Hawaii Summer 2009??

[Joan S.]

Hi, I have never exchanged my DVC points for anything,so PLEASE be patient with all my ??'s. Is it too late to do something for July 2009?? I see that RCI has 8 locations on Big Island which is where I want to stay. I could possibly do a 1 bedroom but need to see what sleeping arrangments are?? I would also like to see Oahu. Is this a 1 day trip or should I plan on a few days here?? Also with the economy the way it is might I do better with a discounted package instead of going thru DVC?? Any info,thoughts or HELP is appreciated!! Thank you, Joan

 

[lapeter]

I live on Maui and I can tell you the the entire tourist industry is in the dumper on all islands. Right now that are deals galore and airfares have come way down. I know you will do better buying a package instead of trading points. You can go to VRBO.com and see owners that are renting their condos also.
Aloha,
Al

 

[Joan S.]

I live on Maui and I can tell you the the entire tourist industry is in the dumper on all islands. Right now that are deals galore and airfares have come way down. I know you will do better buying a package instead of trading points. You can go to VRBO.com and see owners that are renting their condos also.
Aloha,
Al

Thanks AL! I will look at that site. I would like to do a one or 2 bedroom unit rather than a hotel room. I have NEVER been to Hawaii so any info you would like to offer is appreciated. Is there a boat to island hop or is a plane required for because of distance?? thanks, Joan

 

[lapeter]

Joan,
Only boat is Oahu to Maui. The rest is airplanes. I never go to Oahu as it is too commercial. It is worth seeing once. My issue with the big island is VOG which comes off of the active volcano and some days it feels like a smoggy day in LA.

 

[Joan S.]

Joan,
Only boat is Oahu to Maui. The rest is airplanes. I never go to Oahu as it is too commercial. It is worth seeing once. My issue with the big island is VOG which comes off of the active volcano and some days it feels like a smoggy day in LA.

Thank You for the info!! The reason I am asking is because my DD(24) may be living on Big Island this summer and it seems like the best chance for my family to see Hawaii. She has mentioned the vog. She will be on the Kona Coast,Kamuela. I am just trying to get familiar with all the different areas and what else we would like to see while visiting!! Right now I am thinking 3rd and 4th week in July. I also have a 15 year old son that will be traveling with us. My DS -21 might also be with us,his summer plans are still being made.Very nice to be answered by someone that lives there!! Joan

 

[Dean]

Generally it would be too late but the current economy may give you more options than normal. No harm in trying. You can plan your trip and make cancelable condo or hotel reservations so you'll know you're air fare. I'd plan 3-4 days on Oahu if you're never been. All you can do is try.

 

[ccigliano]

I am on Kauai now at the Hanalei Bay Resort and occupany is at 40%. All week the news and papers have been highlighting how the room rates have come down and you won't see airfare this cheap forever so book now as occupancy rates are down lower than they were after 9/11. Interisland flights are $49 each way and the Super Ferry just shut down today over environmental damages to the island so flying is the only way to travel interisland now. I think that Joan is right you can get some great deals on the islands for cash - I would try timeshares that others are renting. Additionally, many timeshares in Hawaii have ownership outright and many of those owners rent out their units for part of the year that they are not staying in them for reasonable prices. Good Luck!

 

[Joan S.]

Generally it would be too late but the current economy may give you more options than normal. No harm in trying. You can plan your trip and make cancelable condo or hotel reservations so you'll know you're air fare. I'd plan 3-4 days on Oahu if you're never been. All you can do is try.

Thanks Dean,good plan. Joan

 

[Joan S.]

I am on Kauai now at the Hanalei Bay Resort and occupany is at 40%. All week the news and papers have been highlighting how the room rates have come down and you won't see airfare this cheap forever so book now as occupancy rates are down lower than they were after 9/11. Interisland flights are $49 each way and the Super Ferry just shut down today over environmental damages to the island so flying is the only way to travel interisland now. I think that Joan is right you can get some great deals on the islands for cash - I would try timeshares that others are renting. Additionally, many timeshares in Hawaii have ownership outright and many of those owners rent out their units for part of the year that they are not staying in them for reasonable prices. Good Luck!

