Best HGVC in Hawaii for first timer?

[HatTrick]

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.

Get advance tickets here: http://www.recreation.gov/tourParkDetail.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=72369

 

[trackside]

What's the best way to get into HGVC through RCI

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.

Does this mean I did something wrong?

I'm hoping for a October 2015 vacation in Hawaii for our wedding anniversary. We bought a one bedroom at Bay Club earlier this year and have 4800 points for 2014 we won't use this year. That gets us a two bedroom for a week through the RCI exchange. My thought has been to try to book through RCI. Some weeks I spend every night checking availability, but find little there. Other weeks I simply don't have time for that.

I haven't figured out how to set up an ongoing search on RCI. (I click on ongoing search, give them my dates, my room selection, click continue, then I don't see an option to set up the ongoing search, but rather just to see results, which leads to a page for a single resort that doesn't appeal to me.)

At this point, I'm thinking I have to check at midnight Eastern exactly 10 months out to get the RCI Points (vs. Weeks) and hoping there is something good available.

Is that the best strategy at this point?

And, looking to the future, how do you know when there's a "deposit" about to happen? How do you get to be one of those who can quickly gobble up one of the units?

 

[SmithOp]

I'm afraid it doesn't work like that using HGVC points for RCI bookings, you are restricted by the 9 month club season booking rules for HGVC units.

Steve was telling you that all the 2015 bulk deposit weeks were taken months ago, HGVC deposited 2015 back in April 2014. The only ones you may get are cancelations inside 9 months with an OGS. Even when you are searching the 9 month filter will remove HGVC units.

Knowing you have 4800 HGVC points, you can book a one bedroom at 9 months in HGVC or trade in RCI for a 2br at a resort like Paniolo or Kona Coast.

 

[Ron98GT]

I haven't figured out how to set up an ongoing search on RCI. (I click on ongoing search, give them my dates, my room selection, click continue, then I don't see an option to set up the ongoing search, but rather just to see results, which leads to a page for a single resort that doesn't appeal to me.)

I have the same problem, using either my RCI Points account or using the HGVC RCI Portal. I usually have to try it 2, 3, or even 4 times before it works, other wise, like you, it just shows search results. You'll have to be persistent, although it is irritating, but it does eventually work.

 

[Ron98GT]

Steve was telling you that all the 2015 bulk deposit weeks were taken months ago, HGVC deposited 2015 back in April 2014. The only ones you may get are cancelations inside 9 months with an OGS.

Not all resorts automatically deposit your TS RCI, you have to tell them. With an OGS, you could catch one of these units/TS's, when the owner finally decides to make their vacation plans and then deposit their week into RCI.

There is also the slim last minute case of someone either getting a upgrade making the other (smaller?) unit available and when someone cancel all together.

Either way it's a crap shoot, but I have gotten HGVC TS's this way, that were not part of the May bulk deposit.

 

[SmithOp]

Not all resorts automatically deposit your TS RCI, you have to tell them. With an OGS, you could catch one of these units/TS's, when the owner finally decides to make their vacation plans and then deposit their week into RCI.

There is also the slim last minute case of someone either getting a upgrade making the other (smaller?) unit available and when someone cancel all together.

Either way it's a crap shoot, but I have gotten HGVC TS's this way, that were not part of the May bulk deposit.

HGVC decides what to deposit into RCI to offset the points that owners exchange through HGVC-RCI portal. I'm not aware of another way for HGVC owners to deposit their week in RCI. There are some affiliates that may have weeks that aren't enrolled in HGVC like Bay Club, those may be direct deposits by owners.

 

[Ron98GT]

HGVC decides what to deposit into RCI to offset the points that owners exchange through HGVC-RCI portal. I'm not aware of another way for HGVC owners to deposit their week in RCI. There are some affiliates that may have weeks that aren't enrolled in HGVC like Bay Club, those may be direct deposits by owners.

Ooops, I should have mentioned/stated affiliates, like the Bay Club.

 

[Dojan123]

Well after reading this thread and comments I just extended my time in Hawaii. First 6 days at the Grand W. then 4 days at Kings Land next July.

Is flying the only way to get to the big island? Wondering if a boat/ferry is an option for the experience. I can get a flight for $200 round trip a person.

 

[Luanne]

Is flying the only way to get to the big island? .

At the current time, yes.

 

[SmithOp]

I book a multi leg trip home-maui-BI-home. There are one or two non-stops from Maui to BI, otherwise you connect thru Honolulu.

