hawaii - which resort/island ?

[armlem2]

Hi folks,
I could use some knowledgeable input from those who know Hawaii's islands. I just put in a request (used Manor club 2bd July 15th week) for 1 bd in July of 07. I put in for any of the four Marriotts. Thinking since we are from east coast, it is not somewhere we may ever go again or atleast not often. Going with wife, two teenage daughters 19,15 and myself. We are not into nightlife but enjoy the beach, snorkeling, especially driving around sightseeing, shopping, dining and just relaxing. Wife and I have been to Maui and loved it (drove around entire island). My question are:

1) Should I go after a particular island instead of just a Marriott?

2) Wondering if daughters only get to one island in their lives (or that this maybe our last visit there) which one would you think is the one they/we would enjoy the most?

3) Finally,I am going to see if I can pull off getting 2 weeks (2nd week rented or hopefully July 07 Manor Club) back to back. If so how would you spilt the weeks between islands. If rented would you split it between islands? How?

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[taxare]

It's like asking me if I would prefer chocolate ice cream or chocolate cake. YES! We've been to Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii. Yes the flights from the east coast are tough, even with an upgrade. I think you really need to decide how much activity you want, nightlife, etc. I personally think your girls would enjoy Maui (my 2 did) because of all the activities, restaurants, etc. However, I think Oahu gets a bum rap, and they also enjoyed Ko Olina and touring the island. IMHO Pearl Harbor has an impact on whoever goes there, it shouldn't be missed. Kauai is simply beautiful and there are interesting things to do there as well. However on a first trip, and with your girls ages, I would vote for Maui first then Oahu.

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

First, absolutely do two weeks. We started doing two weeks about our third trip to Hawai`i and we believe that is the only way to do it. I found that when we did one week, as soon as we got to Hawai`i I was already feeling dread that there wasn't that much time left. When we did two weeks, for the first time I felt as if I was able to really relax. Also, with the length of the trip from the East Coast you will effectively lose two days of vaction time dealing with travel and time zone adjustments.

Second, if you suspect this may be the only trip to Hawai`i then you should make sure to do things you can't do anywhere else. The two key things I tell people not to miss if they go to Hawai`i are the volcanoes on the Big Island and the USS Arizona memorial (if they are US citizens). There are sunny tropical beaches many places in the world. But only in Hawai`i can you see the lava flows and the Arizona.

I think the volcanoes are self-evident. I recommend the USS Arizona because it is a very moving experience and it memorializes a tremendously significant moment in US history. I think it is very good for children to be aware of what happened there, and of the sacrifices that were made by their grandparents and great-grandparents. The Arizona makes a very strong connection with our history that we need to ensure is passed on to future generations.

Now, visting the Arizona actually can work well in simplifying travel plans. You can do the Arizona as a one-day stopover in Honolulu either when you arrive or just before you depart. Soending a night on O`ahu can simplify flight connections. Also, if leaving a day early or staying a day later moves your travel off of a weekend, you might find that the savingz in air fare will more than pay for the extra day in Hawai`i. Can't beat that - stay longer for less money.

So then your itinerary takes shape as one week on the Big Island, one week on aother island, and a week on a second island. At this point, the second island doesn't really make that much difference. I would suggest either Maui or Kaua`i. We prefer Kaua`i, but the differences among islands isn't that great.

For me it's like choosing among blondes, brunettes, and redheads. There is no bad choice.

 

[squiggle]

I went to Maui with three 16 yr old girls spring break last year and they couldnt understand what the rave was although they enjoyed the beach, the shopping - for one thing, not many teenagers around that time of the year- unlike Beachplace Tower where they had a grand time.
We'll try Oahu this time splitting time bet Koolina and Honolulu.

 

[ml855]

You mention that you are exchanging your 2-BR Manor Club, July 15th week and asking for a 1-BR. Why not ask for a 2-BR?

We will be traveling to Hawaii this upcoming summer on an exchange through II. We used our 2-BR Manor Club, July 4th week and received an exchange into KoOlina for a 2-BR. We also used our 2-BR Ocean Watch week in Myrtle Beach. Now if you really want Maui than yes you should ask for a 1-BR, since Maui is very difficult to exchange into. I would suggest trying for a 2-BR first, and if nothing comes through by Nov. or Dec. than change your request to a 1-BR. We placed our request around the 4th week of July 2005 and received our exchange the month of Nov., in the matter of things it really didn't take that long. We have 2 back to back weeks on exchange at KoOlina with a short side trip to the Big Island.

