Hawaii Resorts Availability

[Vkothari916]

Hello I am a soon to be HGVC timeshare owner (in contract resale) and wanted to make a reservation for Hawaii for summer 2019. What is the general availability in Hawaii (resorts in both Oahu and Big Island) if I were to book at around the 9 month window? I am pretty flexible in what resort I stay at.

Also I wanted to make a 2 week back to back reservation. Would I be able to use 2018 points for summer 2019? Thanks!

 

[GT75]

First save your 2018 points to 2019, for a fee. Then, when you make club reservations in 2019, it will first pull from your saved points.

You shouldn’t have a problem if you start to book exactly when 276 day club season window opens. Book first 3 days(exactly at midnight est) and then add a day. (Walk the reservation). O’ahu will be harder than BI so I would get that settled first.

 

[alwysonvac]

Summer is peak season for families with kids so expect more competition.

During peak summer months (when the kids are out of school) there will be more competition for oceanfront properties compared to non-oceanfront properties. This applies to all timeshare locations (not just Hawaii and not just HGVC). So it’s best to be as flexible as possible with your travel dates. All unit types and sizes may not be available.

Some members will try to stretch their points. As a result, Hawaii rooms that cost the least amount of points will generally be reserved first. Most summer school breaks overlap between late June through late August so expect the most competition during this timeframe. And most families will want to book a two bedroom or larger.

​

If you’ve never been to Hawaii then you might like this thread regarding the two destinations.
Best HGVC in Hawaii for first timer? - https://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/best-hgvc-in-hawaii-for-first-timer.212842/

The TUG Sticky Thread at the top of the forum has lots of info on each of the HGVC resorts

​

OAHU
Hilton Hawaiian Village is a 22 acre oceanfront hotel property on a large stretch of beach in Waikiki. This resort contains a mixture of hotel rooms and timeshare rooms. 4 out of the 5 HGVC resorts (Lagoon Tower, Kalia Tower, Grand Waikikian Tower and Grand Islander Tower) are located within the Hilton Hawaiian Village (see map below). Many of the HGVC rooms on the hotel property offer great ocean views. HGVC guests have access to all of the hotel amenities (however at hotel prices).

HGVC’s Hokulani property is not integrated with the Hilton Hawaiian Village. It's a standalone boutique hotel building in the heart of busy Waikiki just off the main shopping strip.

Additional info on Oahu properties
https://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php...aikiki-for-february-2019.273218/#post-2135131
https://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/anniversary-trip-to-hawaii-which-resort-on-oahu.259637/


BIG ISLAND
3 out of the 4 HGVC Resorts (Bay Club, Kohala Suites & Kings’ Land) are inland near Hilton’s 62 acre oceanfront Hotel property (Hilton Waikoloa Village). The 4th HGVC resort property (Ocean Tower) is located within the Hilton Waikoloa Village resort and is currently under construction. All hotel rooms in the existing Ocean Tower (600) will be converted into timeshare units. 140 of hotel rooms will be converted in the 1st phase and the remains 460 hotel rooms will be converted in the 2nd phase. Timeshare units in the first phase will be available in 2019.

All HGVC guests have access to the hotel amenities at Hilton Waikoloa Village. Ocean Tower, Kohala Suites and Kings’ Land guests have free access to the larger pools at Hilton Waikoloa Village. Bay Club guests must pay for pool access Hilton Waikoloa Village. There is an internal HGVC resort shuttle that stops at the Hilton property and two local shopping malls.

NOTE: Hilton Waikoloa Village resort property does not have a swimmable beach (extremely rocky).

Additional info on Big Island properties
Interested in opinions on the 3 Big Island resorts - https://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php...-opinions-on-the-3-big-island-resorts.240857/
Photo album of The Bay Club - updated link to album & the thread https://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/photo-album-of-the-bay-club.252509/
Kohala Suites - https://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/questions-about-kohala-suites.237650/
Kings’ Land Phase 1 vs Phase 2 - http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=173030
Kings’ Land Phase 3 - http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=238439
Ocean Tower - https://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php...an-tower-is-in-the-reservation-system.270841/
Ocean Tower - https://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/new-timeshares-at-waikoloa.268391/
Why go to HGVC on the big island at all? - https://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/why-go-to-hgvc-on-the-big-island-at-all.236611/

 

[alwysonvac]

