Speaking of Hawaii.... Need some advice, Dean?

[dianeschlicht]

We are in the early planning stages for our 45th anniversary in 2013. Our oldest DD is going to be performing on Oahu during the 3rd week of October, so we have decided to try to combine that with part of our anniversary trip. To be fair, we plan to take our son and his SO as well. We took both of them on our first trip to Hawaii when they were young children, but while we have been back several times, they have not.

We have decided this time to try a direct owner to owner exchange. We want to go to Hawaii in October of 2013. We have been there enough to know there are some resorts we do NOT want to visit.

While I think the Ko'Olina area is beautiful, it has the misfortune of being on Oahu, and then nowhere near the part of Oahu where there are things to do and see. Add to that the fact that Aulani has pretty high point values, and we decided to at least TRY a direct exchange this time.

I have a listing on TUG, but so far most of the people who have responded are looking to exchange Worldmark or Diamond resorts. There is really only 1 Worldmark I know anything about, and while I love the location and views there, I also know they are NOT known for being well maintained. Most of the other places offered me are places I KNOW I don't want to stay. On the other hand, I did have one request off the listing for someone who had EOY at Marriott Ko'Olina and EOY at Marriott on Maui.

Most of the people looking for direct exchanges want AKV 2 bedrooms. Now that in itself isn't an issue as long as I can get it at the 7 month booking window. I do not have enough AKV points for a 2 bedroom any time without using my OKW points as well.

The problem is that, other than the Marriott exchange offers, I don't feel most of what has been offered to me is worth a 2 bedroom at AKV, if you know what I mean.

I'm looking for some direct experience with some of the WorldMark and Diamond properties if there is anyone here who knows something more specific about them.

I have stayed at Pahio Bali Hai on Kauai before, and while it was okay, I wasn't thrilled with the units or the views and lack of water. I do like the Shearwater property, and even contemplated buying an EOY there last time we visited. The thing that kept me from doing it was the general lack of upkeep on the other properties I had seen in that system.

Anyone have any advice for me?

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Diane, is there nothing worth trying for thru RCI? I know there are a couple on Oahu( I know you don't like that island) and a few on Kauai and Maui. I think a trade thru RCI for your timeframe will come thru.

 

[jekjones1558]

Diane,
We are going to HI this March and booked lovely rooms through VRBO. We have beachfront 1 bedroom units on Maui and Big Island. These were for cash, so you may not be interested, but each unit was less than an RCI price, if you figure DVC points being worth about $10/point. I think both are gorgeous. PM me if you would like links to either of the rooms. In any event, good luck! We do so LOVE Hawaii!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Diane,
We are going to HI this March and booked lovely rooms through VRBO. We have beachfront 1 bedroom units on Maui and Big Island. These were for cash, so you may not be interested, but each unit was less than an RCI price, if you figure DVC points being worth about $10/point. I think both are gorgeous. PM me if you would like links to either of the rooms. In any event, good luck! We do so LOVE Hawaii!

Thanks, Jean, and I do have the VRBO link you gave me once before. Dick would just rather use our points, since we know we will have an abundance of them in 2012, and we'd rather not go the renting out route.

We are a bit gun shy to try the RCI exchange system, because I know it isn't always able to complete in a timely manner. We did a Hawaii exchange once with DVC points through II, and were very happy with it, but at that time we also stayed in an RCI exchange with friends, and were not as happy with that one or the quality of the unit.

 

[DisWitt]

Seeing that you're going in October 2013, you are planning WAY ahead... why not wait till Aulani opens, read some trip reports, and then see if you want to stay "at home" instead of trying to finagle something else? While Ko'Olina isn't in Waikiki, you may be surprised at the drive... Where is your daughter performing? Check Google Maps?

 

[dianeschlicht]

Seeing that you're going in October 2013, you are planning WAY ahead... why not wait till Aulani opens, read some trip reports, and then see if you want to stay "at home" instead of trying to finagle something else? While Ko'Olina isn't in Waikiki, you may be surprised at the drive... Where is your daughter performing? Check Google Maps?

Oh, I would WANT to stay at Aulani, but frankly, I've been to the Ko'Olina area, and it just would NOT be my choice. I don't want to stay on Waikiki either. I just want to be where it is easier to get to the rest of the island if I "must" be on Oahu. Aulani is far more points for a 2 bedroom than that private exchange would be. In fact, more than 100 points more.