 

[trackside]

Not sure that's booking within HGVC is the only way. I see HGVC resorts pop up in RCI in the 10 month RCI Points window, at times when you can't book them through HGVC directly because they're still in home season. For instance, you can book some places for Aug. 15, 10 months from today. And even though it's an HGVC, you get the RCI pricing structure, so a two-bedroom is 4800 points. (I must admit I haven't actually gone through with the booking, but I've gone all the way to the credit-card screen to see if it would allow me to make the reservation.)

 

[trackside]

I have the same problem, using either my RCI Points account or using the HGVC RCI Portal. I usually have to try it 2, 3, or even 4 times before it works, other wise, like you, it just shows search results. You'll have to be persistent, although it is irritating, but it does eventually work.

That doesn't seem like a very professional way to run a booking website.

 

[alwysonvac]

Does this mean I did something wrong?

I'm hoping for a October 2015 vacation in Hawaii for our wedding anniversary. We bought a one bedroom at Bay Club earlier this year and have 4800 points for 2014 we won't use this year. That gets us a two bedroom for a week through the RCI exchange. My thought has been to try to book through RCI. Some weeks I spend every night checking availability, but find little there. Other weeks I simply don't have time for that.

Since you're trying to go to Hawaii in October, I would try to book a week directly through HGVC during Gold Season (which is 5000 points for a standard two bedroom). Rescue your 2014 into 2015 and use your combined 2014 & 2015 points to make your 2015 reservation. Keep in mind, the Big Island will be easier to book than Oahu. So, if you're trying to book on Oahu, book exactly at the 9 month mark at midnight Eastern.

HGVC typically deposits their Hawaii weeks into RCI over 9 months in advance. So the big bulk deposit for 2015 is already gone but they still deposit a handful of units through out the year.

See these old threads
- http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1588020
- http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137582

I haven't figured out how to set up an ongoing search on RCI. (I click on ongoing search, give them my dates, my room selection, click continue, then I don't see an option to set up the ongoing search, but rather just to see results, which leads to a page for a single resort that doesn't appeal to me.)

Once you get to the RCI webpage,
- Go to the upper right hand corner and hovering over RCI Exchange Reservations.
- It will give you a dropdown list. Select Ongoing Search.
- It will bring up a form to complete. Go down to the section called Resort Id Selections.
- Fill out the Check-in Data Range and the Resort IDs. You can request multiple Resort IDs separated by commas.
- Go down to the section called Accommodations and fill out this section.
- Once you've completed both sections hit the continue button
- And continue to complete the remaining screens.

Once you've setup your Ongoing Search, you can see it by going to the upper right hand corner and hovering over "Home".
- It will give you a dropdown list. Select My Vacation Plans.
- Select the tab called Ongoing Search to view or modify your request.


Here's a list of the RCI codes for the HGVC Hawaii resorts on Oahu and the Big Island
Hokulani Waikiki by Hilton Grand Vacations Club (#D401)
Grand Waikikian by Hilton Grand Vacations Club (#7977)
Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Hilton Hawaiian Village - The Kalia Tower (#7499)
Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Hilton Hawaiian Village - The Lagoon Tower (#5996)
Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Waikoloa Beach Resort (#8599)
Kings' Land by Hilton Grand Vacations Club (#7978)
The Bay Club at Waikoloa Beach Resort (#3684)

I suggest adding Disney Aulani too - Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas (#DV11)

Here's photos from my 2012 Aulani stay - http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=167462

At this point, I'm thinking I have to check at midnight Eastern exactly 10 months out to get the RCI Points (vs. Weeks) and hoping there is something good available. Is that the best strategy at this point?

For RCI Points resorts, yes this is the best overall strategy. However I haven't noticed much activity at the 10 month point for RCI resorts in Hawaii.

And, looking to the future, how do you know when there's a "deposit" about to happen? How do you get to be one of those who can quickly gobble up one of the units?

Some RCI resorts deposit around the same time every year. If you search through the old postings on the TUG Sightings Forum, you can sometimes see a pattern. Once a popular resort /destination is posted on the TUG Sighting Forum, almost all of the two bedrooms are snatched up in minutes, followed by one bedroom and then the studios. [NOTE: The Sighting forum is available to all TUG members. It only cost a mere $15 to join]

 

[trackside]

Thanks

Wow alwysonvac, thanks for the detailed response. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[alwysonvac]

Wow alwysonvac, thanks for the detailed response. I'll let you know how it goes.

You're welcome and Good Luck

 

[1Kflyerguy]

I suggest adding Disney Aulani too - Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas (#DV11)

Here's photos from my 2012 Aulani stay - http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=167462


]

Thanks for the link to your pictures at Aulani.. I have never really considered a DVC location, but the resort looks really nice.. Might be worth a stay sometime..

