Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort

[Merilyn]

We are thinking about a trade or exchange for this location and wanted to know if anyone has stayed there. We found a exchange with Redweek for 8 that was in unit 440608. Dean, do you know if that is a good unit? You seem to know how to find out that information. I see that most of the trades there have the units not assigned. We really want an ocean front but for sure an ocean on site. I don't think DVC will be able to get this trade for us. I gather this is a prime location. We will be using freguent flyer miles so I will have to get started finding a date. It is really hard! Does anyone have good info on how to get what you want? I may have posted this in the wrong place but I know it will make it where it needs to go. Thanks in advance for all your great info and help. It is such a pleasure to have so many online friends here that belong to the greatest club around-DVC!!!

 

[debbie in Seattle]

We go to Maui every year, perhaps I can help. Though we haven't stayed at the Westin, have watched it being built the last couple of years. It is not on the Kaanapali Beach proper itself, it is up aways. Every unit is beautiful. Not sure on how many 'points' it's gonna cost you, but check out the actual per unit cost and try and compare the value of the trade. As far as months going, just give a range of perhaps month wise and see what happens.
We'll go usually Oct/Nov and have been there in February also. From Jan-April the whales are in the area and well worth trying to get that time of year.
As far as oceanfront, man, the God's are gonna have to be lookin' down on you for that one! We've not tried to do that, we're from Seattle and spend most of our day in a sand chair on the beach enjoy the beautiful ocean and the warm sun (which we don't get much of here in Seattle). I hope all goes well for you. Have you considered the Marriott Ocean Club? They are in the exchange pool and while probably not as luxious as the Westin, it's not a property to be disappointed by and you are right on the Kaanpali proper. That's a fantastic location!! (We stay in this area). There is a 1/2 mile long sidewalk fronting the ocean and then restaurants, shopping, etc on the other side. Heck, you don't even need to get in your car to go out to eat!! The beaches are fantastic here also (great for swimming, great waves and snorkeling).
Hope all this helps you, give us a post (or me an email) and let me know.

 

[barb45]

Yes the Marriot Ocean Club is in the exchange pool but I doubt you'll ever get it. Marriot exchange to their own members first so the Maui location hardly ever hits the pool. You might be able to get a private exchange on Redweek or Tug2. We toured the Westin resort and it is also lovely and they have those "heavenly" beds. The only problem I see with it is the location on the other side of Blackrock and the beautiful Kaanapali Beach. Of course that's a 2 minute drive then isn't it. The beach looks nice at the Westin too but I read a guide book that said there is sometimes sewage runoff from the sewage treatment plant across the street from the resort. Of course the Westin denies that this would ever happen but I can't find any reason why a guide book would say it for no reason. You can go to tripadvisor.com and see reviews about the resorts you are interested in too. And if Dean can comment - he's very knowledgeable - that would help you out too.

Oh yeah - this is my 500th post I think - woohoo!!