 

[dvc_john]

Diane, if you need to stay on Oahu, but don't want to stay at either Waikiki or Ko'Olina, I don't think you'll have a lot options. The only timeshare I can think of off-hand is at Makaha, and that's even further out than Ko'Olina.

I can give you my Hawaii experience though.

On Oahu, I've stayed at Marriott Ko'Olina, and all 3 Hiltons at Hilton Hawaiian Village (Lagoon Tower, Kalia Tower, and Grand Waikikian). I can vouch for all of them. I own at Lagoon Tower, and love it there. Parking can be expensive though. I also visited the models at Aulani in September, and am looking forward to staying there in 2012. (No, I didn't buy there lol).

For the other islands, I've stayed at Marriott Maui Ocean Club. This is a great resort in a great location. The main building is a converted Marriott hotel, so the kitchens are more kitchenette like. There are 2 new buildings that are purpose built timeshare (Napili and Lahaina buildings). The main building and Napili/Lahaina buildings are separate booking codes, so you know for sure which you get when you book. This resort has one of the best pool complexes ever.

I know you like the Big Island. I've stayed at the 3 Hiltons in Waikoloa (about 25 miles north of Kailua-Kona). Kingsland is brand new, and is the other resort that has a fantastic pool complex. HGVC Waikoloa/Kohala Suites is also pretty new. Both have pool privileges at the nearby Hilton hotel, which you have to see to believe. The oldest is the Bay Club. It is currently undergoing a complete rehab. It doesn't have hotel pool privileges, but I guess a daily pass can be purchased. Currently both Bay Club and HGVC Waikoloa guests can get a free 1 day pass to the Kingsland pool, but I doubt that will still be the case in 2013.

All the Hiltons trade in RCI.

While I'm sure that there are plenty of nice timeshares out there, I pretty much stick with the big names: DVC, Marriott, Hilton(HGVC), Hyatt, and Westin/Sheraton. Never been disappointed with any of those.

 

[phyllisnnj]

You can rent your DVC points and then use the cash to stay where you want to go.

Your can book the timeshare units directly via the hotel website at Hilton.com, Marriott.com and Starwood.com. You can also rent directly from a timeshare owners at TUG's Marketplace http://tug2.com/timesharemarketplace/ or see this list of frequently mentioned rental websites - http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17673 (such as homeaway.com)

Good Luck.

 

[tomandrobin]

I do a lot of direct trading, renting and exchanging. DVC always seems to be on the losing end on direct trades.

I think for you, the best scenario would be to use a service like Daddio offers and then find a week on Redweek or Tug to rent. Hawaii timeshare rentals are down and you can good some decent bargains right now.

 

[dianeschlicht]

You can rent your DVC points and then use the cash to stay where you want to go.

Your can book the timeshare units directly via the hotel website at Hilton.com, Marriott.com and Starwood.com. You can also rent directly from a timeshare owners at TUG's Marketplace http://tug2.com/timesharemarketplace/ or see this list of frequently mentioned rental websites - http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17673 (such as homeaway.com)

Good Luck.

If you read my OP, you would know that is what I am trying to do. My question is about the individual locations and their quality or lack of it.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I do a lot of direct trading, renting and exchanging. DVC always seems to be on the losing end on direct trades.

I think for you, the best scenario would be to use a service like Daddio offers and then find a week on Redweek or Tug to rent. Hawaii timeshare rentals are down and you can good some decent bargains right now.

While that might be true, I'm not into the gamble of renting points to someone I don't know.

John, I know I'm going to have to stay on Oahu part of this trip, and that's why I'm leaning toward taking the 1 week trade to Marriott Ko'Olina. It's less points than Aulani. The problem is that it will take a lot more driving than I really like to do on the island. If I'm not mistaken, the BUS doesn't go out as far as Ko'Olina.

Now I just have to decide if I'm trading with another TUG unit for another island or not. I'm not really ready to decide on that yet, since we have to have a family meeting about it yet to see who all is coming with us and for how long.

Now to ask again....Which resorts are going to be equal to DVC accommodations?

 

[littlestar]

While that might be true, I'm not into the gamble of renting points to someone I don't know.

