Honolulu?

[timC]

For us, this is probably a few years out... but we all know it's never too early to start planning.

I've seen a number of posts about trading point to get to Maui or Kauai, but not a lot about Oahu timeshares. How difficult is it going to be to trade for a timeshare on Oahu, during the usual school break seasons (mar, summer, xmas, etc)? Any suggestions on Hawaii planning would be appreciated.

 

[lampy]

I have been planning a summer 2003 Hawaii vacation for about six months. I wanted to avoide Oahu because I hear it is very crowded so my focus has been on a beachfront Maui or Kauai location.

The hardest part for me was deciding the timeframe and what resorts would meet our family's needs. I received a LOT of help here on the boards. Just start doing some searches and you will have tons of questions. Be happy to help.

 

[Werner Weiss]

The 2001-2002 DVC Member Guidebook does not list any "Member Getaways" (timeshare exchange) resorts in Honolulu -- or anywhere else on the island of Oahu.

The II-affiliated timeshares in Honolulu are five older highrises, all of which are on side streets several blocks away from Waikiki beach. None carry II's five star status. I think it's safe to say that these timeshares aren't on the "Member Getaways" list because they don't meet DVC's standards for inclusion. Most DVC members wouldn't be very happy giving up valuable DVC points for such timeshares.

Things will change in early 2003 when Marriott's Ko'Olina Beach Club opens on Oahu. It promises to be an outstanding resort in an isolated location adjacent to the J.W. Marriott Ihilani, far from Waikiki. Exchanges might be difficult because other Marriott owners will have priority over DVC members.

There are a lot of things to do on Oahu, and there are many fine hotels -- but not DVC "Member Getaways."

 

[dianeschlicht]

Thanks Werener, You took the words right out of my mouth! We usually do stay on Oahu for a day or two each trip to Hawaii, but we like the Big Island of Hawaii the best. Our exchange is to the Kona Coast II resort next April.

 

[timC]

Thanks for the info on II. I'm a little surprised there aren't good alternatives for Oahu, but you know, a couple of days might satify the tourist in me, and then spend the points on another island.

I'm a little nervous about the kids, though... I think the only vacation they know, involves non-stop Disney. Can they adjust to a peaceful vacation in paradise?

Other than Oahu, which Island would you recommend for a couple of adventure happy kids? Volcano adventure on the big island, and a beach with black sand?

Hmmmmmm...

 

[lampy]

Now your cookin' Tim. See how much fun this is? We choose Maui because many of the Resorts have kids programs with crafts, games, and pool activities - much like Vero Beach, I guess. There are Helicopter tours, Whale watching cruises, Parasailing, Snorkeling,.....

I know my kids will be busy.

 

[dianeschlicht]

WE like Maui for the activity and Hawaii for the adventure! There are lots of neat places to see on the big island. We put nearly 500 miles on our rental car last time we were there! That was in just 5 days "driving around on a rock" as my DH says! Maui has whale watching and the haleakala experience as well as the road to Hana etc. The beaches are best on Maui.

 

[raidermatt]

I second the endorsement for Maui, especially if you haven't been to the quieter islands before. There are plenty of activities as lampy said. To me, Maui is a half-way point between the "busy-ness" of Oahu, and the quiet feeling of Kauaii. Maui has quiet beaches, dormant (not extinct) volcanoes, small country roads, but it also has areas of activity and shopping, like Lahaina.

Really, its hard to go wrong with any of the islands, but Maui is definitely worth a visit.

 

[dvc_john]

If the kids are old enough, the bike ride down Haleakala is a lot of fun. (On Maui).

 

[tiffany123]

My suggestion is to visit as many of the islands as you can without feeling like you're caught in a whirlwind. All are wonderful and each has it's own special character. Waikiki Beach is a must see for any first time Hawaii visit as is a trip to the Arizona and the Pearl Harbor Memorial. We loved Kauai and Maui along with Oahu and The Big Island. Kauai is beautiful and has some lovely resorts with lots of kids activiites.

 

[Werner Weiss]

Originally posted by timC
Thanks for the info on II. I'm a little surprised there aren't good alternatives for Oahu, but you know, a couple of days might satify the tourist in me, and then spend the points on another island.

I think that's a good plan. Unless someone is only looking for a relaxing resort experience, I recommend spending at least a few days on Oahu.

