Hawaii

[Jzman1p]

Best resort for couples that want to be close to the action yet be far enough away..would like to see big waves as well..never been to Hawaii so would like the best overall..thanks

 

[jacknsara]

Aloha,
You didn't indicate an island preference nor what the word action means to you.
However, if you want to see big waves, your best chance is the north shore during winter.
Princeville on Kauai's north shore has many timeshares but few have ocean views.
I'm not sure that I would recommend Kauai for action (depends on what that means).
Jack

 

[Eric B]

Not much action for the first two weeks with the mandatory quarantine for visitors now....

 

[Jzman1p]

Not going until end of july..action meaning shopping and stuff to keep busy. But willing to drive to get that..

 

[cbyrne1174]

Personally, if I were going to spend the money to go to Hawaii, I would only stay at Aulani (DVC), Marriott in Maui or Ocean Tower at Hilton Waikoloa Village. Wyndham pales in comparison to those 3 resorts.

 

[DaveNV]

Midsummer is traditionally the lowest wave heights of the year. If you want major waves, you need to go in the winter season. That's when the storms in the North Pacific send big waves toward Hawaii.

Having said that, you can often see "larger than normal" surf at places like Pupukea, Chun's Reef, Sunset, Pipeline, or Waimea Bay, all on Oahu. Makaha has the highest average surf on the island, but summer heights are kind of a toss up. Maybe. Pick any Oahu timeshare, since they're all a bit of a drive from the north shore. KoOlina or Aulani would get you closer to Makaha. On Oahu, "action" equals Waikiki. Several timeshare choices there and they're all within walking distance to things.

The Big Island doesn't have a lot of big surf, and minimal "action." Same with Kauai, other than surf on the north shore in winter. No "action" to speak of.

Maui has bigger surf on the north side, but "Jaws" that you've heard about is a wintertime thing, for the same reason as on Oahu. Most of the "action" will be in Lahaina or along the Ka'anapali side.

So if you're locked in to going in July, there isn't much hope of seeing big surf. Nice surf, Excellent surf, Great shore break surf, yes. But nothing I'd consider "big surf."

All in, at that time of year, pick Oahu. Stay anywhere, and drive to the north shore beaches when you want to see waves.

Dave

 

[cbyrne1174]

Midsummer is traditionally the lowest wave heights of the year. If you want major waves, you need to go in the winter season. That's when the storms in the North Pacific send big waves toward Hawaii.

Having said that, you can often see "larger than normal" surf at places like Pupukea, Chun's Reef, Sunset, Pipeline, or Waimea Bay, all on Oahu. Makaha has the highest average surf on the island, but summer heights are kind of a toss up. Maybe. Pick any Oahu timeshare, since they're all a bit of a drive from the north shore. KoOlina or Aulani would get you closer to Makaha. On Oahu, "action" equals Waikiki. Several timeshare choices there and they're all within walking distance to things.

The Big Island doesn't have a lot of big surf, and minimal "action." Same with Kauai, other than surf on the north shore in winter. No "action" to speak of.

Maui has bigger surf on the north side, but "Jaws" that you've heard about is a wintertime thing, for the same reason as on Oahu. Most of the "action" will be in Lahaina or along the Ka'anapali side.

So if you're locked in to going in July, there isn't much hope of seeing big surf. Nice surf, Excellent surf, Great shore break surf, yes. But nothing I'd consider "big surf."

All in, at that time of year, pick Oahu. Stay anywhere, and drive to the north shore beaches when you want to see waves.

Dave

DIS Unplugged team just did a pros and cons of Aulani for the DVC show and mentioned renting a car to watch the surfers. Aulani is in Oahu near Honolulu.

 

[BDMX2]

Personally, if I were going to spend the money to go to Hawaii, I would only stay at Aulani (DVC), Marriott in Maui or Ocean Tower at Hilton Waikoloa Village. Wyndham pales in comparison to those 3 resorts.