John, I know I'm going to have to stay on Oahu part of this trip, and that's why I'm leaning toward taking the 1 week trade to Marriott Ko'Olina. It's less points than Aulani. The problem is that it will take a lot more driving than I really like to do on the island. If I'm not mistaken, the BUS doesn't go out as far as Ko'Olina.

Now I just have to decide if I'm trading with another TUG unit for another island or not. I'm not really ready to decide on that yet, since we have to have a family meeting about it yet to see who all is coming with us and for how long.

Now to ask again....Which resorts are going to be equal to DVC accommodations?

Diane, I would also consider Wyndham's Waikiki Beach Walk resort on Waikiki. My cousin stayed there through an RCI trade back in June and loved it. He only rented a car one day when they went sight seeing. All the other times they used "The Bus."

We've got Wyndham Waikiki Beachwalk booked for January 2011 with our resale Wyndham points. Our January 2 bedroom unit takes 250,000 Wyndham points which I didn't think was bad at all. I hate to drive on Oahu, so this resort will work out great for us. I would also consider Hilton Grand Vacation club in Waikiki.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Any suggestions for Kauai or Hawaii that are good places? So far I'm not thrilled with the ones I've been offered on Kauai except for Shearwater.

 

[Dean]

The Hilton's would be the best option for Oahu but the Wyndham is worth considering due to it's location. Frankly, I wouldn't rule out the Ko'Olina area either because I don't think one can really do Oahu without a car and when you look at all options and traffic, I don't think the DVC/Marriott area is really as far out as some would think. For Kauai, I don't think there's anything in DVC's realm that's on the RCI DVC exchanage list but there are a few that are reasonable like Shearwater, The Point, Maybe Lawaii Beach. You know the BI better than I since I never made it over there but traditionally it's much easier to trade to as is Kauai. For Maui KBC is the only one I'd consider on the DVC list using DVC points.

If it were I and all I had to trade was DVC, I'd contact the independent's including SFX, Trading Places Intl, Trading Places Maui, Platinum Interchange, DAE and HTSE. I would think you could get two units for a 1 or 2 BR deposit plus 2 exchange fees with those. They also open you up to additional inventory and resorts not on the list. The other thing is rather than listing with TUG and waiting, start contacting owners who have what you might want like Hilton, Westin and Marriott owners and making a pitch for a direct exchange. You may have to give them more than it'd cost through RCI (maybe 350 vs 270 pts) depending on time of year and view, but you'd have more control and might also get more for the extra points like a better view.

 

[dianeschlicht]

The Hilton's would be the best option for Oahu but the Wyndham is worth considering due to it's location. Frankly, I wouldn't rule out the Ko'Olina area either because I don't think one can really do Oahu without a car and when you look at all options and traffic, I don't think the DVC/Marriott area is really as far out as some would think. For Kauai, I don't think there's anything in DVC's realm that's on the RCI DVC exchanage list but there are a few that are reasonable like Shearwater, The Point, Maybe Lawaii Beach. You know the BI better than I since I never made it over there but traditionally it's much easier to trade to as is Kauai. For Maui KBC is the only one I'd consider on the DVC list using DVC points.

If it were I and all I had to trade was DVC, I'd contact the independent's including SFX, Trading Places Intl, Trading Places Maui, Platinum Interchange, DAE and HTSE. I would think you could get two units for a 1 or 2 BR deposit plus 2 exchange fees with those. They also open you up to additional inventory and resorts not on the list. The other thing is rather than listing with TUG and waiting, start contacting owners who have what you might want like Hilton, Westin and Marriott owners and making a pitch for a direct exchange. You may have to give them more than it'd cost through RCI (maybe 350 vs 270 pts) depending on time of year and view, but you'd have more control and might also get more for the extra points like a better view.

In answer to the pink quote, I do feel that Ko'Olina is where I'll end up for the Oahu part of our trip. I do know it takes a fair amount of time to drive it, but then, the time I drove it, the weather was awful and we were driving in fog and rain. It might have seemed longer than it really was.

In answer to the blue highlighted area, I have already done a bit of that, and It will indeed cost me about 269-300 points.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Now my question is if anyone here has had any luck with a TIMELY RCI exchange through DVC. I just hate to wait until a few months before and then find I have nothing.

