What Resort did you stay at in Hawaii - Maui?

[Grumpy&Goofy]

We are thinking about going to Hawaii next year. Just started looking at resorts, hotels, etc. and there are so many to choose from. If you stayed at any DVC exchange resorts, please let us know which one and what you thought about it. Any suggestions on resorts, time of year, things to do would be a BIG help.

 

[VWL2001]

We did an exchange in 2005. We had a 1 bedroom at the Embassy Vacation Resort, Kaanapali (sp?). We actually had that as our last choice, but not surprisingly, it came up. Our first choice would have been the Marriott or the Westin, which both have superior locations. Do some research on something like TUG. The EVR was very nice. The rooms were just remodeled when we went. But it is not within walking distance of Kaanapali, regardless of the name. You can PM me if you have any further questions. Good luck!

Carolyn

 

[disneydenisel]

We've been going to Maui every year since 1989. We love it there, got married on the beach at Kapalua Bay, and not surprisingly, finally bought a timeshare at the Westin Ka'anapali in 2003. We should have bought one sooner, but had never really learned much about timeshares before!

How many will be going? Do you have kids? Whale watching season is a nice time to go (usually late November-early April, or somewhere in there). Summer is popular, and the humidity is higher. Before we had kids, we would go in May and October. We've also been there in February (a bit more rain) and September, November & December. You can't really go wrong with any month .

Snorkeling is great, beaches are great, driving to Hana is beautiful, taking a bike ride down Haleakala at sunrise is invigorating...eating out is fun, luaus are entertaining...there is a nice aquarium, some nice shopping..

We use the pools and go to the beaches, watch the sunsets, BBQ and relax. The kids are happiest playing in the surf and sand.

We've stayed in privately-owned condos, hotels and timeshares. If I can help, let me know!

Oh, and if exchanging through II is too uncertain for you, I'd recommend renting out the DVC points and using the proceeds to rent the exact week and resort that you want, or saving your points and just using your cash. To me, that's easier than waiting around for an exchange to match.

 

[flexsmom]

Stayed at the Embassy Suites years ago, and then just this past April at Grande Wailea, which is part of the concierge collection. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the Grande Wailea! We were not there on DVC points, but I'm now plotting how to go back in a couple of years with the kids on points. Wailea has a very different feel than Kaanapali - it's a bit "smaller" feeling - more condos and fewer resorts, most likely. The resort was spectacular - amazing spa, awesome family and adult pools, great beach, fabulous service, and we did not have a meal that we did not like. If I had to pick one thing that we didn't like, it would be the size of our bar tab at the end of the trip - the drinks can get expensive!