[ 2018 ] First II exchange into Kona Coast Resort - what did I get?

[HudsHut]

e-plus allows you to make up to three retrades. You can change resort, unit size and / or date. The basic uses are to keep the same dates and get a better resort or larger unit, OR as a sort of insurance in case you have a complete change of plans.

The important date is: 59 days before your check-in date. Make it 60 to be safe. Memorize that date. If you e-plus 60 days or more before your check-in date, you may trade out as far as the end of your deposit's life. Once you are within 59 days, you are limited to a trade no more than 59 days into the future.

 

[BJRSanDiego]

I've stayed at the Kona Coast II twice. Both times I enjoyed it.

Yes, the KC 2 units are closer to the water. But there is a golf course between those units and the water. So, at best (depending on your unit), you might have a partial horizon-ocean view. If you got a second floor you might get a better view.

The first time we had a nice view of the golf course and in the distance, the ocean. The second time we had a garden view. But, it didn't really cause us any dissatisfaction.

I've toured KC 1 and it is nice but so is KC2. I think that you will enjoy either.

When we had a 2 BR unit, IIRC, the daily AC charge was around $10. Money well spent if it makes your spouse more comfortable.

They have an on-site restaurant and bar. Decent food and acceptable prices.

I liked it enough that we would gladly go back again.

 

[amycurl]

Phase one is older, phase two is newer. The units in Phase II are HUGE. I was told by TUG that this was a good trade (esp. since it was over the holidays.) The A/C fee was reasonable. Nice pool and nice area to walk around. Great farmer's market in the parking lot of the shopping center at the top of the hill. I think I did a review for TUG at the time.

 

[iftravel]

One "trick" with worldmark exchanges and e-plus is that worldmark treats it as a new exchange.

That has pros and cons.

If you do an e-plus, II will take new credits from your account, and refund the old ones.

That can be bad if the original credits are close to expiry and the new ones are longer life, as you end up getting older credits back.

But it can work in your favor if you make a last minute change. Maybe you see great last minute availability for the Marriott on the big Island and grab that. If you are within 59 days if checkin, II will only take the flex change credits from you (4000) while refunding your original credits, for a material savings.

If there are multiple codes for what is effectively the same resort, that offers the possibility of switching to save credits with no change in your plans.

Does this trick still work or no longer? Heard WorldMark has problem with e-Plus nowadays.

 

[lockewong]

We have stayed twice in the older Kona Coast units. They were fine. Back then, 2017, the check-in desk was mellow and they did not press you into a timeshare presentation but they did offer it. Because you are further South, it was easy to get to the organic farmer's market and to go to Two-Step to snorkel. We did purchase the daily air-conditioning because after a long day out and about, the room was very stuffy and it quickly got the unit to a comfortable coolness. We liked its size which everyone has mentioned as being generous. We had a golf course view which was fine because we do not hang out except to have breakfast on the lanai. Have fun!

 

[DeniseM]

Please note - this is a 2018 thread.

 

[bizaro86]

Does this trick still work or no longer? Heard WorldMark has problem with e-Plus nowadays.

I'm not sure - I've been using other units for II for many years so haven't tried since the pandemic.