Hawaii Help

[beckster914]

Hi all!

I am just starting my research on the possibility of visiting Hawaii for the first time and hope you all can provide some guidance on the MVCs located there.

So far I've figured out there are 3 locations - Oahu (1 MVC) - Maui (1 MVC but broken into 2 sections) - Kauai (3 MVC). Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Which island do you suggest is best for a first time visitor? I am not sure yet who will be traveling but it will be 3-5 adults, no kids. We are looking at visiting June/July 2016 if possible. I don't know how quickly those weeks fill up. We would be booking with destination points.

I think I have narrowed our choices down to either Ko Olina Beach Club (Oahu), Maui Ocean Club - Lahaina & Napili Towers (Maui), or Kauai Lagoons (Kauai). This is based on the fact that we will most likely want a 3 bedroom unit if all 5 adults come, and having a full kitchen and washer/dryer is very important to us. Also important is an updated unit, ocean views, and a nice beach to lay on.

I do not think we would spend more than one week there (7 days) as we are coming from the East coast and will break up the trip by visiting California on the way out and back so that will add some more nights.

So Tuggers, can you help me out?

Thanks in advance!

 

[taterhed]

Hi all!

I am just starting my research on the possibility of visiting Hawaii for the first time and hope you all can provide some guidance on the MVCs located there.

So far I've figured out there are 3 locations - Oahu (1 MVC) - Maui (1 MVC but broken into 2 sections) - Kauai (3 MVC). Please correct me if I'm wrong. You are correct.

Which island do you suggest is best for a first time visitor? I am not sure yet who will be traveling but it will be 3-5 adults, no kids. We are looking at visiting June/July 2016 if possible. I don't know how quickly those weeks fill up. We would be booking with destination points. Best island for adults: well, what do the adults like to do? Drink, dance, shop, sit in traffic jams, golf, hike, fish, sail, museums, monuments? Old? Young? Big city people looking for quiet or quiet people looking for the city?

I think I have narrowed our choices down to either Ko Olina Beach Club (Oahu), Maui Ocean Club - Lahaina & Napili Towers (Maui), or Kauai Lagoons (Kauai). This is based on the fact that we will most likely want a 3 bedroom unit if all 5 adults come, and having a full kitchen and washer/dryer is very important to us. Also important is an updated unit, ocean views, and a nice beach to lay on. MKO (5900-7600) is a great choice IMHO. Easier to get than some, ok beach/lagoon, great views, golf and restaurants, and the ever present Waikiki just around the bend. A full active resort. MM1 (11,800) is super-nice (and super $$$). Not sure how hard this would be to reserve in July; you can ask others. Great facility, great beach, great views, great area, golf, shopping, restaurants. Some congestion. A full active resort. MKI (5500-8000) is quiet, isolated, upscale. Use of facilities (via shuttle) at MKW. Beach is at MKW--views are nice. Close to Lihue and several popular bars/rest (Dukes). Not really a resort atmosphere--except the amazing pool etc at MKW. Not sure about use policy for pool area in July.

I do not think we would spend more than one week there (7 days) as we are coming from the East coast and will break up the trip by visiting California on the way out and back so that will add some more nights.

So Tuggers, can you help me out?

Thanks in advance!

I'm a fan of Waiohai and love the Poipu area. Rest, bars, golf, beach, lagoon, trails, hike, canyon, tours etc... Amazing sunsets and (if you get the premium units) good views. Other OV units not so premium views. Not the quality of MM1 and MKI, but better locale...for me. Many love Lahaina of course.

If you can afford it and can make the ressie...I'd go MM1. But I wouldn't shell that much cash for me, so I'd pick MKO an do the best of both worlds (day in HNL to see the sights and bars and traffic).

 

[JIMinNC]

Had you been asking this question two or three months ago, I would have said your availability at any of these resorts would be excellent for June/July 2016. I was searching some of the same resorts earlier this year for June 2016, and wound up booking Maui Ocean Club (original towers, not Lahaina/Napili Villas) in a 2BR OF for mid-June 2016. I booked that the day the 12-month inventory opened up two months ago in June 2015.Availability then was excellent, but even then, the Lahaina/Napili Villas were not nearly as available as the original towers.

