy of using DVC points for an exchange. And all of those are very good choices. Just realize that the Embassy on Maui and two of the 4 Marriott have a mini kitchen. It's functional but not a full kitchen. And you will not be able to search for a studio (not that I would anyway) for 4 as DVC studios only exchange for 2 even if they will sleep 4.

If you do a search using my name and words like Hawaii, exchange, Marriott, Westin, Embassy, Sands (for S of Kahana), One napili and Hanalei; you should get several other threads that will give you info.

 

[Dgentrysim]

I really appreciate all your suggestions! Now as you can tell from my number of posts, I'm new to using these boards. If I wanted to leave my e-mail address for someone to e-mail me some info., do I just put it out there publicly or how else? Didn't know how it was done here. I have 2 boys, ages 20 and 15, and they are excited about going but it may be next Dec, 2006 or the summer of 2007 when my oldest will graduate from ECU! (sorry.....Mother's pride coming through! ) Been checking the internet and reading Frommer's Hawaii book (will check out the "Unofficial Guide to Hawaii". Thanks for suggestion!) Any more help would be very much appreciated! THANKS for your recommendations! *Also, if you have any suggestions of definitely what to do, maybe some things that are "off the beaten tracks", best places to snorkel, etc. It's between Oahu and Maui. How much does it cost to hop from one island to another? Too many questions.....so little space before I sound boring!!!!! Thanks again!

 

[debbie in Seattle]

Been going to Maui every year for the past 10 years. If I were going to do an exchange, it would be the Marriott. Can't beat the location, resort or beach. Second choice would be the Embassy Suites, there you get a full buffett breakfast each day. The Embassy doesn't have the beach nor location of the Marriott. You want to go in December???? Ha! I'd start trying for that time of year now. There's 'high seasons' and then there's Hawaii's 'high season' , a whole new ballgame over there. If it were me, and I could afford it, I would only try the Marriott and if not able, consider paying cash to stay where I'd be happiest with the two kids. Any more questions, feel free to email me-dpump@aol.com

 

[dianeschlicht]

We love the Kaanapali area north of Lahaina. There are a few choices for trades through II there, but you would want to start your search ASAP and not be specific about when you want to stay. It is easier to trade if you are not too specific.

We have only traded to the Kona Coast II resort on the Big Island, but have stayed on Maui and Kauai and Oahu numerous times. I wont even consider a trip of less than 3 weeks to Hawaii becaues of the long flight. If you live on the west coast, that wont be so much of an issue, but for those of us mid America or farther east, it's something to consider. If you are on Maui early in the year (before May) whale watching is a great thing to do. Haleakala crater is incredible at dawn too. The road to Hana is a must see as well as the 7 pools. I reccomend going to more than 1 island too. We usually stay in Oahu the first night or two to get acclimated to the time change, and then head for the other islands. We usually spend a week on each of two outer islands and then come back to Oahu for a few days at the end of the trip.

 

[TnRobin]

I really appreciate all your suggestions! Now as you can tell from my number of posts, I'm new to using these boards. If I wanted to leave my e-mail address for someone to e-mail me some info., do I just put it out there publicly or how else? Didn't know how it was done here.

As long as you have not set your user preferences to disallow emails from these boards, anyone wishing to respond will be able to send you an email using the options on this board. They just click on your name and choose to email you.

There is nothing that says you can't post your email if you like.

 

[skibum]

If it is only going to be one island, I would recommend Maui. Lots to do, and lots of variety.
Definitely get the book Maui Revealed. This gives all the 'out of the way, secret spots'. Buy it now and absorb - you'll really get a feel for what you want to do.
When you go, count on stopping at the Costco which is located right outside the airport. We usually get breakfast supplies, drinks, munchies, lunch meat, and maybe some stuff to grill.
I am biased, but would strongly recommend the Marriott's Maui Ocean Club. Great rooms, great resort, great pool, great views, and great service. Restaurants on-site, with many others within walking distance.
If you have any other questions, just e-mail me.

 

[Laurajean1014]

I have been a DVC member since 1997 and an owner of a timeshare in Maui since 1994. We have made 10 trips to Hawaii since our purchase. Please email me your address and I will try to get you some information for your trip. The Kapalua Bay Hotel in Maui used to be part of the Concierge Collection and is a beautiful place. We learned on our last trip that it has been purchased by Marriott and is going to be torn down (a tear comes to my eye) in the spring of 2006 to build timeshares. Our timeshare, The Sands of Kahana, is listed in the Vacation Planner. We own a 2-bedroom. I would NOT recommend the 1-bedroom. This complex is not air-conditioned. It is not a problem in the 2-Br because of the airflow, but the one time we stayed in a 1-BR, it was really uncomfortable. And it was in April. Some friends of mine own there, too, and went in September, and said it was really miserable.