Thank You!! I have been on the VRBO.com site (recommended by Al ) It is VERY overwhelming,but I keep going thru it. There seem to be MANY great deals out there,it is just a matter of finding the RIGHT one for my family! So if anyone has rented a timeshare on Big Island please let me know about your experience?? Thanks, Joan

 

[SuzanneSLO]

Thank You!! I have been on the VRBO.com site (recommended by Al ) It is VERY overwhelming,but I keep going thru it. There seem to be MANY great deals out there,it is just a matter of finding the RIGHT one for my family! So if anyone has rented a timeshare on Big Island please let me know about your experience?? Thanks, Joan

I would suggest you invest in a guide book like Hawaii Big Island Revealed. While I have not used the BI version of this popular guidebook, I have used the Maui version.

One nice thing about this book is that you get online access to very in depth infomation about just about every condo or hotel that has legal vacation rentals, including maps showing the location of the buildings relative to the ocean. We actually bought a vacation rental condo in Maui several years ago and used the Maui book to help guide us to properties in which we might have some interest. The book is also a good guidebook to use during your visit. Best of luck -- Suzanne

 

[Joan S.]

I would suggest you invest in a guide book like Hawaii Big Island Revealed. While I have not used the BI version of this popular guidebook, I have used the Maui version.

One nice thing about this book is that you get online access to very in depth infomation about just about every condo or hotel that has legal vacation rentals, including maps showing the location of the buildings relative to the ocean. We actually bought a vacation rental condo in Maui several years ago and used the Maui book to help guide us to properties in which we might have some interest. The book is also a good guidebook to use during your visit. Best of luck -- Suzanne

Thanks, I just checked out this book on Amazon and will be ordering the Big Island Revealed and Oahu Revealed. Joan

 

[ldo]

if you don't have to give up points until you get an RCI match, then go for it--there is MUCH more HAwaii available for 2009 with than other years, due to the economy, I 'm sure.
I have rented a timeshare before--you should look at TUG ads (tug2.net). I rented HGVC at Bay Club on Big Island and loved it. HGVC also has one called HGVC at Waikaloa---the same area. WAikaloa is about 30 minutes North of Kona and is a nice resort area.
When I rent a TS, I make sure that I actually speak to the person on the phone and I only rent from long-time TUG people with lots of postings. have fun. Elaine

 

[Joan S.]

if you don't have to give up points until you get an RCI match, then go for it--there is MUCH more HAwaii available for 2009 with than other years, due to the economy, I 'm sure.
I have rented a timeshare before--you should look at TUG ads (tug2.net). I rented HGVC at Bay Club on Big Island and loved it. HGVC also has one called HGVC at Waikaloa---the same area. WAikaloa is about 30 minutes North of Kona and is a nice resort area.
When I rent a TS, I make sure that I actually speak to the person on the phone and I only rent from long-time TUG people with lots of postings. have fun. Elaine

Thanks Elaine for the info! I will check out TUG. Joan

 

[bjakmom]

Don't want to hijack, but how are the last two weeks of Sept on the islands?
I should be in Hawaii right now , but DD was badly injured in Jan and we had to move her and DGrD home for a couple of months and cancel our trip. We are ready to reschedule and Sept would work best for us - any feedback?
This is our first time ever to Hawaii and we are sooo excited - we will be visiting Oahu, Maui, Kaui and HI (I know that's a lot, but DH is not a sit on the beach and relax kind of guy).

 

[lapeter]

Sept. is a slow time over here, especially in this economy. Good weather and usually little rain. Come on over.

Don't want to hijack, but how are the last two weeks of Sept on the islands?
I should be in Hawaii right now , but DD was badly injured in Jan and we had to move her and DGrD home for a couple of months and cancel our trip. We are ready to reschedule and Sept would work best for us - any feedback?
This is our first time ever to Hawaii and we are sooo excited - we will be visiting Oahu, Maui, Kaui and HI (I know that's a lot, but DH is not a sit on the beach and relax kind of guy).