First trip to Hawaii - Which property?

[Frisbeeace]

I'm planning a family trip to Hawaii with my 17 yo boy and 7 yo girl for early September 09. I need your expert tips... Which is the best resort for a family? Maui or Kauai? How do they compare? Is September a good month to go? May a have trouble to trade my week at Sabal Palms (Christmas week, already deposited). Any special tips that you have for me? Thanks a lot!!

 

[winger]

don't forget to put ko olina on your list. easier to exchange into, awesome resort, lots of history on the island (pearl harbor, etc)... less costly also i think bc more folks live on oahu.

 

[m61376]

Personally, I think any first time visitor to Hawaii should not miss Oahu, so I'd agree with Winger.

Ko'Olina is a beautiful resort, and Oahu has both beauty and history. Not so sure about it being much cheaper, though....

 

[Dave M]

You might well have difficulty getting a 2BR at Ko Olina, because most Marriott Hawaii lockout owners who deposit with II lock off their units and deposit the 1BR and studio separately. Also, when seeking a high profile exchange, it's best to make your exchange request at least a full year in advance. You want to have your request in II's system when owners at your desired resort first start making deposits with II.

Still, put your exchange request in now and hope for the best. If you need a 2BR, I would strongly advise including all of the Hawaii Marriotts in your request.

 

[skifast]

I would recommend Maui if you are only going to do one island. It has a little bit of everything that you think of when you think of Hawaii.
Great beaches, volcano, surfing, snorkeling, ... I think this would be the most fun for your kids, as well.
If you are considering Maui, definitely get the book Maui Revealed. It will give you an insight into the whole island from a local's perspective.
You will have a great time!

 

[thinze3]

I too would recommend Maui for your first trip. I have not been to Oahu other than passing through, but my co-worker recently returned from KoOlina. Though he loved the resort, he was not all that impressed with the island itself.

I personally like Kauai the best. It has an untampered with, true Hawaiin feel to it. Maui has more to do overall and is generally more upscale. IMO


Terry


Maui Revealed

.

 

[camachinist]

OP, with the kids, I would concur with the recommendations for Maui. Kauai is a bit laid-back. So, if you're not there, more room for me

Seriously, we'll be at MAW (Waiohai) in a couple weeks as a repeat exchanger there. If you want a 2BR and need a good chance of getting one fairly far out for September, IMO, MAW is a good shot. The last time we requested it for that timeframe (our trip was actually first week of October), it cleared 11 months out. Our trader that time was our NCV (Newport Coast) gold interval, requested-first about 8 months out. The trade cleared nearly immediately after being requested. I would expect things to be a bit tighter now, as that was a couple years ago, and build-out was only ~65% or so. Perhaps, though, the economy and travel costs will mitigate that.

 

[VictorB]

First Hawaii Trip - Which Property

I'm planning a family trip to Hawaii with my 17 yo boy and 7 yo girl for early September 09. I need your expert tips... Which is the best resort for a family? Maui or Kauai? How do they compare? Is September a good month to go? May a have trouble to trade my week at Sabal Palms (Christmas week, already deposited). Any special tips that you have for me? Thanks a lot!!

I'm planning a family trip to Hawaii with my 17 yo boy and 7 yo girl for early September 09. I need your expert tips... quote]

Ditto all subsequent posts. Would add that it also depends on what type of activities you like to do. Last time in Maui we did the helicopter tours (awesome but pricey), horse back ridding tours (into some remote areas with waterfalls) and the snorkling tours (day trip was also awesome).

Have not been back to Oahu for many years and looking forward to our first trip to our home resort at Ko 'Olina. Because of its location, a car retntal is a must. If you stay in Waikiki, (closest resort area to the airport and car retnal not really needed) there are a lot of activities, lots of shopping especially Ala Moana - 260+ stores
http://www.http://www.alamoanacenter.com/thebasics.htm

 

[Bill4728]

IMHO, The key part of your question wasn't a question but a comment.

Originally Posted by Frisbeeace
I'm planning a family trip to Hawaii with my 17 yo boy and 7 yo girl for early September 09.

With 2 kids so far apart in age, you're very likely going to need a 2 bedroom unit. Since all the resorts have 2 bedroom units but both Maui & Oahu have lock-off ( meaning many fewer 2 bd units in the trading pool) IMHO, you should just request a 2 bedroom unit at all 4 resorts ( the 2 on Kauai, Maui & Oahu) and I'm sure you love whatever resort you get.

 

[thinze3]

IMHO, The key part of your question wasn't a question but a comment.
With 2 kids so far apart in age, you're very likely going to need a 2 bedroom unit. Since all the resorts have 2 bedroom units but both Maui & Oahu have lock-off ( meaning many fewer 2 bd units in the trading pool) IMHO, you should just request a 2 bedroom unit at all 4 resorts ( the 2 on Kauai, Maui & Oahu) and I'm sure you love whatever resort you get.

BINGO! We have a winner.