BIG ISLAND WAIKOLOA RESORT AREA

Platinum Season Point Chart
Weeks 1–18, 23–35, 42–52 (Daily and weekly points listed below)
Unit type / Monday thru Thursday per night / Friday thru Sunday per night / weekly rate

The Bay Club
1 Bedroom 480 960 4,800
1 Bedroom Plus 620 1,240 6,200
2 Bedroom Plus 840 1,680 8,400

Kohala Suites
2 Bedroom 700 1,400 7,000
2 Bedroom Plus 840 1,680 8,400
2 Bedroom Premier 960 1,920 9,600

Kings’ Land (3 phases; different point requirement depending on phase)
1 Bedroom 480 960 4,800
1 Bedroom 720 1,440 7,200
1 Bedroom Plus 620 1,240 6,200
1 Bedroom Plus 930 1,860 9,300
1 Bedroom Premier 1,260 2,520 12,600
2 Bedroom 700 1,400 7,000
2 Bedroom 1,050 2,100 10,500
2 Bedroom Plus 840 1,680 8,400
2 Bedroom Plus 1,260 2,520 12,600
2 Bedroom Premier 1,440 2,880 14,400
3 Bedroom Premier 1,725 3,450 17,250
3 Bedroom Premier 2,300 4,600 23,000

Ocean Tower (under construction - opening in 2019)
Studio 3,400
Studio Ocean View 9,300
1 Bedroom 4,800
1 Bedroom Partial Ocean View 7,200
1 Bedroom Ocean View 9,300
1 Bedroom Large 7,200
1 Bedroom Large Partial Ocean View 9,300
1 Bedroom Large Ocean View 16,800
2 Bedroom 10,500
2 Bedroom Ocean View 19,200
2 Bedroom Penthouse 17,500
2 Bedroom Penthouse Partial Ocean View 21,000
2 Bedroom Penthouse Ocean View 24,000
3 Bedroom Partial Ocean View 23,000
3 Bedroom Penthouse Ocean View 28,750
​

 

[alwysonvac]

HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE RESORT

Platinum Season Point Chart
Weeks 1–18, 23–35, 42–52 (Daily and weekly points listed below)
Unit type / Monday thru Thursday per night / Friday thru Sunday per night / weekly rate

Kalia Tower Tower
Studio 220 440 2,220
1 Bedroom 480 960 4,800
1 Bedroom Plus 620 1,240 6,200

Lagoon Tower Tower
Studio 220 440 2,200
1 Bedroom 480 960 4,800
1 Bedroom Plus 620 1,240 6,200
2 Bedroom 700 1,400 7,000
2 Bedroom Plus 840 1,680 8,400
2 Bedroom Premier 960 1,920 9,600
3 Bedroom Plus 960 1,920 9,600

Hokulani (not at HHV; off site property)
1 Bedroom 480 960 4,800
1 Bedroom Plus 620 1,240 6,200
Note: Club Reservation window starts at 6 months (instead of the normal 9 months)

Grand Waikikian Tower
1 Bedroom 720 1,440 7,200
1 Bedroom Plus 930 1,860 9,300
1 Bedroom Premier 1,260 2,520 12,600
2 Bedroom 1,050 2,100 10,500
2 Bedroom Plus 1,260 2,520 12,600
2 Bedroom Premier 1,440 2,880 14,400
2 Bedroom Penthouse 2,400 4,800 24,000
3 Bedroom Penthouse 2,875 5,750 28,750

Grand Islander Tower (newest tower opened in 2018)
1 Bedroom 720 1,440 7,200
1 Bedroom Plus 930 1,860 9,300
1 Bedroom Premier 1,260 2,520 12,600
1 Bedroom Premier Luxury 1,680 3,360 16,800
2 Bedroom 840 1,680 8,400
2 Bedroom Plus 1,260 2,520 12,600
2 Bedroom Premier 1,440 2,880 14,400
2 Bedroom Premier Luxury 1,920 3,840 19,200
2 Bedroom Penthouse 1,750 3,500 17,500
2 Bedroom Penthouse Plus 2,100 4,200 21,000
2 Bedroom Penthouse Premier 2,400 4,800 24,000
3 Bedroom Penthouse Premier 2,875 5,750 28,750
Note: Club Reservation window starts at 6 months (instead of the normal 9 months)​

 

[Vkothari916]

First save your 2018 points to 2019, for a fee. Then, when you make club reservations in 2019, it will first pull from your saved points.

You shouldn’t have a problem if you start to book exactly when 276 day club season window opens. Book first 3 days(exactly at midnight est) and then add a day. (Walk the reservation). O’ahu will be harder than BI so I would get that settled first.

