So about Hawaii....

[rascalmom]

DH and I are starting to think about spending our 25th anniversary in Hawaii. I have never been before, and dh was there only once, as a kid, with his family. At this point, we will probably plan to take both of our dd's with us - they will be 22 and 18 by that time.

I would like to use our DVC points if possible. We have 270 point at SSR, and do to other personal commitments this year have banked most of our 2008 points already. We will get our full 2008 points in August.

I am flexibe about howwe spend the points. Since it will be an anniversary trip, we would like something larger that just a hotel room. Our last couple of DVC trips have been for two bedroom units, so we are spoiled. We could go down to a 1bd if there is a 2nd bathroom.

So - what are our best options & how do I go about this? If I call MS to ask for a trade, is it too early to do so now?

I would love to be able to see the ocean - other than that, I am completely open to suggestions and will be greatly appreciative of any help that can be offered!

Anniversary is June 8th - we would like to be there on that date, but we are otherwise flexible on arrival & departure dates.

Thanks!!!!!

 

[PrettyKitties]

I assume you want a trade through II? We stayed at the Grand Wailea in March using points, but it was VERY point intensive. Worth every bit, but a lot of points. Right on a beautiful beach and very relaxing. I didn't do a trade through II because I had no flexibility on the time we could travel & I wanted to lock in a reservation.

 

[rascalmom]

Yes - I think we will have to go with a trade through II. I checked the points charts for the Grand Wailea (gorgeous resort) and we don't have enough points to do that one for the week to 10 days that we would like to stay.

Any recommendations on the II resorts?

 

[rascalmom]

bumping

Sure wish the search feature worked!

 

[fers31]

There was a great thread here. Check it out. Points were MUCH nicer too! Good luck. http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1853810

 

[petbren]

Hi rascalmom

Sorry, off topic, but is your dog a Coton de Tulear?

 

[rascalmom]

Hi - no, he's a Westie, aka a West Highland White Terrier.

Thanks for the thread link.

 

[buzz5985]

Anniversary is June 8th - we would like to be there on that date, but we are otherwise flexible on arrival & departure dates.

Thanks!!!!![/QUOTE

My anniversary is June 8th - we will be celebrating our 25th in 2010 - guess where we would like to go?? LOL We have one DS 11.

Good luck and Congratulations!!!

Janis

 

[Dean]

Go for 2 weeks at least. Put in a request for Maui for 3 resorts (Marriott, Westin, Kaanapali Beach Club) for a 3 week window with the week of 8 June 8 being the Sandwich for a 2 BR but state you will accept a 1 BR. Put in a request for a second week for the same dates for the Marriotts on Oahu and Kaui, the Westin if on the list by then and possibly The Point resort. and reference the first request to have them complimentary. Once you have ONE match, alter the first request accordingly. Decide if you're willing to have a day or two in between or lose a day or two in case you get different days of the week to start. If not, having them reference this ONCE you have one match. If you haven't gotten anything by the time you need to do air, go ahead and book it and alter your requests accordingly. IF nothing by then, make a back up condo reservation you can cancel.

If you get 1 BR, keep calling back to see if you can get a 2 BR instead, the second $95 fee would be worth it to get to a 2 BR. Investigate the resorts in case you find others YOU will be happy with. Also talk to other exchange companies like HI Timeshare ex, Trading Places Maui, Trading Places Intl, Dial an Ex, San Fran Ex and Platinum Interchange to see what they have and will take and how many points it will cost you. Remember to cancel or alter any DVC request if needed.

 

[rascalmom]

Thank you Dean - this is exactly the kind of detail I was hoping for. I will get to work on this asap.

DH keeps telling me the ADA is in Hawaii soon, but I would rather this be just a vacation trip.

Thanks!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Dean's idea is a good one. We never go to Hawaii for less than 2 weeks, and last time made it 3 weeks. Since it is your first trip there, I think you need to spend at least a little time on Oahu, but the outer islands are by far the most interesting. We like them all, but for relaxing we like Kauai and Hawaii, and for the most versatility we like Maui. I would probably leave your II search fairly open ended for that first week. Don't be too specific either about the island or the resort or the week. Then once you get that first week, it will be easier to search for the easier to get accommodations on Oahu. Many of the Hawaii timeshares have 1 bedroom units that have a second bathroom, so it makes it easier to have 4 in a 1 bedroom.

 

[Karenj2]

It's not on the II list, but friends of mine found a house for rent for less than what you pay for a week at the Jersey Shore! (of course, flights are a different story for us living in PA)

 

[rascalmom]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate all the information.

We would like to spend some time in Oahu - since I have never been before, I do really want to see Pearl Harbor. I don't mind staying in a regular hotel for a night or two on either end of an exchange stay so that we can make this all work.

I hadn't thought about trying to rent a house - that may be something to look into too. I'll check into it. Really hoping to use our DVC points though, to offset the expensive airfare (and the two weeks off work - it's harder when self-employed).

A one bedroom would be okay for part of the trip if there are two baths.

 

[Dean]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate all the information.

We would like to spend some time in Oahu - since I have never been before, I do really want to see Pearl Harbor. I don't mind staying in a regular hotel for a night or two on either end of an exchange stay so that we can make this all work.

I hadn't thought about trying to rent a house - that may be something to look into too. I'll check into it. Really hoping to use our DVC points though, to offset the expensive airfare (and the two weeks off work - it's harder when self-employed).

A one bedroom would be okay for part of the trip if there are two baths.

One thing you could do would be to fly through Honolulu with in on Thursday and out on Monday or Tuesday. That way you'd have 2-4 days for Oahu by default plus you'd have more options of timeshare exchanges because you could take any start day. If Oahu is your priority, concentrate on the Marriott with II and for a private exchange. Then once you get that week, alter your other choices. I would make a cash reservation for a condo or house once you have air in hand but make sure it's cancelable in case the timeshare options come through. I'd suggest Maui for a second week though it will be harder to get as an exchange.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Also check some of the airline deals. We have used NWA tours for cheaper airfare and stayed in their hotel option for 2 nights on either end of a trip to get the airfare deal. Then combined that with two different timeshare exchanges on different islands to make an 18 night trip.