Maui through II? Have questions...

[K9pal]

DH and I are planning to go to Maui next fall (Sept or Oct 2006). Trying to decide now if it's worth it to try to go through II, or if we should just pay for the vacation and not use points. We own 150 points, just the 2 of us, studio or 1BR would be fine. I've read over the info I can find on here, but still have questions.
Is an exchange point for point?
At what point do we fork over the non-refundable $75 fee?
How difficult is it REALLY going to be to request hotels we like, on Maui, in a specific month?

If it's difficult to do, I'd rather just do a non-DVC trip there. Either way, we're going to Maui!!
TIA for any advice you can give.

 

[rocketriter]

It's usually a difficult trade. On the other hand, the Kona Coast II on the Big Island is pretty easy. It's a lovely resort and well-regarded by DVC members, although you have to walk across a golf course to get to the water. The Big Island, of course, is much different than Maui--more rugged and volcanic, more suitable for exploring than beaching.

 

[Dean]

Maui is difficult but it can be workable. It sounds like you don't need a 2 BR, that's a plus. And you are going the lowest time of the year there other than early Dec, also a big plus. IMO, you should put in your request now for the Marriott, Westin and possibly the Embassy. You should decide if you want a studio or 1 BR. The studio will be easier to get but it's only a few points less than the 1 BR, which is a better deal IMO. Remember that the Embassy and Marriott only have a mini kitchen, somewhere in between a DVC studio and regular kitchen. You have nothing to lose by putting in the request. You may even want to do two requests, one for a studio and one for a 1 BR.

There are other ways to enhance your chances of success. They include looking for direct exchanges, trying some of the independent smaller exchange companies and renting you points so you can pay cash for other options. If you're using FF miles, make the reservations when that window opens then change you're searches accordingly. You could, and likely should, make a back up refundable cash reservation for a hotel, timeshare or condo. If you match, it's likely to be late this fall to early spring next year. The earliest Marriott members can deposit is 12 months, I'm not sure about Westin and think the Embassy is 2 years. San Francisco Exchange company and trading places get a lot of Embassy deposits, you may want to talk to them as well.

There are many other places worth staying at in HI, including Maui. But these are the only ones I'd list through II using DVC for your situation for Maui. If you can find someone willing to do a direct trade but for less points, a whole other world of reasonable trades opens up. A trade not worth 160 points can be worth 100 points.

If you add KCR to your list, that is what you will get.

 

[rocketriter]

Dean's last line is entirely correct. If you list Kona Coast (KCR) among your choices, it will pop up first and you'll need to either accept it at once or pass it by. I suggested it as an easy match of good quality, but not as something better than Dean's other suggestions.

 

[K9pal]

I was wondering what KCR was. We're firm on Maui though - have been to all the islands, but want to go back to Maui this time. Thank you both!

 

[Dean]

I was wondering what KCR was. We're firm on Maui though - have been to all the islands, but want to go back to Maui this time. Thank you both!

KCR is Kona Coast as mentioned above.

 

[ColoradoBelle1]

I lived on Maui for 10 years. I'm very particular where I stay when I go back.
I think that renting your points out for DVC and then using that money to buy something off a for rent by owner site would give you the best deal.
Ocean front studios with full kitchen can be had for $100 per night (don't forget you will have to pay tax on that). The wailea area would be more expensive. Personally, when I go visit, I like to spend part of my time in the Napili/Honkowai area, part time in Wailea (I adore the tennis club there), and 2 nights in Hana. If you stay in a by week resort (timeshare) then you can't do that.