We have 3 teenage boys and am planning on visiting the volcanoes on the Big Island for a couple of days and also plan to take them to the USS Arizona for the same reason T_R_Oglodyte mention, it's part of our history. I didn't want to travel all the way to Hawaii and miss both of these attractions. We will also be staying for two weeks so we will also have plenty of down time just relaxing by the pools and beach.

Good luck with your exchange.
-Jean

 

[Darlene]

We have stayed at the timeshares at Marriott Maui, Marriott Kauai, and have been to Oahu for a couple of days. What is the 4th Marriott?
I agree that the Big Island is not to be missed, but Marriott doesn't have a t/s there. There are wonderful exchange options, though, including KCR II and the Bay Club.
I agree that you should see Pearl Harbor. If this truly is your only trip, may I suggest a couple of days in Oahu. See Pearl Harbour, and the Polynesian Cultural Center. You will need a full day/night for PCC.
Then spend a week on the Big Island. Go to the Volcano, the Place of Refuge and snorkel across the bay, see the Black Sand beaches, go to Hapuna Beach or the beach at the Mauna Kea, see the fabulous Asian art collection at the Hilton, and kayak or boat trip to the Cook Monument for the snorkeling.
Spend the second week on either Maui or Kauai. Maui will be a tough trade. Maui has shopping in Kaanapali. We love snorkeling on the North (west) side of the island. Many take a boat trip to the Marine Preserve, but it is a short hike from the street. The snorkeling is also great a Kapalua Bay. I have heard that the beach in front of the Marriott is still not entirely back. We enjoy walking down the beach, and swimming/snorkeling in front of the Sheraton at Black Rock. There is also cliff diving/jumping to watch at Black Rock.
My husband prefers Kauai. The hotel and pool are fabulous. The resort is in a bay, no waves, but there is a State park not far with great waves. We have gone on the boat trip to Fern Grotto. The north side has great beaches and snorkeling as weel as Poipou on the south east side. This is the best island IMHO to do the helicopter. The are many waterfalls and hikes, including to the top of the old volcano crater. More movies and TV shows have been filmed on Kauai than you can count, including South Pacific, Jurassic Park, and the Indiana Jones movie. The best shaved ice at Jo-Jo's, and breakfast at the Shack. It has a "small town" feel. There are no big shopping areas with Planet Hollywoods, and Hard Rock Cafes, like Maui. The Big Island is some where in the middle, with shopping areas (including a Costco) but still very rural in some ways. Oahu is the most "fast paced," with shopping, restaurants, and more people.
Leaving on a Thursday, you could have two days at a hotel in Oahu, and do two weeks back to back at t/s. Honolulu usually has cheaper flights, and use either Hawaiian or Aloha for your inter-island flights.
Good luck, you just can't go with any island!

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

We have stayed at the timeshares at Marriott Maui, Marriott Kauai, and have been to Oahu for a couple of days. What is the 4th Marriott? …

There are two Marriotts on Kaua`i.

 

[copper]

Why are you limiting yourself to a 1 bedroom search? I would be putting in for Waiohai Beach Club on Kauai (all two bedrooms) and Ko Olina on Oahu where a 2 bedroom should be available (I got a 2 bedroom trade for this Dec). 2 bedrooms at the Maui Ocean Club and Kauai Beach Club would be much more difficult although not impossible.

You may also look into a self referal for a stay at Ko Olina to go along with your week trade. We just got one in the mail and it was for 6 days/5 nights and a car rental for 700+ (as I recall because I discarded it). I just don't know if it would accomodate 4 though. Also try for a self referal into Waiohai.

Another source for an additional week is skyauction. You should be able to pick up a Maui Kahana Falls 2 bedroom for around $600 or so.

One other option is to pick up a rental at the Kauai Embassy. We got a rental there about 3 years ago for $1100 for the week for a two bedroom and only had to put up with a 90 minute relatively painless tour.

2 weeks is a must for the distance you are traveling.

 

[Clemson Fan]

I've seen all of the Marriott's and stayed at most of them in Hawaii. They're all really nice and you really can't go wrong.

If it were my only trip in my life, though, I would probably go to Oahu. Oahu gets a bum rap, but I really like Honolulu, and there are tons of stuff to do there that will easily fill up a week. Pearl Harbor IMO should be visited at least once in a lifetime.

