Interval Members - Question on Hawaii Getaways

[littlestar]

I know quite a few DVC members on this board own other timeshares and are Interval members. Here's my question. We are planning a trip back to Hawaii next April or May. I actually have some free seats on hold with American Airlines (frequent flyer Advantage program).

My parents are Interval Members and have access to the "Getaways" that Interval offers. What have you seen come up on the Getaways to Maui during April or May? I know I remember seeing the Kahana Beach come up. If I remember correctly the Kahana Beach is mainly studios for the getaways. That would do fine for this trip as it will just be me and my husband.

I tried to look at the Intervalworld site this morning, but it is down because of hurricane Frances. Of course, getaways for next April or May may not be posted yet anyway. What's your experience on what places come up for Maui during April or May? Also, are there any other getaways that come up for Kauai or the other islands that are decent to stay at? I don't care for a lot of amenities while in Hawaii, as we pretty much just spend our time snorkeling and watching the sunsets!

Once I call American Airlines back and definitely book our free seats, I will probably book something on cash and then wait and see what comes up for a Getaway.

Thanks in advance for any info or help.

P.S. I just couldn't give up my DCV points for an exchange. I like going to Disney too much!

 

[Dean]

For that plan, make cancelable hotel or condo reservations. As for anything coming up, it may or may not that time of year. Air so so difficult that if the trip otherwise works out, I would still plan to go. If you get a getaway, all the better. Good luck.

 

[littlestar]

Thanks Dean!

The air I've got on hold is for May. I'm gonna check some dates in April, too. I'd like to go when the whales are still to be seen.

You can't beat those $10.00 flights to Hawaii, that's for sure. They said it would just cost $10.00 a ticket (only have to pay the government fees).

Seems like I remember seeing Kahana Beach come up last year around that time (just studios, though). I think they were around $650 a week. If this works out, our two week trip to Hawaii will only cost around $1300 for flights and hotel. That wouldn't be too bad.

 

[Dean]

I hope it works out. We went in 2002 with 4 adults (actually two teens). Two weeks with two 1 BR units at the Embassy on Maui and a 2 BR at the Embassy on Kauai, food, rental car, etc. Total cost for four, about $2500 out the door. That doesn't count xmas presents and the like we bought but does count our exchange fees and maint fees of what we exchanged. Plus a rental of $900 for the 2 BR unit. FF miles for four would have been $4000 for the tickets otherwise.

 

[littlestar]

That is terrific for 4 people, Dean!

We stayed at the Aston Mahana in 2001 on Maui and ate dinner over at the Embassy a few times. The Embassy Suites seemed pretty nice from what we could tell. We didn't see any rooms, but we thought the pool area and restaurants looked nice. The grounds were pretty. I loved the building being pink and the waterfall on the side(really makes it stand out).

Whenever we wanted to snorkle we would exit the Aston Mahana and walk left down the beach a ways (the direction towards Black Rock). We found some pretty good snorkling in that area. It was a good hike down the beach, but well worth it.

I don't know much about the Kahana area as far as snorkeling, but hopefully if we get the getaway we can find some decent spots for snorkeling. We would love to stay at Napili Bay also. I've heard the beach and snorkeling are great there.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by littlestar
That is terrific for 4 people, Dean!

We stayed at the Aston Mahana in 2001 on Maui and ate dinner over at the Embassy a few times. The Embassy Suites seemed pretty nice from what we could tell. We didn't see any rooms, but we thought the pool area and restaurants looked nice. The grounds were pretty. I loved the building being pink and the waterfall on the side(really makes it stand out).

Whenever we wanted to snorkle we would exit the Aston Mahana and walk left down the beach a ways (the direction towards Black Rock). We found some pretty good snorkling in that area. It was a good hike down the beach, but well worth it.

I don't know much about the Kahana area as far as snorkeling, but hopefully if we get the getaway we can find some decent spots for snorkeling. We would love to stay at Napili Bay also. I've heard the beach and snorkeling are great there.

There is a timeshare in Napili you may want to look into. It's on the DVC list but Trading Places (and independent exchange company) gets a fair amount of inventory there as well. It's a couple of blocks off the beach with 3 BR/2 BA. For May it might be available. Also look into renting studio units at places like the Marriott Maui Ocean Club.