Rent, Trade, or book Hawaii through DVC?

[BuzzLightYear3]

Hi.....we want to go to Hawaii in June, 2008 with a family of 5 and would prefer a 2 bedroom. I expect we'll go for 2 weeks -- perhaps one week on Maui and one on Oahu. We own at BWV with an April use year with 220 points to be banked from this year and 460 points for next year. I've read through the various Hawaii posts, but am not sure of the best way to approach this:

1) Rent our points and then book Hawaii using the cash
2) Book through DVC -- saw Dean's advice to request the top resorts on Maui but sounds like that will be tough to get in June
3) Do a direct trade via TUG -- I did see one TUG listing from someone wanting to trade a Marriott for BWV; how would we minimize the risk if we were to do that?

We have never used our DVC points outside of DVC so all advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Dean]

You've got to decide what's best for you. IMO, you should avail yourself of as many options as possible. As you may have seen me post elsewhere, you're at a crossroads for needing to start the searches. I'd start a search for Maui only for any week you can go given what you've said so far. You can also look for other options including renting your points and a direct exchange while that is running. The 2 BR really puts a kink in the process as there really aren't that many that go to II, esp at the top resorts. You may want to consider some lessor properties to get the 2 BR or you could try for 1 BR units and make it work depending on the ages and situations of the children. The newer Marriott on Kauai is 2 BR only so you may want to consider that option as well. I'd at least start your search for what you know is acceptable then you can expand it later if you want.