At Ko Olina

[GregT]

All,

Arrived Wednesday at Ko Olina, and the property looks terrific. We are in Hale Kona on the 10th floor. This is a penthouse unit we reserved with points last year and we are really enjoying the property and room. Last night, we sat on the balcony and listened to the music coming up from Longboard's, it was terrific.

If there are any TUGgers here, I'd love to meet for a cocktail! We are here until April 2nd. Aloha!

Best,

Greg

 

[frank808]

Hey greg give me a call. I am here and would love to meet up. At the hot tub now and will be back tonight as we are leaving in a bit.

 

[taterhed]

You guys are killing me!

Clearly my job is getting in the way of my vacations!

Have fun.

 

[mjm1]

Greg, wish we could join you. We won't be there until early June, but can visualize it. Have a great time.

Cheers!

Mike

 

[frank808]

When i june are you coming mjm? Will be here till we fly to orlando mid june. Hopefully we can meet up. Would love to meet another tugger for a chat.

 

[mjm1]

When i june are you coming mjm? Will be here till we fly to orlando mid june. Hopefully we can meet up. Would love to meet another tugger for a chat.

We will be at Ko Olina from June 3-11. Flying in from Kauai and out to Maui. Marriott the entire time. I would enjoy connecting with you if our times overlap.

Mike

 

[frank808]

Great will be at Ko Olina till june 12. Will pm me you my number so that we can get together. See you then.

 

[dualrated2]

All,

Arrived Wednesday at Ko Olina, and the property looks terrific. We are in Hale Kona on the 10th floor. This is a penthouse unit we reserved with points last year and we are really enjoying the property and room. Last night, we sat on the balcony and listened to the music coming up from Longboard's, it was terrific.

If there are any TUGgers here, I'd love to meet for a cocktail! We are here until April 2nd. Aloha!

Best,

Greg

11017? If so, stayed there last October. Great views.

 

[taffy19]

Hi Greg,

How is your weather today? I believe that it is raining and thundering in Oahu.

We have had VOG almost every day so very dreary. There was a lot of wind the first day so it was sunny and clear but the waves were so big that the Catamarans were stopped and our waiter, upstairs at Leilani's" told us that the building was shaking. The waves went half way up to the top at Black Rock and more so the two days before according to him.

Have fun at Ko'olina!

 

[slum808]

Greg we just missed you. We were at mko last weekend. Please say hi to Jonnel for me.

 

[GregT]

11017? If so, stayed there last October. Great views.

Just down the hall from that unit -- that's the fantastic unit on the end, correct?

Hi Greg,

How is your weather today? I believe that it is raining and thundering in Oahu.

We have had VOG almost every day so very dreary. There was a lot of wind the first day so it was sunny and clear but the waves were so big that the Catamarans were stopped and our waiter, upstairs at Leilani's" told us that the building was shaking. The waves went half way up to the top at Black Rock and more so the two days before according to him.

Have fun at Ko'olina!

Hi Emmy, we had some rain yesterday morning but it cleared by mid-afternoon. We went for a hike and it was spectacular going through the rain forest to the waterfall. Beautiful hike. I hope you are well and enjoy Maui!

Greg we just missed you. We were at mko last weekend. Please say hi to Jonnel for me.

Steve, very sorry to miss you, if you find yourself out west again, please let me know, would be great to see you and Carly again and have you meet the kids. Please tell her I said hello.


Ko Olina is a beautiful property, everytime I am here, I wonder why I don't come more. I hope it maintains its tranquil charm when the new development comes up next door. I met up with Frank808 yesterday and have a new appreciation for his many timeshare travels -- he practically lives at this place, and I can see why!

We are here with a group of three other families -- two arrived yesterday and the third arrives today. All are in 1BR units, booked with points. One family has a 1BR OV that is on 14th floor of Moana, the view is spectacular. Second family has a 1BR MV that is on 9th floor of Kona, the view is very good, but not the superior pool side. I know third couple is in Moana, just don't know where.

I'm impressed with the location for these two reservations, all made with points. This is a prime week, with Spring Break, and I was concerned that point reservations would be given little respect, but these are great rooms. Will see if we go 3 for 3.

David Wong has now settled in here as GM and I will see if I can cross paths with him. He was our GM at MOC and did a great job there and has now moved over.

Best,

Greg

 

[dualrated2]

Just down the hall from that unit -- that's the fantastic unit on the end, correct?

Yes. It is my all time favorite.

