HHV - No rooms at all? [2008 thread revisited]

[OnMedic]

This is not correct. Owners of Grand Waikikian and Kingsland could get points in 2008 with the payment of a use fee roughly equal to the projected MF. This would have no effect on the 2009 points. Therefore, a situation is created where there are a lot of owners with points, but no home property to trade into.

nonutrix

Is this legal? How can you sell more time then you have on deed real estate? I couldn't imagine buying a new home, then when it came time to move in being told "sorry, the family that bought to close next year had nowhere to live so we are letting them live in your house until then".

I remember asking intrawest this exact question because their system does not have an assigned/deeded home resort, unit and week.

Sorry, I am just having a hard time srapping my head around selling something (time) for use that does not exist!

 

[nonutrix]

Is this legal? How can you sell more time then you have on deed real estate? I couldn't imagine buying a new home, then when it came time to move in being told "sorry, the family that bought to close next year had nowhere to live so we are letting them live in your house until then".

I remember asking intrawest this exact question because their system does not have an assigned/deeded home resort, unit and week.

Sorry, I am just having a hard time srapping my head around selling something (time) for use that does not exist!

I can't speak to the legality of this act, only to the fact that this is happening. I think that once the new properties are opened for stays, there will be a lot more availability in Hawaii at all of the properties. Now it is a case of a lot of new owners all dressed up with new points and no place to go!

nonutrix

 

[jzirker]

When we were at our presentation in NYC, we had the choice "even though it ws past the deadline..." to gain 2008 conversion points by making the transaction a 2008 transaction vs. 2009. Of course, we would have had to pay the 2008 MF in order to get the 2008 conversion... or so we were told. We didn't do it because ourt plans for this year are already made.

Jeff

 

[benjaminb13]

I can't speak to the legality of this act, only to the fact that this is happening. I think that once the new properties are opened for stays, there will be a lot more availability in Hawaii at all of the properties. Now it is a case of a lot of new owners all dressed up with new points and no place to go!

nonutrix

thats good to hear
I just did the owners tour for kingsland-
this property will be incredible- 3 pools superslide etc-
a hawaiian themed super clubhouse courtyard
It would be a shame if other owners are unable to get here
unfortunately 2 br plus units - are 12600 for plat--whew
Just met some seaworld owners who are having the most incredible time here in the big island- They said they were lucky to be able to get here as an opening came up at 8 monhts out-
There is so much to do -
a plus is the free access to HWV- its almost like a mini- seaworld- and its free

 

[nonutrix]

thats good to hear
I just did the owners tour for kingsland-
this property will be incredible- 3 pools superslide etc-
a hawaiian themed super clubhouse courtyard
It would be a shame if other owners are unable to get here
unfortunately 2 br plus units - are 12600 for plat--whew
Just met some seaworld owners who are having the most incredible time here in the big island- They said they were lucky to be able to get here as an opening came up at 8 monhts out-
There is so much to do -
a plus is the free access to HWV- its almost like a mini- seaworld- and its free

Are there models for Kingsland open to view? Can you go to the property to take a look?

nonutrix

 

[benjaminb13]

no Models open yet- didnt see any in the construction area- followed up with a phone call- nothing yet-

 

[Sandy VDH]

when in the new Oahu property expected to be open? How much in advance do they put inventory into the system?

Does anyone know.

 

[Aptman]

Got a 1BD in HHV/Lagoon for Spring Break - 1 week

I've been watching with dismay the absolute lack of availability at HHV this whole year. I stayed there this last March just after we bought and loved it. However, when we wanted to go back and take the kids, we had absolutely no availability.

Now, however, I landed a 1BD at the Lagoon Tower from April 4 - April 11 (Saturday to Saturday, and the week that my kids are on vacation from school). I caught it just in the 9 month period, so I got very lucky. There is still a little left, so jump on it people if you're interested.