This hotel was voted one of the top 10 places in Hawaii to stay by The Travel Channel. I would think it's a great place. It looked very nice. It's also near Lahania (old fishing town that has stores, shops and cobblestone walkways).

 

[fishermouse]

We're going to Maui in October using our DVC points at Kappaluoa Bay. First time, will be sure to post an review when we get back

 

[toledomama]

Since this hotel is going to be torn down in the Spring of 2006, enjoy this great place while you can. Take advantage of the Sunday Champagne brunch. The Friday night Seafood buffet is great, too. Wish we could join you.
GrumpySimmons

 

[Dgentrysim]

How do you put your profile in so if someone clicks onto my log-in name "dgentrysim", it will show up w/e-mail address, etc.? I've clicked on other peoples and it shows up that you get get their profile, e-mail, etc.
Thanks! Never mind....figured it out!

 

[Dean]

I really appreciate all your suggestions! Now as you can tell from my number of posts, I'm new to using these boards. If I wanted to leave my e-mail address for someone to e-mail me some info., do I just put it out there publicly or how else? Didn't know how it was done here. I have 2 boys, ages 20 and 15, and they are excited about going but it may be next Dec, 2006 or the summer of 2007 when my oldest will graduate from ECU! (sorry.....Mother's pride coming through! ) Been checking the internet and reading Frommer's Hawaii book (will check out the "Unofficial Guide to Hawaii". Thanks for suggestion!) Any more help would be very much appreciated! THANKS for your recommendations! *Also, if you have any suggestions of definitely what to do, maybe some things that are "off the beaten tracks", best places to snorkel, etc. It's between Oahu and Maui. How much does it cost to hop from one island to another? Too many questions.....so little space before I sound boring!!!!! Thanks again!

Get the Wizard books for the islands you're planning to visit, they can't be beat. And don't try to go for only one week, too far from the East Coast. If you've never been, I'd do a few days on Oahu, a week or so on Maui then maybe Kauai or the big Island if you have enough time. Kauai will be easier to get and Actually Xmas will be essentially impossible for any trade regardless. Early December will be much easier. And thus is the rub of exchanging. Those who have the top choices keep it, use it, rent it out or do private exchanges as a rule; just like most DVC members do.

 

[abouna]

We own at Maui Ocean Club (MArriott) and love it. Great location. Only drawback is no full kitchen, but location can't be beat. Westins are much nicer rooms, but not the same location.

 

[skibum]

We have an oceanview studio with balcony available (sleeps 4 with kitchenette) at Marriott's Maui Ocean Club for Thanksgiving week that we would be interested in doing a direct exchange for. E-mail or pm me if interested.

 

[shelly3girls]

I was so happy to see this post. We just started thinking about a trip to Hawaii Dec 2006 to celebrate DH's 40th d-day. I plan to buy the books recommended.

I do have a question about the Hilton Hawaiian Village. I read on the website that one of the towers was one and two bedrooms "suites" but when I called the toll-free number I was told they were mostly time shares with limited availability to cash paying customers. They would not even tell me the rack rate for this year (honestly she seemed clueless). Where can I get more info? We are hoping to be traveling with DDs (5 &7) and hopefully an infant. We plan to bring the nanny so that we can have beach time with the older kids.

We also want to find a luxurious location on Maui, preferably a resort. DH wants to be pampered!

 

[Dean]

I was so happy to see this post. We just started thinking about a trip to Hawaii Dec 2006 to celebrate DH's 40th d-day. I plan to buy the books recommended.

I do have a question about the Hilton Hawaiian Village. I read on the website that one of the towers was one and two bedrooms "suites" but when I called the toll-free number I was told they were mostly time shares with limited availability to cash paying customers. They would not even tell me the rack rate for this year (honestly she seemed clueless). Where can I get more info? We are hoping to be traveling with DDs (5 &7) and hopefully an infant. We plan to bring the nanny so that we can have beach time with the older kids.

We also want to find a luxurious location on Maui, preferably a resort. DH wants to be pampered!

I've stayed at the Rainbow Hilton several times and eaten at the Beni Hana's there maybe 40 times. It is a very nice property. It is a timeshare for the suites as it was converted a few years ago. You might find an owner and do a private exchange. There are a number of luxury resorts on Maui including the Grand Wailea, Four Seasons, Fairmont on the South side and the Hyatt, Westin, Ritz on the West side. But there are many others with different experiences, prices and levels of luxury. Look for a package deal if you need air fare.

 

[shelly3girls]

Thanks Dean!