Hawaii Recommendations

[JohnPaul]

I'm sure that there is a ton of info out there but am hoping that by explaining what we are looking for people can point us in the right direction.

We have 88,000 EOY Staroptions with 90,400 available in 2021.

We bought with Vistana for the ski resorts in Colorado and never paid much attention to any other options. However, age and injury have us giving up skiing. So, we are considering Hawaii.

We spend a lot of time in the unit and a limited amount of time sightseeing/activities. There are two of us and here is what is important to us.

A nice view. Oceanfront is nice but nice Hawaii landscaping is fine.
A full kitchen.
A king size bed.
W/D in unit.
Elevator if multiple story.
More space vs less when possible.
Lanai/balcony.
Air conditioning.
Beach access is nice but not crucial.
Reasonable access to a grocery store (driving is fine).

It looks like we could get a one bedroom for a week in most all the Hawaii locations. (They seem to run 81,000 staroptions.) Dropping a day could even get us ocean front.

We aren't really particular about which island.

TIA for your informed suggestions. It is much appreciated.

 

[jabberwocky]

WKORVN would be a good option for a 1BR. It has pretty much everything you are asking for. Island views are interior with some having a sneak peek of the ocean. South phase you will be possibly overlooking a parking lot.

 

[Bill4728]

All the Westin resorts in Hawaii will have everything on your list. Some rooms have really good views and some not so great views but if you make a reservation as early as possible you should get a good (but not great) view.

All three of the Westin in Maui are great. But we like the Princeville resort on Kauai best.

 

[vacationtime1]

WKORVN would be a good option for a 1BR. It has pretty much everything you are asking for. Island views are interior with some having a sneak peek of the ocean. South phase you will be possibly overlooking a parking lot.

+1

North has very few unit with objectively bad views. If OP is satisfied with a "Hawaii landscaping" view, North will definitely satisfy (or better).

South has the best OF units -- but also the worst IV units. As a StarOption exchanger, you would be taking on a substantial risk of a parking lot view.

Nanea's one bedroom units are scarce and generally have mediocre views.

Princeville also meets all of OP's specifications except direct beach access.

Per other reviews on TUG, avoid Sheraton Kauai (rooms are apparently very small).

We have stayed at each of these properties multiple times (except Sheraton Kauai, which we have walked past dozens of times).

 

[davidvel]

Even from the West coast, I would not go to Hawaii for less than a week, with 8-10 nights generally being ideal for us.

 

[geist1223]

Go to Club Regina/RVC in Cabo durimg January. There is an option for all meals. You can sit on your Patio all day and watch the Whales play just off the resort.

Or Worldmark Coral Baja. Or go to Costco Travel and Book a 1 week stay at Solaris in Cabo. We have seen 1 week deals that included Airfare, Room, AI Fees, Round Trip pick up and drop off at Airport for $1800 - $2000 for 2 people.

 

[CPNY]

Go to Club Regina/RVC in Cabo durimg January. There is an option for all meals. You can sit on your Patio all day and watch the Whales play just off the resort.

Or Worldmark Coral Baja. Or go to Costco Travel and Book a 1 week stay at Solaris in Cabo. We have seen 1 week deals that included Airfare, Room, AI Fees, Round Trip pick up and drop off at Airport for $1800 - $2000 for 2 people.

I think the OP was looking to use staroptions... also there is a westin in Cabo they can use their options in

 

[CPNY]

I'm sure that there is a ton of info out there but am hoping that by explaining what we are looking for people can point us in the right direction.

We have 88,000 EOY Staroptions with 90,400 available in 2021.

We bought with Vistana for the ski resorts in Colorado and never paid much attention to any other options. However, age and injury have us giving up skiing. So, we are considering Hawaii.

We spend a lot of time in the unit and a limited amount of time sightseeing/activities. There are two of us and here is what is important to us.

A nice view. Oceanfront is nice but nice Hawaii landscaping is fine.
A full kitchen.
A king size bed.
W/D in unit.
Elevator if multiple story.
More space vs less when possible.
Lanai/balcony.
Air conditioning.
Beach access is nice but not crucial.
Reasonable access to a grocery store (driving is fine).