But now, two months down the road, I suspect your best bet will be KoOlina. I suspect that getting 7 full days at either Lahaina/Napili or Kauai Lagoons will be almost impossible at 10 months or less prior to travel date. June/July is one of the higher demand seasons in Hawaii. I suspect 3BR will be especially tough.

I don't have enough points remaining in my account to search for full weeks in Hawaii for June/July 2016, but in looking at the first part of June that is within the 10 month 1+ night booking window, I can see no 7 day long periods of availability at Lahaina/Napili Villas or Kauai Lagoons. There is some availability at KoOlina.

I guess you could waitlist if not available, but I have no experience with waitlist and what the chances are of a waitlist for summer Hawaii working out.

 

[mjm1]

If you enjoy history, KoOlina would be a good choice because of Pearl Harbor, the battleship Missouri (site of the Japanese surrender), The Iolani Palace, Honolulu, Punch Bowl, Diamond Head, and of course Waikiki. A lot of other things to do too. Ko Olina gets you away from the hustle and bustle, but you have access to everything else.

However, the other islands offer a lot too, but a different pace. As others have mentioned, I would think you would have easier access as KoOlina too, but am not sure.

No matter your choice it will be a fun experience

Mike

 

[JIMinNC]

By the way, while availability may be the main limiting factor in your choice of islands, if you want to get a flavor of what each island is like, peruse the Hawaii photos in the travel photography link in my signature. I have shots from all four of the main islands from trips in 2005, 2008, and 2011. These trips predated our Marriott ownership, so no shots of the resorts, and the Oahu shots are limited to Waikiki and Pearl Harbor, but otherwise the shots will give you a feel for the scenery and some of the activities on the various islands.

 

[beckster914]

Thanks for all the replies so far. I will go over these in more detail tomorrow. I am getting a bit overwhelmed at this point and trying to figure it all out. I did not realize how many DP it would cost for a full week, especially in a 3 bedroom. I only have about 7,000 available and that includes points for 2016 & 2017. So might have to look into some other options...

 

[GregT]

Beckster,

I think it's pretty straight forward -- if you have 7,000 points to work with, and want a 3BR, that narrows it down to Oahu and Kauai. You will have a lovely time at either island.

I would book as much time as you can in either a Ko Olina 3BR MG or a Kauai Lagoons 3BR IV. They are both great properties and will afford a great 7/8/9/10 day stay in the Islands. The thing that struck me about your original post was that you were coming from the East Coast. I hope you can squeeze more time into Hawaii as it's a long way to come (and you won't want to leave).

Although I love Maui,

<----------------------------

put it aside for another trip. 3BR availability is tough and the points are high. Focus on Oahu and Kauai and either one will treat you well.

Best,

Greg

 

[davidvel]

Beckster,

I think it's pretty straight forward -- if you have 7,000 points to work with, and want a 3BR, that narrows it down to Oahu and Kauai. You will have a lovely time at either island.

I would book as much time as you can in either a Ko Olina 3BR MG or a Kauai Lagoons 3BR IV. They are both great properties and will afford a great 7/8/9/10 day stay in the Islands. The thing that struck me about your original post was that you were coming from the East Coast. I hope you can squeeze more time into Hawaii as it's a long way to come (and you won't want to leave).

Although I love Maui,

<----------------------------

put it aside for another trip. 3BR availability is tough and the points are high. Focus on Oahu and Kauai and either one will treat you well.

Best,

Greg

I wholeheartedly agree. Even from CA, its a "cross country" flight to the islands. You'll lose a full day traveling. I'd look at 8-10 days at Ko Olina, don't worry about the view from your room.

You're visiting for the first time, and being from the East coast you may not return often. Pearl Harbor is a moving experience you'll never forget.