Ko'Olina is a little out of the way on the southwestern side of the island, but the villas there are phenomenal and the best ones that I've personally stayed at in Hawaii. The lagoons are great too. It's also the best spot on the island for sunsets.

 

[ZCar]

OK, my 2ç worth.
Two weeks (at least). Change your request to a two bedroom.

Kauai, our choice of Islands:
Although owning at Kauai Beach Club and really enjoy it, I can't readily recommend the 1 br. as it has a fold-out sofa in one room and a king bed in the other. No separate living room as such. Mini-kitchens.

Waiohai, on Poipu beach (south shore Kauai) has 2 full bedroom Villas only.
This may be your best chance, but who knows!

A Maui 2 br. may be difficult, although not impossible. Nice if you can get it. Also has mini-kitchen.

Ko'Olina, our favorite resort, has 2 br. although it looks as if most owners do lockouts. The 1 br. will sleep 4 comfortably, (Sofa-bed in Living room) and has full kitchen. The lockout part of the 2 br. is "Hotel Room" size & type, but nice for two.

Givem' a shot and see what happens. No matter, I'm certain you'll enjoy Hawaii.
And keep in mind, through Interval, you have no choice of views.

 

[armlem2]

thanks

I would like to thank all of you for taking the time and responding to my questions with your experience and input. I am going to first change my request and ask for a 2 bedroom. try to do Ohau first then hopefully either Kauai or Maui. Again thanks

 

[DannyMc]

Hanauma Bay

On Oahu be sure to go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. Also take the hike along the left side of the bay to the Queen's Toilet Bowl. Some of the prettiest beaches in Hawaii are on the windward side of Oahu. Spend some time at Bellows Beach. I think most of the people who discount Oahu probably never get away from Honolulu. There's something you keep you busy every day on the island.

 

[Darlene]

Oh yeah, I forgot about the Marriott in Poipou. We saw it being built the last time we were in Kauai.
Darlene

 

[Clemson Fan]

On Oahu be sure to go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. Also take the hike along the left side of the bay to the Queen's Toilet Bowl.

The last time I was there they had fenced it off so you couldn't hike around to it. It's too bad b/c that is one of the coolest things on the islands. I'm sure there's another way to hike down to it, but I don't know where that would be.

 

[cp73]

The last time I was there they had fenced it off so you couldn't hike around to it.

I had heard that a tourist was killed there and thats why its now fenced off.

 

[taffy19]

On Oahu be sure to go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. Also take the hike along the left side of the bay to the Queen's Toilet Bowl. Some of the prettiest beaches in Hawaii are on the windward side of Oahu. Spend some time at Bellows Beach. I think most of the people who discount Oahu probably never get away from Honolulu. There's something you keep you busy every day on the island.

Do you mean this spot? There seems to be another way to get there.

http://www.hawaiiweb.com/oahu/sites_to_see/toilet_bowl.htm

 

[Clemson Fan]

Do you mean this spot? There seems to be another way to get there.

http://www.hawaiiweb.com/oahu/sites_to_see/toilet_bowl.htm

Yup, that's it. I guess they open that fence gate up occasionally even though I've never seen it open when I've been there since they erected it.

Right to the side of it there's a little hole in the volcanic rock no larger than a manhole that people slide head first into and they end up in that channel. A bunch of people were doing it the last time I was there and it was one of the craziest things I've seen. They would lie on the ground next to it and then wait until a way rolled in the channel and it would fill up. They would then slide head first into it and a few seconds later they would pop up in the channel about 20 feet away from the hole. My bet is that the tourist that got killed there was trying it b/c the toilet bowl itself isn't that hard to handle.

 

[squiggle]

Where is best to see waterfalls - Kauai or Big Island?

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

Where is best to see waterfalls - Kauai or Big Island?

Kauai.

Waterfalls require streams and streams require geologic time to develop. Most of the Big Island is so new geologically that the stream system is not well developed; hence fewer waterfalls.

OTOH, if you are a snorkeler or diver, that is good news. Streams means surface runoff, which means more turbid water. The Big Island has the best diving, particularly on the west coast, because the water doesn't get muddied by surface runoff.

 

[Darlene]

Kauai hands down has the best waterfall - remember the first Jurassic Park movie? The helicopter flying over the waterfall, that was filmed on Kauai.
And yes, the Big Island has the best diving visibility. I love the beautiful, clear water at the Capt. Cook Monument.
Darlene