Isn't the location a bit remote? I am guessing that unlike HHV , you would really want a car if your staying out there...

 

[linsj]

Isn't the location a bit remote? I am guessing that unlike HHV , you would really want a car if your staying out there...

Absolutely!

 

[alwysonvac]

Thanks for the link to your pictures at Aulani.. I have never really considered a DVC location, but the resort looks really nice.. Might be worth a stay sometime..

Isn't the location a bit remote? I am guessing that unlike HHV , you would really want a car if your staying out there...

Yes, it's definitely worth a stay

Since Disney Aulani resort isn't located within the Honolulu metropolitan area, you'll need a car to get around.
NOTE: There is no charge for self parking for DVC point stays and RCI exchanges .

Remote? I guess it depends on your definition of remote

I guess if you want to spend most of your time in Honolulu this would be remote.
Or if you think of the Waikoloa Beach Resort area on the Big Island as remote (and some do) then I guess you'll consider this remote . When I think of remote, I think of the island of Lanai or Great Exuma in the Bahamas.

Aulani is located in Ko Olina, a 642-acre master-planned vacation and residential community on the leeward coast of Oahu, 17 miles northwest of Honolulu. Other resorts in the area - Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club timeshare and JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa (closing soon to become a Four Seasons Resort).

Here's a link to additional resort info - http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-resorts/aulani-hawaii-resort/
There are least 15 restaurants within walking distance - http://www.yesterland.com/disneykoolina26.html
Interactive Map for Ko Olina Resort - http://www.koolina.com/explore/interactive-map
Ko Olina is within Kapolei - http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2012/06/kapolei-overview/

\

 

[1Kflyerguy]

Thanks for all the great info, I was in the this are once for snorkel boat tour while Aulani was still under construction.

Perhaps more has been built in between, or perhaps i just didn't notice the shops and dining options..

I really enjoy Waikoloa on the Big Island, sometime i wish there were more shops or dining options. But then again i don't want it too developed or it will lose its charm...

Not sure when we will make it, think next years vacations are all spoken for... and way more ideas for 2015 than i have time or money for. Will definitely add this to my list of resorts to visit..

 

[Tamaradarann]

Lets not say to far to walk unless you clarify

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.

To far to walk is relative. We never have a car staying at the HHV and shop at Walmart and Foodland all the time. We are in our 60's and walk back all the time with food. As much as $200 worth from Walmart when we first get there. We buy an inexpensive duffle bag to carry the major portion of the food, but have carried two bags each many times when we stop to shop without planning. We stay for many weeks at a time so the bag pays for itself many times over. It is a good walk but very doable if you can and like to walk. We also shop at the Food Pantry about twice a week for fresh vegetables and fruit. Food Pantry is about 2 blocks from the Kalia Tower across Ala Moana Boulevard.

 

[Ron98GT]

Lets not say to far to walk unless you clarify

Hmmm. Wow, where did that comment come from. I think that I was clear in my post and, unlike you, I also specifically stated IMOP: In My Opinion. I have my opinion and you have yours.

If you get your kicks out of walking thru all that Honolulu traffic (cars, streets, red lights, people, and more cars and people) to walk over to Foodland at the mall, or even Walmart on the other side of the mall, and want to spent half your day buying "a bag" of groceries, knock yourself out, I have better things to do with my time when I go to Hawaii. I think that there are better places to "go for a walk". But hey, it's your vacation, so knock your socks off.

If your going to beat-up on me and state your opinion of how great and wonderful the walk is over to Foodland and Walmart, you could at least be more specific and reference a map, rather than being void of any detail. Your criticizing me for something that you yourself are totally and completely guilty of: no clarification.

Try Google Walking Maps:

https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=...215957910704.00000112677f4e8c7f9a9&dg=feature

Google Walking Maps should have been used to clarify your unclarified post. You can use the Google walking maps to draw a map from the door of your HGVC building to the front door of Foodland and/or Walmart. Hell, I can even import the map into my iFit and walk it on my Nordic Track treadmill, but according to you, I don't like to walk.


Have a great clarified day.

 

[Tamaradarann]

Didn't know the meaning of IMOP

Sorry Ron I don't usually use abbreviations so I didn't know the meaning of IMOP.

My point was that you can live in Honolulu without a car and using cabs. No disrespect or criticism of you was meant.

 

[traacs]

Gran Waikikian

Does any one know why the Grand Waikikian is no longer listed in the HGVC reservation list. I only see Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Kalia Tower and Lagoon. Has there been a name change? My contract also no longer says Grand Waikian but "Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort" If there has been a name change should the owners not be notified as this becomes a legal matter with ownership