 

[mjm1]

Greg, I'm glad to hear the room assignments worked out well. The last time we were there we had an OV room on the 15th floor of Moana and really enjoyed it.

I'm curious, where did you hike through a rain forest up to a waterfall? We've never done that, but will be there in June, so may try it.

Enjoy your time there.

Best regards.

Mike

 

[beaches]

Ko Olina

All,

Arrived Wednesday at Ko Olina, and the property looks terrific. We are in Hale Kona on the 10th floor. This is a penthouse unit we reserved with points last year and we are really enjoying the property and room. Last night, we sat on the balcony and listened to the music coming up from Longboard's, it was terrific.

If there are any TUGgers here, I'd love to meet for a cocktail! We are here until April 2nd. Aloha!

Best,

Greg

Arrived Sunday for a week Would love to meet others too! In Kona building..sue

 

[cp73]

I'm curious, where did you hike through a rain forest up to a waterfall? We've never done that, but will be there in June, so may try it.

I don't know if its the one Greg went to but we were there in February and did a similar hike. It was at Waimea Falls Park. It is located right across the street from Waimea Bay entrance. There is a 20-30 minute easy hike (stroll) up a paved road through a forest to the falls. Many movies have been filmed at this location, including the show Lost. They do charge an admission charge and its popular with tourist. You can also swim in the lake with the falls although I questioned how healthy it is. Although this place is set up for tourist it was enjoyable. It was an easy hike and if you have young kids they could make it. They also have a tram you could ride on for a few extra dollars. Google it and you can get more details.

Greg, glad your enjoying Ko Olina. My wife and I also love it and decided we need to get there once every year. If you haven't already walk down past the old Marriott hotel and enter the beach past the hotel from the road side. You will find a small beach with lots of turtles. The entrance is in the parking lot where the Luaua takes place. Its an easy walk from the resort.

 

[Sheesh]

Greg,

Have a great time at Ko Olina. You aren't by chance going to go to Maui next week are you?

We arrive April 3 for 12 days so would like to meet up if you are, but I'm guessing spring break will be over.

Of course you are only down the road so maybe in Cali. Do enjoy your time on Oahu!

Sheila

 

[mjm1]

I don't know if its the one Greg went to but we were there in February and did a similar hike. It was at Waimea Falls Park. It is located right across the street from Waimea Bay entrance. There is a 20-30 minute easy hike (stroll) up a paved road through a forest to the falls. Many movies have been filmed at this location, including the show Lost. They do charge an admission charge and its popular with tourist. You can also swim in the lake with the falls although I questioned how healthy it is. Although this place is set up for tourist it was enjoyable. It was an easy hike and if you have young kids they could make it. They also have a tram you could ride on for a few extra dollars. Google it and you can get more details.

Thanks for the information. I will check it out. This would be another new activity for us.

Mike

 

[silentg]

We will be at Ko Olina from June 3-11. Flying in from Kauai and out to Maui. Marriott the entire time. I would enjoy connecting with you if our times overlap.

Mike

We will be at Ko Olina June 8-11 we could meet up for a Mini Tug get together?
Are either of you bringing the banner?
Silentg

 

[GregT]

Greg, I'm glad to hear the room assignments worked out well. The last time we were there we had an OV room on the 15th floor of Moana and really enjoyed it.

I'm curious, where did you hike through a rain forest up to a waterfall? We've never done that, but will be there in June, so may try it.

Enjoy your time there.

Best regards.

Mike

Mike, it was at Manoa Falls, near punch bowl. It was beautiful and an easy hike, I hope you do it!

We are really enjoying our time here at Ko Olina. I was curious what MKO veterans think of the different towers?

More specifically, between Hale Kona and Hale Moana? I expect next time we come, we will get a 2Br LO because we like the contained sun room for Jack - he loves it in there.

I'm weighing the superior view of Hale Moana versus the easier access to amenities/pools that is Hale Kona.

Any comments from our MKO veterans?

Best,

Greg

 

[StevenTing]

My preference has always been Kona or Naia be of parking. I think the one time we were in Moana, we could never find parking and had to valet it. Even though there was no charge, there was always the time waiting to get your car.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[mjm1]

Mike, it was at Manoa Falls, near punch bowl. It was beautiful and an easy hike, I hope you do it!

We are really enjoying our time here at Ko Olina. I was curious what MKO veterans think of the different towers?

