Hawaii Exchanges

[DOOGIERUNNER]

We're thinking of exchanging to Hawaii during the Summer of 06.

We'd like to visit the Big Island and Maui.

Does anybody have any kid friendly (11 & 13) recommendations for exchange choices?


Thanks

 

[Dean]

We're thinking of exchanging to Hawaii during the Summer of 06.

We'd like to visit the Big Island and Maui.

Does anybody have any kid friendly (11 & 13) recommendations for exchange choices?


Thanks

Your choices will be so slim as to restrict yourself further is not reasonable. The choices on the big island are slim using II. And of the three resorts, only one is reasonable to exchange DVC for, KCR. On Maui, the ones reasonable are the Marriott, Westin and Embassy. The Papakea and One Napili are close but not quite, IMO, plus ONW is farther out and quite, not working well for teens. The Embassy is a little further than the rest (as is Papakea next door), but not as far out as ONW or Sands of Kahana. I'm not sure about the Westin but the Marriott and Embassy only have mini kitchens but very functional. The schooner is on the South side of the island, better for exploring but not nearly as good location for most activities for teens. Marriott first choice and Westin second.

Getting an exchange will be difficult so be as flexible as you can be and make backup plans. For many, especially a group of 4, air is far more important than the unit so if you're using FF miles, make sure you make those reservations at 330 days our FROM INITIAL DEPARTURE then again at 330 days from your return leg.

Don't forget there are other resorts not on the DVC list and/or not in II. This may open up both other resorts as well other inventory at the resorts on your list. For Maui, I'd add the Whaler to the list. For the Big Island, I'd add Bay Club, Kona HI Village by the Sea as somewhat on par. But it also opens up the entire second tier as a possibility. Say you want a 2 BR which would cost you 270 points through II but you can get a resort that's a little below but fits your needs otherwise for maybe 160 pts for a 2 BR of 100 for a 1 BR. If you have inter in the non DVC trades, you might go to TUG and join where you can look at those who have posted an interest in doing direct exchanges.

 

[DOOGIERUNNER]

Thanks Dean. I wondered if I'd hear from you ,

 

[Chameleon]

We just got back from Maui and stayed on Dean's recommendation at the Embassy Suites. It was very good. We had a balcony overlooking the water and were able to see the whales from it.

We also stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island. We were able to get five nights for $759. It was linked to a timeshare preview. We did not see the timeshare and other then two message lights on the phone we were not contacted at all.

The resort was incredible. The resort had Dolphin Quest, sea turtles in the private snorkeling lagoon, parrots, pool slides, waterfalls and a monorail, or a boat to transport you between hotels. The room was a standard hotel room but the resort was great.