If I keep adding 1 day at a time there are no additional fees involved?

 

[Talent312]

If I keep adding 1 day at a time there are no additional fees involved?

Correct.
.

 

[mapsd]

... Book first 3 days(exactly at midnight est) and then add a day. (Walk the reservation). ...

Why only book 3 days initially?
Does it register quicker?/unlikely to find 6-7 consecutive days?

 

[1Kflyerguy]

Because you can only book 9 months out from Check-out.. So by booking only three days, you can start getting your dates sooner. Otherwise someone, that is booking a shorter trip, or wants and earlier date can grab them.

 

[csodjd]

Hello I am a soon to be HGVC timeshare owner (in contract resale) and wanted to make a reservation for Hawaii for summer 2019. What is the general availability in Hawaii (resorts in both Oahu and Big Island) if I were to book at around the 9 month window? I am pretty flexible in what resort I stay at.

Also I wanted to make a 2 week back to back reservation. Would I be able to use 2018 points for summer 2019? Thanks!

My experience at Lagoon Tower in Oahu is that early August can be difficult. Home weeks fill up in that time period. My understanding is that this is the primary time for the owners from Japan with families to come over.

 

[Sandy VDH]

Big Island will have more availability than Oahu. Just the way demand falls. Better for me as I like BI better anyway.

 

[alwysonvac]

My experience at Lagoon Tower in Oahu is that early August can be difficult. Home weeks fill up in that time period. My understanding is that this is the primary time for the owners from Japan with families to come over.

Yes, it was reported that HGVC sold three week packages for the August timeframe (see old post below)

...When Lagoon Tower first opened they weren't aware of Obon in Japan and a lot of Japanese wanted to buy a fixed week that would allow them to vacation at HHV during Obon. But Obon is like Easter, the actual date varies each year. To make it so that Japanese members could be guaranteed a reservation during Obon they offered/sold them 3 week fixed packages....

 

[mapsd]

Because you can only book 9 months out from Check-out.. So by booking only three days, you can start getting your dates sooner. Otherwise someone, that is booking a shorter trip, or wants and earlier date can grab them.

Thanks.
Good strategy!

So can you book a max 3 nights at exactly 9 months? or do you wait til 9 m + 3 days?

 

[alwysonvac]

You’ll book 3 nights checking out exactly at 9 months

See this thread for further details

Can someone explain walking a reservation (March 2018) - https://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/can-someone-explain-walking-a-reservation.270772/​

 

[GT75]

Just to clarify, it is specifically 276 days (even though we say 9 months). This makes a difference especially in getting this booking. The day opens for booking at midnight EST, so you should be prepared to get your “foot in the door” in making that first 3-day booking then.

The other thing that I will add is that you can look to see if there is availability for the dates that you ultimately want to book in the reservation system.

I hope that is all clear.

 

[alwysonvac]

....The other thing that I will add is that you can look to see if there is availability for the dates that you ultimately want to book in the reservation system.

...So it’s best to be as flexible as possible with your travel dates. All unit types and sizes may not be available

Here’s what I saw in September 2017 while looking at 2018 summer availability 10+ months out.

In the online reservation system, availability beyond the 9 month club reservation window is grayed out. We can see that most of the two bedroom unit types between Saturday 7/28 through Saturday 9/01 were completely booked before the Club Reservation window opened. And there is no way to tell online how many two bedroom (2RL) units were actually left.

 

[Vkothari916]

Here’s what I saw in September 2017 while looking at 2018 summer availability 10+ months out.

In the online reservation system, availability beyond the 9 month club reservation window is grayed out. We can see that most of the two bedroom unit types between Saturday 7/28 through Saturday 9/01 were completely booked before the Club Reservation window opened. And there is no way to tell online how many two bedroom (2RL) units were actually left.

Wow! This is really discouraging to see as someone with kids in school who can only travel around vacation period. What’s the benefit of a timeshare point system if so many holidays dates are almost impossible to get or need to be “gamed” with strategies (i.e. walk a reservation). Overall do you feel a HGVC membership (even resale) is worth it both financially and accessibility wise?

 

[CalGalTraveler]

You should own at the property if you want priority during peak times.

There is availability for units with higher point values and on the Big Island that u can trade during club season more easily

 

[Cyberc]

Here’s what I saw in September 2017 while looking at 2018 summer availability 10+ months out.

