Can anyone advise on a DVC Hawaii trip?

[Laurajean1014]

DH and I are thinking about using our points for a Hawaii trip next year with DS9.

DS is mature enough for plane ride and cultural experience.

Which hotels have you been to and would you recommend or not advise us to go.

DH and I honeymooned in Maui about 15 years ago, so we know we will love Hawaii. We want to make sure that the accomodations will be great.

Thank you for all and any commentaries.

 

[Laurajean1014]

 

[dianeschlicht]

We really enjoyed our exchange to the Kona Coast Resort in Kona, but then we love the Big Island, and especially Kona. There aren't probably a lot of kid programs at the resort (I don't know, since we were adults only there), but there is SO much cultural stuff to see on the Big Island and so much diversity. It is a day's trip to the Volcanos, and that is VERY informative. We also enjoy Waipio Valley (you go in on horse drawn wagons), and the Parker Ranch is interesting. Wiamea is a bit like a western town. Our favorite adventure here was the helecopter tour of the volcanos. We got a good discount from the Kona Coast Resort by taking their tour.

 

[littlestar]

I can tell you where not to exchange to - Hanalei Bay on Kauai. We just got back from Hawaii last Thursday and Hanalei Bay was full of roaches. I know we killed 50 to 60 in our room. They even got in the bed with us. I made it until 4:00 a.m. and then called the Sheraton 1-800 number. As soon as it was daylight, we left. Hanalei Bay is on our DVC exchange list with Interval, but I would be terrified to try staying there again. They need a good exterminating program

 

[spiceycat]

please complaint to DVC - so this resort is off their list....

how about waiting - we might here soon about a DVC resort in Hawaii - of course it will be years before it is ready.

 

[Dean]

please complaint to DVC - so this resort is off their list....

how about waiting - we might here soon about a DVC resort in Hawaii - of course it will be years before it is ready.

It's still one of the top resorts on Kauai and certainly better than some on the exchange list currently.

The top choices for timeshare exchanges are the Marriott's, Westin and Embassy's. KCR, One Napili and Hanalei Bay would come in next, IMO. I think only one of the hotels in the CC will be open coming up, that's the one on the Big Island. If you look at private exchanges or smaller exchange companies, you will have more options but more risk. There are other good choices not on the DVC II list including RCI. Plus you have access at additional inventory for the choices you may want already.

 

[Laurajean1014]

Ut Oh, this sounds quite scarey. I can't live with roaches - not even for a minute!

Maybe OKW and BWV are our best bet.

Anyone do Atlantis, Bahamas?

 

[littlestar]

Spiceycat, we did complain to Expedia (that's who we booked Hanalei Bay through). Expedia issued us a credit on our package for what happened to us at Hanalei. Expedia also said their rental agent would be checking into the matter. I didn't report it to DVC because we didn't exchange DVC points for it. It was a package through Expedia.

Dean, I'll admit the grounds at Hanalei Bay Resort look beautiful and the view is spectacular. But, the amount of roaches in the room was ridiculous. What was sad was you could tell they were trying to remodel. There were new cabinets in the kitchen and granite countertops (which actually made it harder to see the roaches because of the brown flecks in the granite). The rest of the room had peeling wall paper (it was old) and VERY stained carpet. It made me wonder if they ran out of money on their remodel. When we would open the cabinets, there were roaches running across the dishes - gross. I was so dissappointed in the room. I really couldn't believe how bad the bugs were. TOTALLY awful.

Now, on Maui we ate breakfast over at the Embassy Suites and walked around the grounds. I would consider a stay at the Embassy Suites. Although, I don't think it can quite compare to the Westins on Maui or the Marriott. We walked down to the new timesare Westin on Maui and walked through it. It's beautiful. It even has a shuttle that will take you over to the Westin hotel down the road. It had a really fun looking slide and pool area. There was a lot of construction going on, but it was still gorgeous.