Need help with DVC-Hawaii trade info!!

[rbuzzotta]

It looks like we may finally be going to Hawaii this summer.

We want to stay on Oahu near Waikiki Beach and possibly take a few days in Maui.

Anyways, I would like to trade using my DVC/OKW points but don't quite no where to start...............

Any guidance will be greatly appreciated................I have check out the Tug2.net website but don't quite know where to begin there............................

Thanks.......................

 

[Dean]

I'm afraid it's not very good news. First, there are no DVC exchange options near Waikiki Beach. And Maui will be tough anytime, especially since you're really behind. This type of exchange request should be in AT LEAST 12 months ahead, preferably 18-24 months out. You may want to investigate renting out your points and paying cash or doing a private exchange with an owner at the Hilton in Waikiki. There are several other timeshares in the area but their value is not on par with DVC. You may be able to get a direct exchange for one of them for a lot less points. For Maui, it sounds like you don't want a full week. You may want to also consider the CC option there. A lot of points but with 4 nights and the 5th free (if still available) it may be a good choice for you. Also air fare can be an issue, you should get it nailed down ASAP.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I totally agree with Dean. Your best exchange option at this point would be Kona Coast II resort on the Big Island of Hawaii. I would not reccommend you go for less than 10 days to 2 weeks though. You might try getting an airfare/hotel package for a couple of nights on Oahu (Waikiki area) and then doing a week exchange on Maui or Kauai with a direct exchange with a timeshare owner there. On this short of notice, Kona Coast will be your easiest trade into II from DVC.

 

[rbuzzotta]

Thanks for the info. I guess we are late!!! and I thought we were in a reasonable timeframe!!!

It seems that our best bet if we can't figure out how to do a private trade on Waikiki with a quality timeshare then we should rent points and use the money towards our trip............

Never having rented points before, do most people advertise or use the rent/trade board??

Any other info would be greatly appreciated. We do need to spend the majority of the time on Oahu, Waikiki because the kids would be too bored on Maui................

Thanks

 

[dianeschlicht]

I can't imagine kids being bored ANYWHERE in Hawaii! There actually might be more that interests them there than on Oahu.

 

[rocketriter]

If you get to exploring rental condo options on Oahu, keep in mind that Waikiki is really very urban with a huge row of concrete hotels looming over a thin strip of sand. There are other parts of the island that are prettier, and opening yourself up to them might increase your chances of getting something nice.

 

[rbuzzotta]

Diane, now you have me really thinking................what is to do on Maui that would interest the kids??????? They do love the beach and pools the most...................I guess I should read more in the Frommer's book that I just got???!!!!

Would it be too late to try to do an exchange thru Member services for the one they have listed as Kapulua Bay?? How is that one in comparison to DVC resorts???

Thanks again............

 

[TnRobin]

This summer we did an exchange on the TUG. We stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Waikiki Beach in a 2BR unit. It was awesome. I highly recommend it for a trade. I even recommend it if you rent your points and then pay to stay. They have hotel rooms and condos. If you are willing to sit through a high pressure sale - you could even get a condo special.

The Hilton is on the far end of Waikiki close enough to the main drag to get there in a 10 minute walk. But far enough for a little piece and quiet. It is separated from the rest of Waikiki by a US Army park. The beach at the Hilton is huge. For pictures of the resort and beach go to www.clubphoto.com and use TnRobin@wdwinfo.com to see the pictures.


We just placed an add on the TUG saying we wanted to go to Hawaii. I stated that I would only consider exchanges that had at least a 9.0 rating on the TUG. You can state specific resorts if you want, but I wanted plenty of options. I was also upfront that I would not book anything in Easter or Xmas week. I was contacted by quite a few people.

Let me know if you need additional details.

 

[OKWKirt]

rbuzzotta, I don't see where you stated the ages of your kids to know if they would be bored. My DW and I took our kids (DD 18, DS 15 at the time of our trip) to Maui this past March for one week and they were not bored. We took a scuba/snorkle trip, a sunset cruise, a luau, a four wheel trip, my DS and I took a one day sight seeing tour to Oahu (we thought my DD would be bored with it) while the girls shopped, a drive along the northwest coast (not to Hanna), DS and I golfed one morning, kids took surfing lessons, and several trips to Lahaina. Oh, and bought a timeshare while there so we were not bored and sure could have used a couple more days. We stayed at the Maui Schooner and put our trade (another timeshare) request in January and it came through in less than two weeks. I wanted to stay away from Oahu and go to Maui where it would be more relaxing and less crowded.