Possible Aulani strategy.

[J-Dog]

I don't see the issue with a June UY if you typically go in October, that's well before the banking window ends.

I took the post to read as they like to go sometime between October and June; if that's the case, then over half of that travel time is outside of the banking window. Doable, but not ideal.

 

[Brian Noble]

I looked at cash rooms at Hilton Hawaiian Village and Turtle Bay resort (places we've stayed before and I know we like) and it makes Aulani seem like a bargain, but I'm wondering what the costs would be next door at the Marriott.

There are a LOT of resorts on Oahu. Plus other islands. And that's before you get into private rentals.

I think nearly everyone who has written about their Aulani stay has loved it---and that's even been true for folks who have stayed elsewhere in the islands, so it is not (always) as simple as "Wow, Hawaii is great." I haven't been there yet, but it clearly seems like Aulani has something special.

But: Wow, Hawaii is great. I've been on all four "main" islands at this point, and they all are lovely. (I had a so-so experience on Maui, but that might be more to do with what was going on in my life at the time.) I'm going to be visiting Molokai this summer. Usually, for me the resort itself is not the point so much as being on the island within easy striking distance of great hiking, good-to-very-good snorkeling, and ono grindz. I especially like the "culture" of the islands---by which i do not mean Culture-with-a-captial-C, but "the vibe of the place."

As for when to go? Anytime is great--the weather is rarely a problem, though there have definitely been some summer stays without AC that were stickier than I'd like. But, I get why that is not everyone's favorite time to go. At least where I live, summer is the very best time to be around home, so it seems a shame to be in Hawaii then. Or, at least you'd think so. I have never regretted a visit!

 

[Stargazer65]

I took the post to read as they like to go sometime between October and June; if that's the case, then over half of that travel time is outside of the banking window. Doable, but not ideal.

Ah yeah, I missed the October-June thing.

 

[J-Dog]

But: Wow, Hawaii is great. I've been on all four "main" islands at this point, and they all are lovely. (I had a so-so experience on Maui, but that might be more to do with what was going on in my life at the time.) I'm going to be visiting Molokai this summer. Usually, for me the resort itself is not the point so much as being on the island within easy striking distance of great hiking, good-to-very-good snorkeling, and ono grindz. I especially like the "culture" of the islands---by which i do not mean Culture-with-a-captial-C, but "the vibe of the place."

I would completely agree with this. But for whatever reason, there seems to be a significant number of people who book at Aulani with plans to rarely or never leave the resort property.

 

[cruisehopeful]

We have done Aulani in June and August and have had a fantastic time.

I do still have fun in the summer, but I don't do well in the heat with the humidity. It limits what activities I can do.

There are a LOT of resorts on Oahu. Plus other islands. And that's before you get into private rentals.

I think nearly everyone who has written about their Aulani stay has loved it---and that's even been true for folks who have stayed elsewhere in the islands, so it is not (always) as simple as "Wow, Hawaii is great." I haven't been there yet, but it clearly seems like Aulani has something special.

I do need to check out some other timeshare systems before I buy Aulani. I think some have flexible point systems similar to DVC and are attached to a hotel. I stayed at Hilton King's land on the Big Island that was clustered with their hotel and had a bus/trolley that went around to the different properties that they own and our room was great. I don't think it had a restaurant onsite, but I remember an outdoor bar. I like a timeshare room with hotel amenities.

I like Oahu the best out of the islands I have visited. I do like all of the islands, though. In our old ages at this point, we appreciate a good full service resort like Aulani. My husband says he just wants to stay at the resort this upcoming visit. I said we have to visit the North shore for a day or two. I like a bigger open ocean. He likes the idea of the man-made lagoon

I would completely agree with this. But for whatever reason, there seems to be a significant number of people who book at Aulani with plans to rarely or never leave the resort property.

We might be heading that way as we're aging. We're loving the resorts at Disneyland between the food and the spa and overall ambiance. I could see us mostly staying on property at Aulani, with a couple day trips to other areas of the island. Our kids are adults. So, I'm not 100% sure that we need Disney theming, but we do like the level of service and when I travel alone, I always feel safe at Disney. I don't feel that any where else.

 

[Brian Noble]

King's land on the Big Island that was clustered with their hotel and had a bus/trolley that went around to the different properties that they own and our room was great. I don't think it had a restaurant onsite, but I remember an outdoor bar. I like a timeshare room with hotel amenities.

The bar at Kings Land is serviceable for a quick lunch, but not much more than that. However, the shuttle also goes to the main Hilton Wailkoloa campus, and there are quite a few restaurants there. We've eaten at a few, and while they do tend to suffer from Captive Audience Syndrome, it's not so bad that it is a huge problem. The shuttle also stops at the Kings/Queens shops nearby, which have a set of food spots that are generally a better value.

Heck, I even sometimes walk it. It's about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 mile from Kings Land to either HWV or the Shops. The walking route to the Shops has the added bonus of going thorugh the petroglyphs.

If you stay at HGV Kohala, the walk to the shops/HWV is shorter, but the property itself doesn't have the level of amenities of Kings Land.

 

[cruisehopeful]

The walking route to the Shops has the added bonus of going thorugh the petroglyphs.

Wow, I don't remember any petroglyphs. That would be so cool!

For exploring other point timeshares, do you recommend looking at Marriott or Hilton? I need hotel type amenities and service.

 

[Brian Noble]

Very few properties really carry off the "hotel-like" nature of some (but not all!) of the DVC resorts.

I would recommend renting a few stays here and there and see how you like it before ever considering buying anything. Then go to TUG and read, read, read.