Favorite Hawaiian vacation club for adults under the Abound (Marriott Vacation Club/Vistana) umbrella

[hcarman]

We visited Hawaii for several weeks last fall and stayed at Ko Olina on Oahu and Waikoloa Beach Club on the Big Island. Also stayed at Aulani a few days. We have visited all of the islands via ship but would like to make a return trip to Hawaii with some adult family members. Just curious to hear what your favorites are for adults. We are Marriott and Vistana owners so would be trading into a Marriott, Westin, etc. On-site or nearby dining options a plus since we usually eat out for our dinner meals. We don't necessarily have a favorite island, as each has its pros and cons - so we aren't narrowing it down based on that. Thanks for any favorites/recommendations.

 

[TolmiePeak]

We like Kauai and staying at the Waiohai.

 

[mauitraveler]

What are some of your special interests and those of your guests?

 

[hcarman]

What are some of your special interests and those of your guests?

My husband and I are Scuba divers and snorkelers - but not something we have to do. We are all into nature/wildlife. Some in the party enjoy shopping. A relaxing day at the pool or spa is always nice, or a sunset sail. And a nice dinner out. We aren't the type that have to be going non-stop. But we like to take in some activities or tours - we have done helicopter flights in the past, or island tours. None of us are golfers or into fishing.

 

[hcarman]

What are some of your special interests and those of your guests?

Also, a nice beach is also a plus.

 

[mauitraveler]

As you mentioned, each island has its own pros and cons. We've been to the four main islands and our favorite is Maui. There is a great beach right in front of the Westin Villas (KORV) that has easy snorkeling, in addition to the Black Rock outside of the the Sheraton close-by and further to the south. One of our friends used to swim from Lahaina to the KORV and back every morning for his daily exercise! There are many restaurants still available for nice dinners out. Tours to Hana and Haleakala are available for those who are hesitant to make the long drives. Helicopter flights are a special way to see the island. There are lots of areas for hiking. The Westin villas on Maui have all of the other amenities that would make your trip a memorable one (pool, spa, and sunset sail availabilities). For shopping trips, you would probably need to drive back into Kahului or down to Wailea.

We also enjoy our visits to Oahu, especially for the shopping, the abundance of eateries, and the chance to visit with old friends. However, coming from a busy urban setting, we find that Maui is a more relaxing vacation for us. Our friends on Oahu are avid hikers, so there are lots of trails that they enjoy.

I'm sure that your friends will help you with the choosing which island to visit, but I am sure that you will enjoy the time with your friends on any of the islands! CJ

 

[hcarman]

As you mentioned, each island has its own pros and cons. We've been to the four main islands and our favorite is Maui. There is a great beach right in front of the Westin Villas (KORV) that has easy snorkeling, in addition to the Black Rock outside of the the Sheraton close-by and further to the south. One of our friends used to swim from Lahaina to the KORV and back every morning for his daily exercise! There are many restaurants still available for nice dinners out. Tours to Hana and Haleakala are available for those who are hesitant to make the long drives. Helicopter flights are a special way to see the island. There are lots of areas for hiking. The Westin villas on Maui have all of the other amenities that would make your trip a memorable one (pool, spa, and sunset sail availabilities). For shopping trips, you would probably need to drive back into Kahului or down to Wailea.

We also enjoy our visits to Oahu, especially for the shopping, the abundance of eateries, and the chance to visit with old friends. However, coming from a busy urban setting, we find that Maui is a more relaxing vacation for us. Our friends on Oahu are avid hikers, so there are lots of trails that they enjoy.

I'm sure that your friends will help you with the choosing which island to visit, but I am sure that you will enjoy the time with your friends on any of the islands! CJ

Thanks for the information. I am sure the friends will help too but I always seem to be the travel agent. There are just so many nice looking resorts to choose from and we don't get to Hawaii very often. I did like one of the ones I saw in Kaui as well. Maui is always a good choice, but I didn't know how things have been after the fires - we were there last year just a few months after but didn't go near that area, still very much closed. And we had heard some locals really wanted the tourists back but others did not. Sounds like you have had a good experience there so good to know.

 

[mauitraveler]

Thanks for the information. I am sure the friends will help too but I always seem to be the travel agent. There are just so many nice looking resorts to choose from and we don't get to Hawaii very often. I did like one of the ones I saw in Kaui as well. Maui is always a good choice, but I didn't know how things have been after the fires - we were there last year just a few months after but didn't go near that area, still very much closed. And we had heard some locals really wanted the tourists back but others did not. Sounds like you have had a good experience there so good to know.

Our friends stayed at Marriott's Waiohai Beach Club, which has only 2BR villas, and they really enjoyed their stay! They even went to the presentation and were tempted to buy from Marriott, but remembered my warning to just say, "No".

 

[frytard]

Our friends stayed at Marriott's Waiohai Beach Club, which has only 2BR villas, and they really enjoyed their stay! They even went to the presentation and were tempted to buy from Marriott, but remembered my warning to just say, "No".

love this recommendation, only concern is that they said they like to eat on property and this doesnt havent decent choices. I think one of the Maui ones would be best choices with a restaurant on the resort and whalers village nearby if choosing the westin walkable to whalers or maui beach club which is walkable as well.