Hawaii Exchange Came Through! Need Advice

[Michelemouse]

Hi Everyone,

We were just notified that our Hawaii exchange came through. We got the Hanalei Bay resort for a week in October '05.

Now I need advice and opinions from you guys. Has anybody stayed at this resort or are you familiar with it? I know it was one of the resorts that someone (Dean maybe?) said was comparable to DVC properties. We have until Wednesday to confirm the trade and anything you could tell me would really help!

Thanks!

Michele

 

[jel0511]

I stayed there 9 years ago, when it still had a hotel portion. We ended up here because we got bumped for the first night of our honeymoon from the Princeville. Al Gore and his wife were there celebrating their 25th anniversary and they had taken up half the hotel with security!!! Anyway, it was a beautiful resort and they share the beach with the Princeville. The beach is a LONG walk down a VERY steep hill, but there were staff to shuttle you up and back. The views from the restaurant Bali Hai were amazing. The rooms were a little run down at the time, but since they've switched over to a time share, and it was 9 years ago, I'd take that with a grain of salt. We liked it so much, we thought of exchanging into this resort for Summer 2005. We decided it would be too long a flight for our kids, and it would be hard to find someone to watch them for two weeks!! Enjoy, the north shore of Kauai is beautiful!!

 

[joepoe]

Originally posted by Michelemouse
Hi Everyone,

We were just notified that our Hawaii exchange came through. We got the Hanalei Bay resort for a week in October '05.

Thanks!

Michele

Just be prepared for daily rain on that side of Kaua'i, especially at certain times of the year.

 

[Dean]

If it's a 2 BR I'd say take it. You should know that only about 25% of the 1 BR units there have a good view. IMO, it's not in the DVC league but is close enough to be worthwhile. Overall, if the unit size, island, and time fit our needs, I'd take it.

 

[dianeschlicht]

That area of Kauai is wonderful. Have a GREAT time!

 

[Minnie*Mouse]

If only I could be so lucky.

I am still waiting for the Hanalei Bay for the first week of September for my brother's honeymoon.

I'm hoping something comes through soon, his other choice is the Marriott also in Kauai. I started the search in November 2003.

How long have you been waiting???

I'm happy for you I hope you enjoy it.

M*M

 

[PeteLachall]

I was hoping to book this resort using DVC point in the next few years...would you mind sharing what type of room you were able to reserve (one or two bedroom), and how many points it is costing you? Thanks, and have a great time!

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by Minnie*Mouse
If only I could be so lucky.

I am still waiting for the Hanalei Bay for the first week of September for my brother's honeymoon.

I'm hoping something comes through soon, his other choice is the Marriott also in Kauai. I started the search in November 2003.

How long have you been waiting???

I'm happy for you I hope you enjoy it.

M*M

As long as what you're trading has enough trade power, Sept should be fairly easy. Actually Oct is easier for HI from what I can gather. Under the old system, HI was high season for DVC exchanges except 3 or 4 weeks in Oct. I believe it's now midseason fo part of the year. My guess is you don't have enough trade power to get it outside the 60 day window. Good luck.

 

[Michelemouse]

Minnie*Mouse - We have been on the waitlist since October 2003. Pixie Dust is winging its way toward you for a quick match for your exchange.

PeteLachall - We will have a 1BR unit. It was 144 points.

Dean - I was expecting the week would cost 160 points and was surprised when they told me it was only 144.

Has anyone actually stayed at this resort? When I first put in for the search I did some research and only found positive things for this resort. Of course now that I"ve accepted the trade I'm finding more and more negatives. (Why is that ALWAYS the way with me!) So if anyone out there could pass along a first-hand positive review I'd feel so much better.

Thanks!

 

[rsschneck]

Congratulations! I hope this is a trend for HAwaii trades. We are trying for March 2005.

How specific were you on your request? Room size? Dates? Islands? Or were you willing to take any match for any Island? I am wishful, but not too hopeful! Thanks for posting about your match and any other info. would be appreciated.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by Michelemouse
Has anyone actually stayed at this resort? When I first put in for the search I did some research and only found positive things for this resort. Of course now that I"ve accepted the trade I'm finding more and more negatives. (Why is that ALWAYS the way with me!) So if anyone out there could pass along a first-hand positive review I'd feel so much better.

Thanks!

Been there and toured the resort but not stayed. I have posted an exerp of a review done by a DVC member and found on the TUG review for this resort. You might search the BBS using the resrot name. I don't know if you can search back before the software update or not. It was not very positive but overall, the rest of the reviews are very positive. Just some people prefer the wet side of the island and others the dry side. I would accept it if that's what and when you want. Sounds like you got a 1 BR, you should know the kitchen is somewhere between that of a studio and a real kitchen. If I recall, it has everything other than I don't know if it has a stove, don't recall. It has a smallish fridge and a mini dishwasher. The restaurant there is very good but expensive. One thing to note is that the resort is built on the side of a hill. It's not good for walking though you can call for a golf cart and they will come get you or take you to the beach and the like. Good luck.

 

[Michelemouse]

Originally posted by rsschneck
Congratulations! I hope this is a trend for HAwaii trades. We are trying for March 2005.

How specific were you on your request? Room size? Dates? Islands? Or were you willing to take any match for any Island? I am wishful, but not too hopeful! Thanks for posting about your match and any other info. would be appreciated.

Our search was for the islands of Maui and Kauai. We had included the Marriott properties, the Westin, One Napili Way and Hanalei Bay. Now that we have our first week we hope to get an additional week at the Kona Coast resort on the big island of Hawaii. Since we will have to borrow a few points for this reservation we'll wait until the 11-month window opens up. If we don't get it we'll book something for cash.

Good luck with your search!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Good luck on your search for the second week too. I am fairly confident you will get it.

Don't worry too much about the rain on that side of the island. Yes, it can be wet, but it is always a warm rain, and usually done with by noon.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

QUESTIONS!!!

How hard was getting Hawaii. We have been saving our AA miles so that the 4 of us could fly first class when we finally decide to go. Because the kids are in school, how hard would spring break be to get(2006), or during the summer, what is the best time to visit Hawaii! We would do it for 2 weeks, book using our DVC then add on days before and after elsewhere. So many questions, what are the best resorts to request a 2 bedroom!