Using RCI to go to Hawaii

[BCV513]

I'm interested in using my points to go to Hawaii on my honeymoon in June 2013 and Aulani just doesn't look like "it" for me. I'd like to do a split stay, half on Maui and half on Kauai. I've only ever used points at WDW before. Has anyone used RCI or Concierge Collection before? How are the resorts? I can go to the Grand Wailea on Maui with the Concierge Collection, and there are 5 resorts on Kauai available through RCI. I'm just looking for some first hand experience. Thanks!

 

[Mzznlink]

I've been to Hawaii twice in the past 8 years, once trading points, the other through websites like Redweek.com and VRBO.com.

Save your points and use these sites. We did a week on Oahu and another on Maui. $750 for a 1 bedroom condo with a view of Diamond head, included underground parking. $1200 got us a week on the beach in West Maui, again included underground parking.

 

[Dean]

I'm interested in using my points to go to Hawaii on my honeymoon in June 2013 and Aulani just doesn't look like "it" for me. I'd like to do a split stay, half on Maui and half on Kauai. I've only ever used points at WDW before. Has anyone used RCI or Concierge Collection before? How are the resorts? I can go to the Grand Wailea on Maui with the Concierge Collection, and there are 5 resorts on Kauai available through RCI. I'm just looking for some first hand experience. Thanks!

The CC options are expensive but if you're set on going to HI and using points, this will be your best option. Only the resorts that say RCI points will be available for less than 7 days, which narrows your choices considerably. Plus, KBC is the only RCI Maui resort I'd suggest. You might have more choices and luck for Kauai with Shearwater, LBR and Pono Kai. I wouldn't hold my breath though and you need a back up plan. If you do plan on these resorts, put in q request at least a year out.

 

[Shelebeen]

Cant speak for using RCI or points or anything but the Grand Wailea is a gorgeous resort! and in fact was one of the contributing factors to our buying DVC...

 

[Pakey]

We spent a week at the Grand Wailea (paid cash) and honestly, I wouldn't return. We had an ocean view club level room and were disappointed. We have also stayed at the Four Seasons and the Ritz Carlton on subsequent Maui vacations and found both of these resorts to be much nicer. Seeing the points required to stay at the Grand, no way would I use my points for a room there.

 

[Dean]

We spent a week at the Grand Wailea (paid cash) and honestly, I wouldn't return. We had an ocean view club level room and were disappointed. We have also stayed at the Four Seasons and the Ritz Carlton on subsequent Maui vacations and found both of these resorts to be much nicer. Seeing the points required to stay at the Grand, no way would I use my points for a room there.

The Renaissance is a good choice as well, esp for those with Marriott reward points.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

The Renaissance is a good choice as well, esp for those with Marriott reward points.

The Renaissance closed in 2007 and work on the property is finally scheduled to begin soon. When it re-opens it will be a Hyatt Andaz hotel. No date is currently given for the property to re- open. -- Suzanne

 

[taaren]

Hmm. I've looked at the points required for a stay at the Grand Wailea, because that's our #1 choice for a staycation ... hands down best pool on Maui, beach has the softest sand, and I think its a stunning property (our other staycations tend to be at the Westin/Sheraton properties though, which are nice, but not as nice as the Grand .... haven't stayed at the Ritz since we don't know anybody who works there to get us a discount).

You're better off, as usual, renting your points and paying cash. At 84-100 points per night, a room usually rents in the $400-600/night range, depending on the season (sometimes you can catch it for $250ish in the very off-season) so you could get 1.5 to 2 nights for the amount of points they'd charge you ...

Can't help much with Kauai since I haven't been there since Iniki, but for all of Hawaii, VRBO is a good way to go, as a PP suggested. Perhaps rent points with one of the professional facilitators and use the cash that way?

Side note:
Btw, Aulani is gorgeous, and its on a more "island-ey" side of the island, farther from Waikiki and civilization just in case that's what dissuades you from Oahu. But to each their own. I don't know if I'd fly across an ocean to go there ...

 

[Dean]

The Renaissance closed in 2007 and work on the property is finally scheduled to begin soon. When it re-opens it will be a Hyatt Andaz hotel. No date is currently given for the property to re- open. -- Suzanne

Thanks, wasn't aware, was there the year before.