How far in advance to book Hawaii?

[kangaroodle]

I would like to go to Hawaii 3 years from now. Just planning WAY ahead....but how far in advance do you need to make the request for the trade? I have never traded before so anyone with any good tips/info would be appreciated! Anyone have recommendations of where to stay? How many points does it take? THANKS!

 

[dianeschlicht]

I know when we traded DVC through II, we started our search 2 years ahead. Since you are waiting that long, why not just book direct to the DVC resort at Ko'Olina if you don't mind being on Oahu? Of course, that's assuming they allow us to do that with WDW or DL points.

 

[kangaroodle]

That wqould be great but I really don't like Oahu. I kive near Chicago and to me Oahu is Chicago with nicer weather and a better beach....too big city. I want to get AWAY from that on vacation. Anyone have any suggestions of resorts to stay at in Maui?

 

[SuzanneSLO]

The current choices for Maui are Grand Wailea (thru Concierge Collection, starting at 77 points per night for a hotel room), the Kaanapali Beach Club in Lahaina (thru RCI) and the Maui Lea at Maui Hill in Kihei (thru RCI). A weekly exchange thru RCI starts at 144 for a 1 BR and 252 for a two bedroom. Studios and 3 BRs are available (I have heard good things about the 3 BR at Maui Hill but be aware that the complex is across the street from the beach), but you need to call MS to get the number of points per week.

A private exchange with someone who owns a TS in Maui may be a better option than trading thru RCI. We own a vacation rentla in maui and love it! -- Suzanne

 

[Dean]

My remarks will be limited to timeshare exchanges only. There are very few RCI options in HI worth trading DVC for. Assume 160 points for a 1 BR and 270 for a 2 BR. IMO, only KBC is reasonable on Maui, I would not do Maui Hill at that cost. Don't wipe out Oahu from your list because the Hilton is a wonderful resort and worth the negatives you have stated (IMO) if you can get it. You should likely consider a few of the better Big Island and Kauai resorts as well. I'd agree that a private exchange OR one of the independent exchange companies are likely your best bet. You should talk to San Francisco Exchange, Trading Places Intl, Trading Places Maui (unrelated), HI Timeshare Exchange (HTSE), Dial an exchange and Platinum Interchange. Of those, SFX, TPI and HTSE are most likely to have offering that will work for you. They will also give you potential access to other resorts that are better choices including II resorts and additional inventory at some of the resorts in RCI. Some of them will give you request first options in some situations.

Assuming I were doing this trip and considering the restrictions you've placed (2012, not Oahu), I'd put in a request for KBC only then do any search first you can with the independents for the options that you will consider. I'd keep talking to the other periodically in case they had something you could do an instant exchange for. I'd also place a direct exchange request on TUG and on redweeks. And lastly, I'd consider renting my points and paying cash for the HI option.