World Passport Hawaii resorts

[PBader]

We are toying with 10 days at Mauna Lani OR 7 days in Kauai through Interval Exchange and 4 days at the Mauna

Any advice?

Sounds like a wonderful vacation either way that you went. We are trying to do the exchange in Kauai through II also for a week before of after. But DVC has casued me to plan far in advance and if there is no match a year out, I will have to consider a rental on Kauai. We use frequent flyer miles and they are not the easiest to use to Hawaii.
The only downfall we had at the Mauna Lani was the price of food. On about our 5th night we did find some other places to eat that were more reasonably priced. Lunch on the beach for 3 with a drink was $80 inc. tip. But what the heck--some people claim that Disney is expensive.
The Mauna Lani will pamper you, they have the nice cabanas (free) on the beach with the best towels! They bring you frozen grapes and chilled towels to refresh you from the sun. Snorkel equipment is free every day and they keep you supplied in paperbacks. It is truly a relaxing visit in paradise.
I was looking on their website and they do have some villas for rent that are just a little more than their rooms are--I was considering renting out my points and paying cash. But it is just so easy to book through MS--that way you don't have the taxes and resort fees. MS usually has some specials with them, make sure that you ask when booking. The Mauna Lani Experience oceanview room was less than posted and we got a free night also.
My DH and DS would love to stay there for a few nights and then at Volcano National Park for a night or 2, then back to ML for some more nights. It is a very long round trip to do Volcano Park from there--doable just long. And I would love to see the lava flow at night.
Check out their website www.maunalani.com it is a beautiful, magical place.

Hope this helps! Paula

 

[Dean]

We are toying with 10 days at Mauna Lani OR 7 days in Kauai through Interval Exchange and 4 days at the Mauna

Any advice?

Sounds like a wonderful vacation either way that you went. We are trying to do the exchange in Kauai through II also for a week before of after. But DVC has casued me to plan far in advance and if there is no match a year out, I will have to consider a rental on Kauai. We use frequent flyer miles and they are not the easiest to use to Hawaii.
The only downfall we had at the Mauna Lani was the price of food. On about our 5th night we did find some other places to eat that were more reasonably priced. Lunch on the beach for 3 with a drink was $80 inc. tip. But what the heck--some people claim that Disney is expensive.
The Mauna Lani will pamper you, they have the nice cabanas (free) on the beach with the best towels! They bring you frozen grapes and chilled towels to refresh you from the sun. Snorkel equipment is free every day and they keep you supplied in paperbacks. It is truly a relaxing visit in paradise.
I was looking on their website and they do have some villas for rent that are just a little more than their rooms are--I was considering renting out my points and paying cash. But it is just so easy to book through MS--that way you don't have the taxes and resort fees. MS usually has some specials with them, make sure that you ask when booking. The Mauna Lani Experience oceanview room was less than posted and we got a free night also.
My DH and DS would love to stay there for a few nights and then at Volcano National Park for a night or 2, then back to ML for some more nights. It is a very long round trip to do Volcano Park from there--doable just long. And I would love to see the lava flow at night.
Check out their website www.maunalani.com it is a beautiful, magical place.

Hope this helps! Paula

I'd go with 7 days on Maui or Kauai through II and 4-5 days on the Big Island. Put in a request through II at least a year out, preferably 2 for any places you would desire to stay. Personally I'd list only the Marriott's, Westin and Embassy's but that's just me. There are many others I'd consider staying at but not for the amount of DVC points it'd cost. And I would not accept a studio.

 

[PBader]

Thanks Dean!

Paula

 

[fluffykim]

Clearly Im a newbie here..but what is II?

Is it in my Vacation Planner?

 

[shellbelle1971]

fluffykim,
fellow newbie here, but II is Interval International, which is a timeshare exchange group. You can use your points to trade for a non-disney timeshare. Some other helpful member posted a link to available properties...it was http://disney.intervalworld.com/web/cs?a=5 The number of points you need to trade depends on where you want to go, what type of unit, and the time of year you're going, but ranges between 160 and 270 per week. You can only trade for a full seven nights. I think I got that mostly right; if not, I'm sure someone more experienced than I am can correct me!