Exchanging Points for Hawaii

[SoThisIsLove]

Hi,

I know this has been asked many times before but my husband and I are trying to plan a 2 week vacation to Hawaii in July or August 2006. We are hoping to exchange our DVC points for stays in Maui and Kauai and paying cash for Oahu. From what Ive read on here, it may be difficult to get the exchange but I was wondering a few things....

We are flexible as to when we can travel....do I put in a search for all the possible weeks we can travel and see what comes thru or should I pick certain weeks (like every other week) since the dates will overlap for each island. I am afraid that I will get matches for the same weeks in both spots and then Im not sure what happens.
Secondly, I know you need to book a full week at a time but if I only want to spend 5 or 6 nights in each resort am I able to "overlap" check in days?
Thirdly, Should we look into the Big Island as well and shorten our stays in Maui and Kauai? Or is that going to be too much running around for 2 weeks?
Lastly, member services said that the Marriott is the #1 choice for exchanges but which others do you recommend? I know the Embassy Suites in another popular chioce and the Sands has mixed reviews on trip advisor.

Any help would be greatly much appreciated. I was also reading that there is a way to try to find a private exchange on my own? How do I go about doing that as well?

Thanks in advance,

Heather

 

[jel0511]

Secondly, I know you need to book a full week at a time but if I only want to spend 5 or 6 nights in each resort am I able to "overlap" check in days?
Thirdly, Should we look into the Big Island as well and shorten our stays in Maui and Kauai? Or is that going to be too much running around for 2 weeks?

You can't do that. The exchanges are only for a full week, and usually start of Sat or Sunday. So, what you want to do is probably impossible. You could just use one week for eiter Kauai or Maui and then rent the rest of your points for the other islands. My DH and I spent our honeymoon in Hawaii, and IMO, two islands is enough for a two week trip. Anymore and it isn't as relaxing, since moving between islands involves air travel. Also, trying to trade into a Marriott won't be easy, so your best bet would be to get on the list now for next summer. It puts you at the top of the requests so if something does come through, you increase your chances of getting it. Also, if you do plan on two weeks on points, I'd pick the place you'd REALLY like to stay and request that one first. Ask for all available weeks you're willing to go. When that island comes through, then you'll narrow down your search for the other week. The only option for using points in Hawaii and not having to stay the 7 days and be stuck on check-in/check-out days is the Mauna Lani on the Big Island. It's a conceirge collection hotel, but a VERY nice place to stay. The other concierge collection hotel, Kapalula Bay Hotel is closing for renovations sometime this year.

 

[Dean]

You can overlap, you'll just lose days and that will further erode your value. And looking for July/August for 2 weeks is not being flexible no matter what size units or what level resort you are willing to take. Here's what I'd look into and see exactly what works best for you. First a few random thoughts and ideas. Remember that the exchange fee is not nonrefundable from the get go. Are you planning to use FF miles? Are you a Marriott rewards member? What size unit do you need? How much cooking to you plan to do or is it mostly light meals and snacks with a large meal out most days? Is it two weeks total or two weeks plus the Oahu time.

Assuming you will be using FF miles, staying two weeks total, can do with a decent hotel room or studio and care about the cost/value of what you get and don't have other timeshares to trade; here's some thoughts. What ever you do, if you plan on using FF miles, make the reservations when they window opens even if you don't have any hits on room options. Maui will be the most difficult. I'd put in a request for Maui then look at Oahu for the rest of the time. If you have been to Oahu before, you may want to consider either Kauai or the Big Island. You should look at renting out your points and paying cash OR maybe looking for a direct exchange especially with a Marriott, Westin or Embassy owner. Go to tug2.net and join where you have access to the direct exchange options. You could and should also post on the Rent/Trade board of DIS.

If you have Marriott reward points, they have a program where you can divide your stay between different HI hotels just like you're staying at one resort. Don't forget you can use FF miles for interisland flights and also fly into one Island and out of another. We flew into Maui and out of Honolulu last trip. If you're not using FF miles, getting a package with air, car and hotel might save you money. Unless rules have changed in the last few years, a stay as short as 3 days in a hotel qualifies you for the air discounts and doesn't have to be for the entire length of your stay.

 

[bnlbebes]

Something Dean said in his post on this thread directly contradicted a CM that I spoke with today.

I was told that the $75 search fee for an Interval International trade IS refundable if the search is cancelled or unsuccessful.

Anyone have insight into this?

 

[Dean]

Something Dean said in his post on this thread directly contradicted a CM that I spoke with today.

I was told that the $75 search fee for an Interval International trade IS refundable if the search is cancelled or unsuccessful.

Anyone have insight into this?

That's true. The only time it's non refundable is if you have a direct match. If anything I said suggested otherwise, it was not intended as such. However, if you read the rules and interpret them strictly, they could also be non refundable for cancellations prior to a match. Cancellations after a match have always been non refundable.. Fortunately they haven't interpreted it that way.

Edited in red to be more clear.

 

[Esmerelda]

We put in for Hawaii this past January and the CM asked us for a two week time span. We put in for the last two weeks of July of 06. I haven't heard back from them yet. I do know the $75.00 is refundable if no match is found, I made sure of that before we did this. We are so excited....we all want to go to Hawaii!

best of luck,
Esmerelda

 

[GGOOFY1]

Heather,
This is what I did when we went to Hawaii. Why don't you sell your points for that UY and find your own condo. By going in July and August it is the off season in Hawaii and off season rates are great. We found a 2 bedroom with a loft ocean front condo in Kaanapali, Maui for less than $200.00 per night. If you sell your points for $10.00 per point, you would make out. I just post something at work and I have had no problem selling my points and I like knowing whom I am dealing with. I also only sell my points for a Sun-Fri stay. Someone is always looking to go to WDW. I know you can also post your points on DIS. This will save you the $75.00 and the chance of no match coming up. We have traded our points through II also and for July they charged us 270 for the week for a 2-bedroom. Looking back now that is real steep. I would not spend $2,700.00 for the week for my accommodations.
Good Luck I love Hawaii, my DS was stationed there in the Navy and I HAD to suffer and go visit him several time. Don't pass up Pearl Harbor.

 

[jekjones1558]

I agree with the idea of renting from a private party. You can get a great unit for a really good price. Here is a link if you want to consider this option:

Hawaii condos

We have done this and highly recommend it. If you are interested in a 1 bedroom unit, send me an e-mail or private message and I will send you a link to the units we rented and loved. Good luck! Hawaii and DVC are our 2 favorite places to vacation...