In the online reservation system, availability beyond the 9 month club reservation window is grayed out. We can see that most of the two bedroom unit types between Saturday 7/28 through Saturday 9/01 were completely booked before the Club Reservation window opened. And there is no way to tell online how many two bedroom (2RL) units were actually left.

Looking at the availability for july and august 2018 and having in mind that those months are just around the corner, its not as bad as i would have thought. Agree there aren't much there but you could piece together a vacation. You could get 10-17 of aug in a 2br premier lux ocean view worth 19,200 points.

You should own at the property if you want priority during peak times.

There is availability for units with higher point values and on the Big Island that u can trade during club season more easily

Agree if you have a certain location you wish to go to during peak time you should own there. Thats why some buy Hawaii and others buy Vegas. Those that buy Vegas most likely do it for the low MF and use those points during the 276 day booking window. Most that buy Hawaii do it for the 12 months booking window.

 

[alwysonvac]

Wow! This is really discouraging to see as someone with kids in school who can only travel around vacation period. What’s the benefit of a timeshare point system if so many holidays dates are almost impossible to get or need to be “gamed” with strategies (i.e. walk a reservation). Overall do you feel a HGVC membership (even resale) is worth it both financially and accessibility wise?

That was availability at the Lagoon tower which is one of 4 towers at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (HHV). It doesn't mean the others had limited availability during this timeframe.

Don't be discouraged. You can reserve something in the summer at HHV as long as you book when the window opens and have some flexibility. Depending on what is available, you may need to book a different travel date, different room types and/or split your stay across multiple towers at HHV.

Here's another screen capture in September 2017 while looking at 2018 summer availability at the Lagoon Tower. This was actually at the 9 month mark. The Club Reservation window was available through June 11 checkout. A three night minimum would be a 6/8 checkin with a 6/11 checkout.

The key with traveling during high demand times is to have some flexibility. August was bad for two bedrooms but June was much better.

 

[Cyberc]

Which of the Oahu resorts and room types are most popular and why ?

 

[hurnik]

Isn't august that big Japanese holiday or something and that's why Oahu is very difficult to get (even for owners) at that time?

 

[alwysonvac]

Isn't august that big Japanese holiday or something and that's why Oahu is very difficult to get (even for owners) at that time?

Yes the Japanese holiday was covered in an early post in this thread (see quote in post #12). HGVC sold some fixed weeks.

 

[alwysonvac]

Which of the Oahu resorts and room types are most popular and why ?

There are lots of threads regarding the Oahu resorts and room types. I provided some links in post #3.

Here’s a high level summary.

For some folks, it’s all about the number of points required
- Lagoon and Kalia Towers are popular due to the lower point requirement
- Lagoon and Kalia Towers are the only towers that offer studio units (2200 Points for the week)

For some folks, it’s all about the view and the balcony
- no ocean view (aka standard view, Mountain View, resort view)
- partial ocean view
- ocean-view (some are better than others)
- oceanfront (only available in the Lagoon Tower - two bedroom premier)
- penthouse (two and three bedroom penthouse units in Lagoon, Waikikian and Islander)

For some folks, it’s all about the amenities in room washer/dryer, separate tub and shower, etc
- Grand Islander is the newest (opened in 2017) and will offer the latest and greatest
- Grand Waikikian (open ten years ago in 2008) offers more than the older two towers
- Kalia Tower is a hotel room conversion
- Lagoon Tower is an older apartment building conversion

 

[Ralph Sir Edward]

Wow! This is really discouraging to see as someone with kids in school who can only travel around vacation period. What’s the benefit of a timeshare point system if so many holidays dates are almost impossible to get or need to be “gamed” with strategies (i.e. walk a reservation). Overall do you feel a HGVC membership (even resale) is worth it both financially and accessibility wise?

Vay, all timesharing is a balancing act between flexibility and availability. At one end of the spectrum you have fixed time and fixed unit timeshares. They have zero flexibility but 100% availability. On the other end of the spectrum, you would have a points system tied to no particular timeshare and everybody grabs at the same time. Maximum flexibility and minimum availability. (Note: I am talking about timeshares in general, not any particular place/system.)

There is no "free lunch". One has to determine where on the spectrum you need to be, and buy accordingly. Also note that many big timeshare system deal with this partially by "rationing by price" or by "rationing by location". HGVC does "rationing by location" by having an owner's only window for booking in advance of points booking. Marriott tends to "ration by price", but that is too complex to discuss here.

Hope this helps.