 

[taterhed]

Don't forget.... You can rent points. Easy peasy


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[beckster914]

Hi again and thank you everyone. What is complicating things is we only have a 2 week window in which to travel in - the last week in June and first week in July with includes the July 4th holiday, so points are a little higher that weekend. Also the view category is very important to some of us. I can be flexible in that regard, but admit I would prefer an ocean view if possible.

If we end up with only 3 people traveling a 2 bedroom would be just fine, but if the other 2 decide to join we would definitely be needing a 3 bedroom for privacy reasons. Or a 2 bedroom + studio (which I think ends up being more points).

Since we are coming from the East coast, we were hoping to break up the trip (and the jet lag) by spending 1-2 nights in California on the way there & back. While there are direct flights to HI from NYC - it is just too long for us.

Please tell me more about renting points - I thought this was possible but don't know any details. Do you rent through Marriott - how and how much does it cost?

Thanks again

 

[Fasttr]

Please tell me more about renting points - I thought this was possible but don't know any details. Do you rent through Marriott - how and how much does it cost?

THIS thread does a good job of describing the process and where to go to rent them.

 

[beckster914]

So I've searched all the HI MVCs with 2 and 3 bedroom villas and have only found available weeks within my point range at Kauai Lagoons for a 3 BR either island or ocean view. I will need to wait until we get within 10 months of our travel window to search less than 7 nights. It is possible we would want to visit Oahu and either Maui or Kauai so might do 4 nights on each? Still in the very early planning stages, and not sure we have enough points and/or cash to do what we want. Kauai Lagoons sounds very beautiful and I've searched here and read many good things, but my biggest concern is there is no beach and that is very important to us!

Also toying with the idea of saving HI for another time, and doing St. Kitts or St. Thomas as they are less points and only a 4 hour flight from NYC. Currently showing good availability at St. Kitts for 7 nights in a 2 or 3 BR but nothing showing for St. Thomas at this point. Again, waiting for the 10 month window so can look at booking less than 7 nights. Have not visited either so don't know the pros/cons at this point. Went to Aruba Surf Club this year and loved it! Would love to go back but it's nice to visit someplace new.

 

[BocaBoy]

....the view category is very important to some of us. I can be flexible in that regard, but admit I would prefer an ocean view if possible.

I want to be sure you know that all the island view villas a Kauai Lagoons actually have very nice views of the ocean. View is very important to us, too, and we have stayed twice in ocean view and once in island view at Kauai Lagoons. Our island view villa had essentially the same quality view of the water as our ocean view villas, so I doubt that we will ever again pay a premium to get "ocean view."

 

[beckster914]

I want to be sure you know that all the island view villas a Kauai Lagoons actually have very nice views of the ocean. View is very important to us, too, and we have stayed twice in ocean view and once in island view at Kauai Lagoons. Our island view villa had essentially the same quality view of the water as our ocean view villas, so I doubt that we will ever again pay a premium to get "ocean view."

Yes, thank you! I did read that more than once while searching the forums here!

 

[davidvel]

Maybe I'm spoiled because we fly from California, but your possible itinerary makes me nauseous, oxygen deprived and anti-TSA just thinking of it:

Fly 5+ hrs to CA, spend a few days, fly 5+ hrs to HI, spend a few days, get on another plane and hop to another island and spend a few days (not counting travel to airport, TSA, travel to TS, check-in/out of hotels...) Then somehow travel 11+ hours back to east coast.

This is the antithesis of what going to Hawaii is all about. Its all about island time, and relaxation (think the Kona beer commercials, "Happy hours, not sad hours.")

 

[Big Matt]

I really don't know why people like Ko Olina so much. I was completely underwhelmed. It is basically a series of high rise buildings on a man made lagoon. There isn't a whole lot nearby either. Sure you are on Oahu, but there are other locations that are way better and don't require a half hour drive. I suggest that you fly in to Oahu and see Pearl Harbor and a couple other things on your way in our out. Take a transfer flight to either Maui or Kauai.