Originally posted by timC
I'm a little nervous about the kids, though... I think the only vacation they know, involves non-stop Disney. Can they adjust to a peaceful vacation in paradise?

On Oahu, you can have non-stop activity too! Sea Life Park is tiny compared to Sea World, but the setting is lovely and the shows and exhibits are well done. The Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, including the film and museum, should not be missed. Some people hate the Polynesian Cultural Center (a collection of recreated villages from Polynesian islands), but our family enjoyed it. There's also the fascinating Bishop Museum, the rather disappointing zoo, the small but excellent Aquarium, various other attractions competing for tourist dollars, lots of places to go shopping, the hubbub of Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki, and of course, beaches of all kinds.

Originally posted by timC
Other than Oahu, which Island would you recommend for a couple of adventure happy kids? Volcano adventure on the big island, and a beach with black sand?

Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii (the Big Island) are all wonderful in their own way. Unless you think this will be you only trip to Hawaii, I would pick one and spend 7-10 days. Save the others for another vacation. There's fun stuff for kids at any of them. Perhaps a deciding factor could even be where you get the best timeshare exchange.

 

[Dean]

If one hasn't been to HI, Oahu is a must to see the sights. I'd say a min of 3-4 days. The Marriott will be great but it is off the beaten path. The only top notch timeshare currently on Oahu is the Hilton Rainbow Village. It is RCI only but I bet it wouldn't be that hard to get direct exchange with a member or even through San Francisco Exchange Company or Trading Places. The Imperial would be my next choice but I'd never trade DVC for it. There are NO II resorst on the DVC list for Oahu. A cheap rental at one of the timeshare on Oahu is not that difficult or expensive.

 

[scooter65]

We spent 10 days in Hawaii last Thanksgiving. We spent 6 days on Maui, using points for Concierge collection at Kapalua Bay Hotel. Wonderful resort hotel, well worth the points. We had oceanview room. Spent four days on Oahu at a hotel on Waiiki beach. IMO, two days would be enough on Oahu. Looking forward to 3 night Disney Cruise in January.

 

[Dean]

I don't see how anyone could visit Pear Harbor, Polynesian Cultural Center, Sea Life Park, drive the North shore and see the sights, The National Cemetary, Pali Lookout, Bishop Museum, Tour BYU HI campus, Diamond Head and a day in Waikiki for starters in just 2 days. True, once you've done most of these things, they aren't things you'll want to see every time but they are things I'd recommend not to miss at least on a first trip.

 

[timC]

Thanks Dean... I think you just described our last (first and only) trip in '93...but it took us two weeks. Oh yeah, and you forgot, sorkelling at Hanauma bay... I have the most vivid memory of a 6 ft morey eel smiling up at me

Thanks everyone for your comments, and suggestions. I think this idea, that simply popped into my head, yesterday, is now forming into a definite goal... for 2004 or possibly 2003.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by timC
Thanks Dean... I think you just described our last (first and only) trip in '93...but it took us two weeks. Oh yeah, and you forgot, sorkelling at Hanauma bay... I have the most vivid memory of a 6 ft morey eel smiling up at me

Actually I didn't forget, just couldn't remember immediately how it was spelled. Must be too early after a late night and having to work all day and night starting right now. Fortunately, I should be able to get home for part of it and just be on beeper. Frankly after living there for 3 years and visiting twice since, I didn't think I'd ever want to go back to Oahu. Not that we didn't enjoy it, just that we felt we had done it. With a 2 week trip lined up next year we had talked about just going to Maui and Kauai. Now that plans are set, the family is all saying they wish we'd have allowed a few days for Oahu. Oh well, can't change those four FF tickets now. I guess we'll just have to suffer at the Embassy on Maui and Kauai during that time. Pearl Harbor and the PCC are the ones we will miss the most.

 

[BobH]

Is an exchange through Interval International to Hawaii more cost effective in terms of points used vs a trip to a concierge collection destination such as Kapalua Bay? Can I get an opinion on this? Thanks.

 

[Dean]

Interval is more cost effective but there's more to it. You can only schedule II for a week at at time and must wait and see if you match. A 1 BR exchange would be around 200 points compared to around 300 or more points for a week at one of the CC HI destinations, a more luxurious location and resort but less space and activities. The best HI II resorts are not an easy exchange and tend to come up only several months short of your trip which is difficult if one is looking to use FF miles.