More specifically, between Hale Kona and Hale Moana? I expect next time we come, we will get a 2Br LO because we like the contained sun room for Jack - he loves it in there.

I'm weighing the superior view of Hale Moana versus the easier access to amenities/pools that is Hale Kona.

Any comments from our MKO veterans?

Best,

Greg

Thanks Greg. We will check out that hike.

We have only stayed in Hale Moana and have really enjoyed the OV view. We haven't had a problem with parking as Steven mentioned, but that it most likely a timing issue. The barbecue area is conveniently located and I have used it each visit. We don't mind the walk to the pool, even those closer to the cove. For us the view is most important.

Like you, I am interested in the views of more experienced Ko Olina TUG members.

Cheers.

Mike

 

[frank808]

We will be at Ko Olina June 8-11 we could meet up for a Mini Tug get together?
Are either of you bringing the banner?
Silentg

Lets set up at mIni tug meeting. I will be there and mjm so at least 3 of use. Anyone else going to be here?

 

[frank808]

My favorite tower is kona. We like being central to everything. Also easy to get to the marketplace for drinks. Naia would be the next tower we ask for.

 

[hangloose]

Ko Olina is a beautiful property, everytime I am here, I wonder why I don't come more. I hope it maintains its tranquil charm when the new development comes up next door.
Best,

Greg

Greg - As a Maui Ocean Club expert, I'm curious on your opinions on Ko Olina Beach Club? We've been to both, but only once to MKO years ago. Maui is by far our favorite island, and the MOC resort is fantastic. While Oahu is our third favorite island (also behind Kauai), the appeal of Ko Olina as it was built from the ground up for timeshare is intriguing. The MKO 3-bedrooms appear to be of good value for the size and re-sale price, at a very nice resort. OV at MKO is not OF at MOC, but still great. I'm also surprised at the high price MVC uses for MKO re-sale weeks...as they are really high.

Biggest question will be how this Ko Olina area changes as new resorts fill the open spaces in the lagoons.

 

[GregT]

Greg - As a Maui Ocean Club expert, I'm curious on your opinions on Ko Olina Beach Club? We've been to both, but only once to MKO years ago. Maui is by far our favorite island, and the MOC resort is fantastic. While Oahu is our third favorite island (also behind Kauai), the appeal of Ko Olina as it was built from the ground up for timeshare is intriguing. The MKO 3-bedrooms appear to be of good value for the size and re-sale price, at a very nice resort. OV at MKO is not OF at MOC, but still great. I'm also surprised at the high price MVC uses for MKO re-sale weeks...as they are really high.

Biggest question will be how this Ko Olina area changes as new resorts fill the open spaces in the lagoons.

I think Ko Olina is a terrific property, and each time I've been, I've loved it and wondered why I don't visit more often. I believe the addition of new adjacent luxury properties will impact some of the tranquility that is wonderful for MKO, but will also provide new destinations and continue to spur development. I do not think Ko Olina will be crowded by any stretch.

All this being said, I still prefer Maui Ocean Club. I think the location on Kaanapali Beach is fantastic and that the units themselves (new tower) and the grounds/amenities are superior to MKO. The expansive, ocean-front lawn and pool are tremendous. The walking proximity to good shopping and restaurants is desirable, and an attractive mix of high end hotels adjacent provide additional features. MOC is my favorite of any timeshare property, and only the attractive features of Ritz Carlton STT gives me any hesitation -- but I still prefer MOC to RC-STT.

The only thing that I consider superior at MKO is the lagoon. The beach/coral/waves at Kaanapali can be dangerous and the rocks can be painful -- we do enjoy wave riding out from the Napili Tower/Kaanapali Alii, but net net, there isn't much time spent on beach in front of MOC. We will walk to where the waves/entry/sand are better.

And the points chart reflects these realities -- would I choose to go for 11 days in a 2BR OV at MKO or 7 days at a 2BR OF at MOC-L/N? I would probably take the extended trip at MKO, because time is precious in Hawaii.

Marriott was very smart when they developed their points chart, and forecasted demand.

It is a nice problem to have -- being able to critique the difference features of two exceptional Hawaiian properties.

Kauai Lagoons is another worthy competitor (as is Waiohai), but KL struggles with a substandard pool infrastructure and no beach -- living on the desirability of its room layout and stunning lanai. Others should chime in on Waiohai, as I've not stayed, but it looks like a beautiful property with great proximity to a desirable beach. Great options for us to choose from.

Best,

Greg