Favorite resort in Hawaii?

[reneesam]

The new "passport" mailing got me thinking about exchanging out for Hawaii, either the Concierge hotels or a timeshare option. Any Hawaii veterans have advice with their favorites (Dean I recall a distant post on this topic from you...)

Thanks!
Renee

 

[Dean]

The only Resorts on the II-DVC list I'd consider trading my DVC points evenly for would be the Marriott's. KCR is too easy to get otherwise even though It's a nice resort. Many of the other resorts are worth staying at but not worth trading DVC evenly for. If DVC add's the Westin on Maui, that's a good choice. The Embassies on Maui and Kauai are changing to II and should both be added to the list as well. You should be able to trade directly or through one of the independent exchange companies and get an uptrade of one sort or another.

Of course others may be different and just getting something that will work counts for something. Good luck.

 

[natt]

Thinking long range (2005 for DH's 50th)!

When you make an II exchange for a 7-night stay, which is the preferred island? Is it possible to take day-trips to other islands, or are you pretty much there for the week? Sorry if this sounds dumb, but my geography is not very good in regards to Hawaii! natt

 

[Dean]

I wouldn't consider going to HI for less than about 2 weeks. If it's only for a week, don't go, at least from the east coast. If you've never been, I'd go to Oahu for a few days and Maui for a week or vice versa. I wouldn't try to do more than 2 islands unless you're going longer than 2 weeks. Remember you can usually get better air fare with packages but you're not commited to be with the package the entire time. I think the usual is around 3 days hotel and car to take advantage of the package air fare. The problem is with II that Kauai and the Big Island will be the easiest trades so look for a direct exchange.

 

[rombar]

I'm from the east coast and go to hawaii every summer for one week - it is enough time. There are direct flights from
newark - on the way home it is a red eye.

 

[kem330]

While it might be a little hectic, you could make a day trip to another island- Get up really early and come back late- inter island flights run like shuttles and are about $132 - $178 RT. If you are on maui you can take a ferry over to Lanai for the day. Maui has more action than the other islands except Oahu of course. Personally I like Kauai as it is laid back and very lush. The new Marriott Waiohai would be a great trade as it is on the sunny, dry side at Poipu.

 

[Werner Weiss]

I've stayed at Marriott's Kauai Beach Club, Marriott's Maui Ocean Club, Embassy Vacation Resort Kauai, and the Kona Coast Resort I (Big Island). I liked the Marriott resorts far better than the other two, even though these Marriotts do not have full kitchens. By the way, the 1BR units at these Marriotts have two bathrooms, which is great if you're taking your kids.

There are two new Marriott Vacation Clubs, one at Ko Olina (Oahu, but away from Waikiki) and one at Poipu (Kauai) that were built as vacation clubs, not converted from hotel rooms. I've haven't stayed at either yet (they're brand new), but they both look very promising for those who are lucky enough to exchange in.

Here's my recipe for a first-time visit to Hawaii:

• Read up a little on Hawaiian culture and history before you go.
• Plan on 4 nights in Waikiki. Pick a nice hotel. If you're a Marriott Rewards member, ask about promotional rates for Marriott Rewards members at the Rennaissance Ilikai or Marriott Waikiki. Splurge on an ocean view (and be wary if any hotel promises a "partial ocean view").
• Visit Pearl Harbor early in the morning. (It's easy to get up early the first few days due to the time difference.)
• Go to Waikiki beach. Swim. Rent a water tricycle. Relax.
• Plan on 7 nights on any of the other three major islands. It really doesn't matter which one. They're all wonderful in their own way. It's not a bad idea to base your decision on where you can get the best timeshare exchange.
• Go to one Luau (but only go to one Luau). Pick one that emphasizes authenticity rather than spectacle.
• Visit the highlights wherever you go, but don't forget to relax.
• If you live in the Midwest or East and you don't like redeye flights (I hate 'em), consider a stopover in California for a few days on the way back. Most frequest flyer programs allow one stopover. (Check wih your airline; you'll probably have to pay for your inter-island flight in any case, whether or not you stop in California.) Visit Disneyland or San Francisco or the Getty Museum.

 

[reneesam]

Thank you all very much!
Renee