It looks like we could get a one bedroom for a week in most all the Hawaii locations. (They seem to run 81,000 staroptions.) Dropping a day could even get us ocean front.

We aren't really particular about which island.

TIA for your informed suggestions. It is much appreciated.

WKORVN is your answer it seems. You’ll have enough options for a one bedroom but not ocean front one bedroom.

 

[BK2019]

Even from the West coast, I would not go to Hawaii for less than a week, with 8-10 nights generally being ideal for us.

I told my wife 14 days is the max in Hawaii . If I hit days 15 I’m not coming back home.

 

[JohnPaul]

Thank you all for your ideas. Looks like WKORVN and Princeville lead the pack. Geist1223 had some great suggestions but many didn't help in using up our Staroptions.

Probably looking at the fall of 2021 so I've got awhile to work things out. We own in other systems so might be able to extend onto our Vistana week.

 

[CPNY]

Thank you all for your ideas. Looks like WKORVN and Princeville lead the pack. Geist1223 had some great suggestions but many didn't help in using up our Staroptions.

Probably looking at the fall of 2021 so I've got awhile to work things out. We own in other systems so might be able to extend onto our Vistana week.

If you don’t mind me asking. How many star options do you own? IMO if you don’t have enough or don’t want to use enough star options for oceanfront units at 8 months in advance (they are possible to get at 8 months depending on the season), then I’d try to do an exchange in interval at WKORVN as the view won’t be that bad according to some who post here. I would make the reservation at 8 months with star options just to secure the unit, but if you see it pop up in exchange I’d book that. I’ve seen units with my one bedroom vistana villages unit before. I’d never get a week in Maui at the Westin for 44K star options

 

[capjak]

Also the Westin KORV and North as well as Princeville studios have a full refrigerator with a 2 burner stovetop, microwave and washer and dryer. WKORV North studios (67K staroptions) have a balcony with small table and two chairs so that may be an option to get more nights using a studio if that is acceptable. Look at layouts on the website.

 

[JohnPaul]

If you don’t mind me asking. How many star options do you own? IMO if you don’t have enough or don’t want to use enough star options for oceanfront units at 8 months in advance (they are possible to get at 8 months depending on the season), then I’d try to do an exchange in interval at WKORVN as the view won’t be that bad according to some who post here. I would make the reservation at 8 months with star options just to secure the unit, but if you see it pop up in exchange I’d book that. I’ve seen units with my one bedroom vistana villages unit before. I’d never get a week in Maui at the Westin for 44K star options

We have 88,000 EOY Staroptions with 90,400 available in 2021.

 

[CPNY]

Either way you’re not getting oceanfront unless it’s a studio. Book with options. I’d forego the oceanfront for a premium 1 bedroom

 

[alwysonvac]

Either way you’re not getting oceanfront unless it’s a studio. Book with options. I’d forego the oceanfront for a premium 1 bedroom

Huh? The OP is looking to visit in the Fall (less demand).

@JohnPaul As long as you have date flexibility and book exactly at 8 months, you have a chance at getting oceanfront using staroptions. Just take a look right now at availability this Fall past the 8 month mark to get a general idea

 

[geist1223]

The Westin in Cabo is right next door to the RVC/Club Regina. They share a road from the Highway. The only problem with this location is that you almost need a car. It is located on the Corridor between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.

 

[CPNY]

Huh? The OP is looking to visit in the Fall (less demand).

@JohnPaul As long as you have date flexibility and book exactly at 8 months, you have a chance at getting oceanfront using staroptions. Just take a look right now at availability this Fall past the 8 month mark to get a general idea

Correct. If you re read what I wrote, they aren’t getting an oceanfront unless it’s a studio. If they don’t want a studio then it doesn’t matter. Not enough SO for a one bedroom oceanfront.

 

[alwysonvac]

Correct. If you re read what I wrote, they aren’t getting an oceanfront unless it’s a studio. If they don’t want a studio then it doesn’t matter. Not enough SO for a one bedroom oceanfront.

It looks like we could get a one bedroom for a week in most all the Hawaii locations. (They seem to run 81,000 staroptions.) Dropping a day could even get us ocean front.