Best HGVC in Hawaii for first timer?

[AgelessTravel]

I have never been to Hawaii and would like to plan a vacation in August/September 2015. I exchange in RCI and would like to stay at a Hilton resort. Which is the best Hilton property in Hawaii? Which island?

Right now there is availability at The Bay Club at Waikoloa Beach Resort . What are your thoughts on this resort and how does it compare to other Hilton properties in Hawaii?

 

[Blues]

First, you should know that although there are several HGVC's listed in Hawaii, they are all on two islands: Oahu or Big Island. In fact, they're primarily in just two locations -- at Hilton Hawaiian Village (HHV) on Oahu, and at Waikoloa on the Big Island.

HHV: Lagoon Tower, Kalia Suites, Grand Waikikian

Waikoloa: Bay Club, Kohala Suites, KingsLand

They've recently added another Oahu location, Hokulani in Waikiki, about a mile away from HHV.

So to answer your question, you need to decide if you'd rather go to Oahu or the Big Island. Oahu/Waikiki is an urban environment - think big city with a tropical beach. Many people love it for all the urban energy it brings, and all that's available. Personally, I don't particularly like it because it's too crowded.

Big Island is a more tropical island feel, albeit a volcanic island. That is, the volcanic rock can be rather stark; but huge resort areas have been carved out, with imported palm trees etc. I think that Big Island has better beaches; and you can go to the other side of the island to see rain forest and the volcano.

Once you decide on an island (no easy task!), then you can decide on which resort on that island. That's a bit easier task; it's mostly a matter of amenities versus number of points. I'm sure everyone here will be willing to throw in their opinions. Even me

-Bob

 

[AgelessTravel]

Thanks for your help. I guess I will have to research the islands first. I prefer good beaches with plenty of shopping and dining options available, however not crowded. If I wan't crowds, I'll go to Disney

 

[Luanne]

My opinion is go to the Big Island rather than Oahu. I prefer it for the same reasons as Bob.

That said, all of the Hilton resorts on the Big Island are in the same area, the Waikoloa resort area. We've only ever stayed at the Bay Club, and we really like those units. It's the oldest of the Hilton properties, and the only one that wasn't built by Hilton. I don't think you get access to the Hilton Waikoloa hotel resort pools and such, but I'm not 100% sure what all you do get access to.

The units at the Bay Club are larger than the other Hilton properties from what I understand. They are also closer to the shopping centers and beach. I think you can Google and find a map of the Waikoloa resort area to see where the different properties lie.

I just saw your last post. Be warned that since the Big Island is the newest it doesn't have as many of the nice beaches since much of the coastline is volcanic. There is an accessible beach in the Waikoloa Beach resort area called A Bay. There are also several very nice beaches further north, but require driving.

My Canadian friends who visit Hawaii semi-regularly love Maui. They rent when they go since they don't own timeshares.

 

[slum808]

RCI/HGVC may have made the decision for you. HGVC only deposits weeks into RCI once a year. This 2015 deposit happened already last month and was quickly gobbled up. The Bay club units you see are the only left overs. Anything else that pops up would be a cancelation from someone.

 

[bastroum]

Honolulu has big crowds. No way to get around them. They also have great dining and shopping options. They tend to go together. I'd try exchanging into Maui using RCI. You can get into Kaanapali Beach Club with Hilton points (3400 per week). September would probably be an easier trade.

 

[gnorth16]

We did both in April/May and enjoyed the Big Island more. We figured that we were travelling so far, we should spend some time in Honolulu before the Big Island, which makes sense. We are planning on returning to the Big Island in a few years along with a week in Maui, but have no desire to ever go back to Honolulu.

As for resorts, we stayed at Kings Land and Bay Club, both with their own advantages. We stayed in a 2BR Villa (the ones with their own driveway and carport) and the units were huge, completely renovated with BBQ's right next to our patio. Every morning we had breakfast on the patio watching the golfers (and cats!) typing away on Tug! The pools are not great (the main one wsa under renovations), but you can get passes for Kingsland for $15 per person per day. We also stayed at Kingsland where the units were nice and the super pool was amazing. Waterslides, waterfalls, adult pool, hot tubs, volleyball and basketball nets...The best resort pool we have ever stayed at!!!