I think it really depends on what you're after in a Hawaiian vacation. If you're looking for a big lavish resort without the need to go anywhere else while on vacation, then I can see this. But we had a great time at Wyndham Kona on Big Island and Pono Kai (non-Wyndham, available via RCI or rental from an owner) on Kaua'i last year. We loved exploring both islands and experiencing local people and culture. (and I say this as a huge Disney fan and prior DVC owner)

@Jzman1p you might want to hop to the Hawaii forum here on TUG, there's a lot to weed through when deciding on an island or islands. We loved it and can't wait to get back at some point. Last year was our first trip but won't be our last

 

[capital city]

There are a lot of assumptions made by people that haven't stayed at any of these resorts. Obviously there are better resorts than Wyndham has to offer but that applies just about anywhere. Do you want to pay twice the amount for a Marriott stay? If Hawaii is a bucket list item than maybe, if its a every year or every other year thing then use your Wyndham points until it doesn't provide the experience you expect or can afford.

 

[Luanne]

We have been going to Hawaii since 1986. We own at Maui Hill, which we love. We have traded into timeshares on the Big Island, Kauai and Molokai. We've never stayed at one of the big resorts. Well, I take that back. We did stay at the Waikoloa Hilton (hotel not timeshare) for one night in between timeshare stays. Our daughters got bored of the pools and slides in a couple of hours.

 

[cbyrne1174]

We have been going to Hawaii since 1986. We own at Maui Hill, which we love. We have traded into timeshares on the Big Island, Kauai and Molokai. We've never stayed at one of the big resorts. Well, I take that back. We did stay at the Waikoloa Hilton (hotel not timeshare) for one night in between timeshare stays. Our daughters got bored of the pools and slides in a couple of hours.

Well if you're already going to fork over $3000 in airfare for a family of four, the $500 price difference in accommodations is kind of an afterthought.

 

[capital city]

I should say that I haven't stayed at any of the Hawaii resorts either but I will this winter. Royal Sea Cliff, Shearwater, and Waikiki Beach walk. I did look at Marriot resorts but the rental price was easily twice my maintenance fees so we will see. We did however take a cruise to Hawaii for our 10th anniversary and booked a more expensive wrap around aft balcony so I understand the bucket list splurge but that shouldn't apply to everyone.

 

[Luanne]

Well if you're already going to fork over $3000 in airfare for a family of four, the $500 price difference in accommodations is kind of an afterthought.

Oh sweetie, we never pay that much in airfare. Plus, I'm not sure what you mean by $500 price difference in accommodations. We trade across the board. There is no extra. And we probably haven't stayed at any of these overpriced places because we don't belong to any of those companies like Hilton, Marriott etc. But, as I said we've had wonderful family vacations year after year.

 

[capital city]

Well if you're already going to fork over $3000 in airfare for a family of four, the $500 price difference in accommodations is kind of an afterthought.

Thats how I see things too. Its not necessarily the amount but the percentage. If you book your flight, pay for food and drink, excursions, etc. If the price is $4500 for this or $5000 for that is it $500 or just 10% more for better accommodations? Technically it's both but your mind can justify it easier % wise. But if we're talking $2k more or if I can stay at Wyndham for 2 weeks for the price of Marriot for 1 week than its a different conversation

 

[Luanne]

@cbyrne1174 @capital city I'm not sure I really understand your point about this? Are you saying you can't have an enjoyable trip to Hawaii unless you shell out the extra and stay in one of the "superior" resorts? I guess we're just simple people who enjoy simple places.

 

[capital city]

Absolutely not, I was saying that Wyndham accommodations are good enough. I would only slurge for special events. Honeymoon, anniversary, bucket list, etc. I am completely fine with Wyndham and have only cruised with Carnival.

 

[HDiaz1]

Best resort for couples that want to be close to the action yet be far enough away..would like to see big waves as well..never been to Hawaii so would like the best overall..thanks

I think it depends where you want to go. As a first time, I would do Oahu and either Royal Gardens or Waikiki beach walk should be fine.
In Oahu you have the Polynesian cultural center, Pearl harbor, diamond head, snorkel Hanauma bay, tour dole plantation. There’s so much to do.

My wife and I stayed at the Lagoon Tower by HGV for our honeymoon and yes, it’s a nice resort but I wasn’t crazy about it.

I would suggest to research the islands first and see where you would like to go. Once you know where you want to go, then checkout the Wyndham resorts in that island. Good luck.