 

[ems_mom]

I got an RCI exchange rather last minute because I only called 4 months out. My DH and I decided we wanted to go back to HI for our 25th. I really wasn't expecting any availability at that late date using our DVC points (was fully prepared to make alternate arraingements), but lo and behold the week I wanted was available on the island I wanted, Kauai. We spent a lovely week in a one bedroom at Lawai Beach Resort before our six night stay at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach on Oahu. The Lawai Beach Resort was no fancy Marriot with all the bells and whistles, but we loved our stay. We had a beautiful ocean view, were steps away from a great snorkeling beach and Kauai's #1 restaurant, and felt very much at home during our stay.

 

[Dean]

In answer to the pink quote, I do feel that Ko'Olina is where I'll end up for the Oahu part of our trip. I do know it takes a fair amount of time to drive it, but then, the time I drove it, the weather was awful and we were driving in fog and rain. It might have seemed longer than it really was.

In answer to the blue highlighted area, I have already done a bit of that, and It will indeed cost me about 269-300 points.

When you consider traffic and where you're going, the distance and time depend on where you're going. For the North Shore, PH, the Windward side, etc it's really about the same to much better depending on time of day. It really only is better to be downtown for things that are there and things the other side like Diamond Head. The other factor is that parking is quite steep in Waikiki. I paid $25/day mandatory at the Wyndham. I could have parked at Derussy and walked but the savings weren't dramatic, plus if it rains, it can be quite aggravating.

Now my question is if anyone here has had any luck with a TIMELY RCI exchange through DVC. I just hate to wait until a few months before and then find I have nothing.

I haven't used RCI for HI. Book through SFX 12-13 months out for KBC, Using II got The Point 12 months out, got Maui Marriott 9-10 months out and Westin on Maui about 12 months out. It really depends on the resort in question. Some will be depositing 24 months out, most points resorts will be around 10 months out. You just have to plan and make alternate plans once you have air in place.

 

[dianeschlicht]

When you consider traffic and where you're going, the distance and time depend on where you're going. For the North Shore, PH, the Windward side, etc it's really about the same to much better depending on time of day. It really only is better to be downtown for things that are there and things the other side like Diamond Head. The other factor is that parking is quite steep in Waikiki. I paid $25/day mandatory at the Wyndham. I could have parked at Derussy and walked but the savings weren't dramatic, plus if it rains, it can be quite aggravating.

I haven't used RCI for HI. Book through SFX 12-13 months out for KBC, Using II got The Point 12 months out, got Maui Marriott 9-10 months out and Westin on Maui about 12 months out. It really depends on the resort in question. Some will be depositing 24 months out, most points resorts will be around 10 months out. You just have to plan and make alternate plans once you have air in place.

Since we are going to likely be needing to go downtown every day for at least 4 days, I may have to rethink Ko'Olina area. That is UNLESS The Bus goes all the way out there, and I'm kind of doubting that's the case.

I'm afraid of not being able to have a reservation 'in hand' by the time I have to book airfare at the 11 month mark. Last time we did the II exchange, we had our reservation 18 months out, but the RCI exchange didn't come until about 5 months out. It was nerve wracking to say the least.

I think I'm leaning toward doing the direct exchange with TUG contact for Ko'Olina, and maybe "wing it" from there by trying for an RCI exchange, and then if I don't get it by 6 months out, look for something to pay cash for. Does that sound reasonable, Dean?

 

[Dean]

Since we are going to likely be needing to go downtown every day for at least 4 days, I may have to rethink Ko'Olina area. That is UNLESS The Bus goes all the way out there, and I'm kind of doubting that's the case.

I'm afraid of not being able to have a reservation 'in hand' by the time I have to book airfare at the 11 month mark. Last time we did the II exchange, we had our reservation 18 months out, but the RCI exchange didn't come until about 5 months out. It was nerve wracking to say the least.

I think I'm leaning toward doing the direct exchange with TUG contact for Ko'Olina, and maybe "wing it" from there by trying for an RCI exchange, and then if I don't get it by 6 months out, look for something to pay cash for. Does that sound reasonable, Dean?

If you have to go downtown a number of times, that certainly changes things but doesn't necessarily make staying downtown the best option. Where downtown, what days and what time of day will all make a difference. I'd make my air when you find what you want. I always try to fly in and out of HNL, usually in on Fri and out on Sunday so I can be open to almost all potential weeks that might be available. Making a cancelable reservation is always a good backup paln for such a trip. Good luck.