If we were to do it again and both places were available, I would stay at the Bay Club (it would have to be a 2BR) and use the pool at Kingland twice, hit the beach twice and a couple days for tours. The unit at Bay Club was larger than my first apartment and my first house and we really loved the unit.

 

[presley]

The Big Island requires a lot of driving anytime you leave the resort area. The driving can be several hours per day depending on what it is you want to see.

The Oahu Hiltons are at the beach, but in the big city. You can get around without any driving.

You can't go wrong with any of them. I haven't stayed at BayClub, but have only read great things about it.

 

[1Kflyerguy]

We just went to the big Island last month and stayed at the HGVC Waikoloa Beach Resort, which is immediately adjacent to the Bay club. I really like our unit, and the Bay Club looked really nice as well, particularity the lanai's looked huge!

I have been the Oahu a few times, but never stayed at the HGVC there. I enjoy Oahu, but its not nearly as relaxing as the Big Island or Maui in my opinion.

Only downside to i can see to the big island is the limited number of places to eat near the resorts.

 

[Luanne]

Only downside to i can see to the big island is the limited number of places to eat near the resorts.

Totally agree. We like the restaurant selection in Kona much better.

Our favorites place to eat when we stay in the Waikoloa resort area are Merriman's Mediterranean Café in the Queen's Shops. We also like Merriman's in Waimea and Café Pesto in Kawaihae Harbor, both of which require a little driving to get to.

 

[letsgosteelers]

We just went to the big Island last month and stayed at the HGVC Waikoloa Beach Resort, which is immediately adjacent to the Bay club. I really like our unit, and the Bay Club looked really nice as well, particularity the lanai's looked huge!

I have been the Oahu a few times, but never stayed at the HGVC there. I enjoy Oahu, but its not nearly as relaxing as the Big Island or Maui in my opinion.

Only downside to i can see to the big island is the limited number of places to eat near the resorts.

Drive down the road to the Target shopping center and go to Ultimate Burger, OMG!!! They are the best!

 

[Luanne]

Drive down the road to the Target shopping center and go to Ultimate Burger, OMG!!! They are the best!

Yeah, that's only a little more than 20 miles and about 30 minutes.

If I were going to drive to Kona to eat there are a bunch of places I'd probably go instead.

 

[letsgosteelers]

Yeah, that's only a little more than 20 miles and about 30 minutes.

If I were going to drive to Kona to eat there are a bunch of places I'd probably go instead.

well, you can go by when on the costco/wal mart run.

or like we do, as soon as we get off the plane!!! It's the best burger on earth, really.

 

[Luanne]

well, you can go by when on the costco/wal mart run.

or like we do, as soon as we get off the plane!!! It's the best burger on earth, really.

I'll have to take your word for it and maybe try it the next time we're there....and staying in Kona.

 

[newportbeach]

I travel to Hilton as an owner and also through RCI. I would like all the Kona Waiokoloa and all the Wikikki locations and list broad travel periods and simply select the first confirmation you get. You will be happy at either location, and hopefully you will go to the other location on your next trip. Nice timeshare and great location, sounds like a great trip. I travel among all ts and using RCI there is a point charge that is different for each location. So a Hilton Kingsland has more bells and whistles than a Bay Club, but it also costs more points. I would take the first to come up, they are in that much demand, although Bay Club is an easier reservation to get.

 

[Tamaradarann]

Which Hawaiian Island?

I have never been to Hawaii and would like to plan a vacation in August/September 2015. I exchange in RCI and would like to stay at a Hilton resort. Which is the best Hilton property in Hawaii? Which island?

Right now there is availability at The Bay Club at Waikoloa Beach Resort . What are your thoughts on this resort and how does it compare to other Hilton properties in Hawaii?

We have been to all six islands that you can go to and they all are beautiful and we would recommend visiting them all. As others have said Hilton is only on Oahu and Big Island, although there are many nice RCI exchanges to Maui and Kauai. Maui is a tough trade, but Kauai has many opportunities to trade into.