I'd take Maui. You get a little bit of touristy action in Lahaina and the airport, but you can also get a lot of nature and tranquility. You can go to an inactive volcano, see waterfalls, go snorkeling in a real nature preserve area (near the Ritz Carlton in Kapalua). Plus there is a lot to do right near the Marriotts.

Kauai is really beautiful, but isolated and there really isn't much to do other than enjoy the nature.

On villa size. I don't think it matters whether you get a 2BR and a studio or a 3 BR. I'd take what I could get and fill in around it. Lodging in Hawaii isn't as expensive as people think. Don't be afraid to look outside of the Marriott resorts either. There are dozens of good options on all islands. Hawaii isn't the type of place where you want to stay in your room a lot.

 

[taterhed]

I tried tried to convince the wife to buy MKO (mainly for the L/O and 3br option; plus easy and cheaper OV) but she wouldn't have it. She loves Waiohai. Quiet, no crowds in O/S and lots of nature. Much slower speed there. I just think that people that have never been to Hawaii before grossly underestimate the effort required to 1 fly to HNL, 2 transfer, 3 drive to resort, 4 loose a day because you fall asleep after 1 beer. 5 Get accustomed to Hawaii time and party!!! 6. pack on day six and then 7 Load up, drive to airport, check, fly, pickup, transfer, check fly, fly again, drive home; pass out after 1 beer. for 3 days. Ugh.
I'm much more of a 10-14 day tripper myself, especially if it's on 2 islands.
One island (HNL) with Waikiki, Pearl and 5 days of relative quiet (and some North Shore if you want) seems like the max you can fit into 7. Unless you can fly direct to your island....a liberty I don't have.


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[jonmaiman]

Our first trip to Hawaii we did 3 islands in 10 days. While it was a good survey of the area, it was exhausting and lots of time was lost going between the islands. Our next few trips we did two islands in two weeks. That was much better and more relaxed. Most of our recent trips we have stayed in two different areas of the same island for a two week stay. Our last trip we went back to two islands in two weeks again. For us we definitely prefer two sections of one island for two weeks. It is much more relaxed and very little time is lost traveling in the middle of the trip.

We are also traveling from the east coast (well mid-Atlantic states) and we find anything less than two full weeks is too short a visit. No matter how you do it, it will take 1 to 2 days after you arrive to adjust to the different time zone (5 to 6 hour difference depending on the time of year). So taking that into account plus still losing one day to travel on the way in and one on the way out, you have four overhead days. If you're only there for a week that only leaves three prime days to enjoy Hawaii. That just isn't enough in my opinion.

Finally, many folks are also worried about fitting everything into a single trip to Hawaii thinking they will never return. Hawaii is addicting, if you like it you will find yourself going back multiple times. So leaving something for future trips is fine.

My two cents....

--Jon

P.S. If your visiting another island but really want to see Pearl Harbor in the same trip, flying in/or out of HNL and adding a couple days on just to see it works well. For east coasters, doing it on the front side while your internal clock is still on eastern time works best. You want to get to Pearl Harbor early to avoid the crowds.

 

[BocaBoy]

I just think that people that have never been to Hawaii before grossly underestimate the effort required to 1 fly to HNL, 2 transfer, 3 drive to resort, 4 loose a day because you fall asleep after 1 beer. 5 Get accustomed to Hawaii time and party!!! 6. pack on day six and then 7 Load up, drive to airport, check, fly, pickup, transfer, check fly, fly again, drive home......Ugh.

I don't find a schedule like this to be a problem at all and we do it all the time. Would i prefer it if the travel time were less? Of course, but it is not that bad.

 

[Rodenwjr]

Bite the bullet and take the direct flight to the islands. HAL has a direct flight from JFK - HNL. If you decide to go to two different islands, transferring on the same airline will be a synch. Hawaiian airlines will get you in the mood the second you step on board the aircraft, trust me. Your objective is Hawaii, focus on that! Breaking up the trip with the west coast stop strays from your primary objective...not to mention, wastes your time.