The urban walkability of Waikiki on Oahu cannot be experienced on the other islands. Staying in Waikiki you can fully enjoy your vacation without a car except if you want to go out of the city to the North Shore for a day trip. We have spent over 500 nights in Waikiki without a car and have enjoyed every one of them. However, I always say that if you must have a car on vacation then DON'T go to Waikiki; go to another island. The cost of renting a car, the cost of parking over $30/night, the traffic jams, and search and paying for parking where you go is just not worth the hassle in Waikiki. Since we get a car on the other islands, we have never lacked for dining opportunities when we wanted to eat out. When we timeshare vacation we do take advantage of the kitchen and eat in most of the time with dining out several times a week.

 

[Dojan123]

Walmart /grocery / Costco / near Grand Waikikian?

Going to Grand Waikikian for the first time. I like to have breakfast / lunch in the suite. I will not have a car. I understand the village does not have the best grocery selections for a family of 5. Do I need to Cab it to a nearby grocery store?

I have a lot of time to plan (July 4th week 2015) but I am curious.

 

[linsj]

Going to Grand Waikikian for the first time. I like to have breakfast / lunch in the suite. I will not have a car. I understand the village does not have the best grocery selections for a family of 5. Do I need to Cab it to a nearby grocery store?

You can walk or take the $2 shopping shuttle to Ala Moana mall. There's Foodland grocery store in the back of the mall and Walmart a block behind the mall. I'd go to Walmart first, then take a cab from Foodland back to the Hilton. There are always waiting cabs by Foodland.

 

[Ron98GT]

You can walk or take the $2 shopping shuttle to Ala Moana mall. There's Foodland grocery store in the back of the mall and Walmart a block behind the mall. I'd go to Walmart first, then take a cab from Foodland back to the Hilton. There are always waiting cabs by Foodland.

Been to the Ala Moana Foodland: a royal PIA. The traffic is real bad, way too many people, and it's way to far to be walking to: IMOP. It is on the second floor in the back of the mall. Take a cab, shop, and take a cab back. When you get back to the Hilton, use the bell-boys to help you take your groceries to your room (we did this part).

Make sure you preregister with Foodland, if you haven't already, to get your discount. We just type in our home phone number. It's good on all of the Islands.

http://www.foodland.com/stores/foodland-ala-moana

https://www.foodland.com/user/register

We haven't been to the Honolulu/Waikiki Walmart, so can't say anything about it.

 

[Dojan123]

Thanks for the input. Somewhat on topic of the thread :

What is the best way to see Pearl Harbor? I do not just want to just show up. Any day tour companies you all recommend? Do I need to reserve in advance? It will be busy since it is the week of July 4th.

 

[Luanne]

Thanks for the input. Somewhat on topic of the thread :

What is the best way to see Pearl Harbor? I do not just want to just show up. Any day tour companies you all recommend? Do I need to reserve in advance? It will be busy since it is the week of July 4th.

We went to Pearl Harbor on July 4th some years back. No tour, no advance reservations, just went. We made sure to get there early, and basically waited in line with the other folks who got there early. While we were waiting in line we were serenaded by a youth choir group who was also visiting that day. We were among the first group to get it. It did get crowded as the day went on. Since it was 4th of July we were also treated to the city band (I think) playing out on one of the docks.

 

[1Kflyerguy]

We booked a tour through the concierge desk at our hotel last time we were on Oahu. Dont recall the tour company, but since we didn't have a rental car, the tour made it easy..

Not certain, but think it was a Roberts Hawaii tour.

 

[Ron98GT]

Besides the Arizona Memorial, don't forget the submarine and battleship tours. Cool!


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[linsj]

Been to the Ala Moana Foodland: a royal PIA. The traffic is real bad, way too many people, and it's way to far to be walking to: IMOP.

For reference: It's about a mile, which doesn't deter some of us.

 

[1Kflyerguy]

Besides the Arizona Memorial, don't forget the submarine and battleship tours. Cool!


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Second on the battleship recommendation! I really enjoyed that!