You can acclimate your body clock by getting on a west coast time zone rhythm three days before your trip. That makes the transition to HST a little easier. Allow at least one full day (preferably 2) to recoup back home before going back to work.

You're going to Hawaii for Pete's sake...don't tell me you won't be able to relax a little once you're there.

Your OP indicates all adults traveling so this may be do-able. Throw one or two little ones in there and you can throw this post out the window ... Ha!

Bill

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[taterhed]

Yeah that's good advice. I did it for many years guess I'm just getting old


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[JIMinNC]

Unless you can fly direct to your island....a liberty I don't have.

As long as you connect in Phoenix, Los Angeles, SanFrancisco, and maybe some other western cities like Seattle, you can fly straight into Maui, Kona, or Lihue and bypass Honolulu (I think American even flies nonstop from Dallas into Maui). Making a connection to a direct flight in one of these cities, I think, would be a preferable way to getting to Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island than connecting through Honolulu. A connection like that does add a little time to the flight versus a nonstop from the east coast to Honolulu, but maybe only a couple hours more.

 

[dioxide45]

I tried tried to convince the wife to buy MKO (mainly for the L/O and 3br option; plus easy and cheaper OV) but she wouldn't have it. She loves Waiohai. Quiet, no crowds in O/S and lots of nature. Much slower speed there. I just think that people that have never been to Hawaii before grossly underestimate the effort required to 1 fly to HNL, 2 transfer, 3 drive to resort, 4 loose a day because you fall asleep after 1 beer. 5 Get accustomed to Hawaii time and party!!! 6. pack on day six and then 7 Load up, drive to airport, check, fly, pickup, transfer, check fly, fly again, drive home; pass out after 1 beer. for 3 days. Ugh.
I'm much more of a 10-14 day tripper myself, especially if it's on 2 islands.
One island (HNL) with Waikiki, Pearl and 5 days of relative quiet (and some North Shore if you want) seems like the max you can fit into 7. Unless you can fly direct to your island....a liberty I don't have.


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This is why we don't go to Hawaii unless we can go for two weeks. Our first trip was only 12 days, but the last two were at least 14 on two different islands.

 

[beckster914]

Thank you all for the thoughtful advice. It is all certainly very helpful!

I think we have put planning a trip to Hawaii on hold for the moment, for when we have more points/cash to spend. I do agree it makes more sense to just go ahead and fly direct from NY - but don't think I can do 10 hours+ in coach, and business runs around 3k. Maybe if we travel during an off peak season it will be more affordable.

As for next July, we are looking at St. Kitts or St. Thomas (expensive flights) or staying closer to home and going down to Hilton Head.

I will certainly bookmark this thread for future planning, it will come in handy! Thanks again everyone

 

[Southerngirl528]

We live in FL and fly to DFW then nonstop to Maui on American. We are planning our next trip in a few months and I have been searching airfares like a fiend. (yikes, they are high for early May!) There really aren't a lot of airlines that offer one connection flights to Maui from here. Honolulu is a much bigger market and there are a lot more choices with that as your destination.

DH has a truckload of Delta miles and we both could not believe they had nothing less than 2 connections going to Maui! YUCK. Guess we'll use those Delta miles when we're flying to HNL first to stay at Aulani. THEN hop to Maui! They have better flights into HNL than the neighbor islands.

But it is entirely possible to fly directly into Maui from the East Coast with only one connection. United has some one connection flights though I am not a big United fan personally.

I'm with the others here. Hawaii is a very long ways from the east coast. Our first trip to Hawaii was 12 nights. Next trip 3 weeks, and since then we have done a month, but we have only traveled every other year up to now. That's my excuse for staying a month. We have 2 weeks in a 2 bdrm at the Maui Marriott that we can lock off and stay longer. Plus with my DVC membership we can always stay at Aulani on Oahu for a week or so if we want to extend our trip. Bottom line is please do stay as long as you can. And unless you have at least a week and a half, my personal recommendation (along with the others here) is to do only one island. Part of the best part of Hawaii is how it entices you to slow down and just….be.