I was wondering what people thought of this conundrum. My kids will be 8 & 6 next spring break, and have never been to Hawaii. I could also have landed a 2BD at HGVC Waikaloa, with its access to HWV. What do some of you think of the value of going to Waikaloa vs. HHV for the week. As I see it, Waikaloa has a much better pool, and is in a much more mellow area, with more scenery right there without the bustle of the huge city.

We'll get a car regardless of where we go (so getting around is not a huge issue), and flights appear to be cheaper to Honolulu than to Kona. Also, we only have 4800 points per year, so we'd have to use nearly all of 2 years worth of points to go to the big island. Finally, it seems like there's more cultural & historical things to do on Oahu, and that area has more things to do within walking distance of where we're staying. I say this as having no experience in the area of Waikaloa, so I don't know beyond what I've read on these boards.

Do any of you have any opinions whether one way seems like a glaringly no-brainer better way to proceed? Obviously, things depend on our personality, I'm just wondering if people are scratching their heads saying "he actually passed up on Waikaloa in his situation....? What a fool!"

I can still cancel and try to scoop up one of the remaining Waikaloa rooms that are available (oh yeah, I forgot to mention that, there's a bit of Waikaloa availability too - how about your thoughts before your reservations ) if I act quickly. But, I think I'm stuck.

Finally, does anyone have a best guess on airfare from Los Angeles around that time? That's going to hurt. Any suggestions on getting the cheapest (not enough miles for all 4 of us).

 

[Troopers]

This is discouraging. I've been looking into a HHV purchase.

 

[pacman]

I was wondering what people thought of this conundrum. My kids will be 8 & 6 next spring break, and have never been to Hawaii. I could also have landed a 2BD at HGVC Waikaloa, with its access to HWV. What do some of you think of the value of going to Waikaloa vs. HHV for the week. As I see it, Waikaloa has a much better pool, and is in a much more mellow area, with more scenery right there without the bustle of the huge city.

Do any of you have any opinions whether one way seems like a glaringly no-brainer better way to proceed? Obviously, things depend on our personality, I'm just wondering if people are scratching their heads saying "he actually passed up on Waikaloa in his situation....? What a fool!"

Aptman,

You asked for opionions. My very favorite place is the HHV in Waikiki. Went to both the HHV and Bay Club last year, and for my wife and I, it wasn't even close. In Waikiki, you can walk everywhere. The beach at the Hilton end is not nearly as busy as the rest of Waikiki, and driving along the coast up to Sunset Beach is second to none. Your kids will still like the pool and the beach in Waikiki, although the pools at Waikaloa are impressive (although too Las Vegas in our opinion). I was not impressed with the beach at Waikaloa at all. I go to Hawaii for the beach, and Ohau does have nice beaches. You can also find cheaper places to eat in Waikiki vs. Waikaloa. My 2 cents worth.

Pacman

 

[jehb2]

Yours is a really tough choice which is why we always spend a week at both HHV and the Bay Club. I'm crazy about both places for very different reasons.

Perhaps a good question is would you like a lot of hustle and bustle or do you like a lot of quiet. Do you like to be out and about once the sun goes down are you fine at the timeshare once evening sets in.

I would suggest that you keep the HHV reservation if only because it has ben so difficult to get lately.

I was not impressed with the beach at Waikaloa at all.

But 8-12 minutes down the road are two of the most spectacular beaches in the world.

 

[i39249]

Aptman,

I just got back from HGVC kalia Tower. I was at HGVC Waikoloa last year. They are 2 very different resorts. I like the waikoloa for the peace and quiet. Most things on the Big Island require you to drive there. The beach near the resort, A bay is not so great. But 10-15 minutes down the road, are some great beaches. Some of the best in America. On the Big Island, Kona is the biggest town near the resort. It is about a half day tour. Up on top of Kona are some coffee farms. Both of these probably don't excite little ones. My son is 7. On the Big Island, there is Volcano National Park. It is an interesting place to explore, however with kids at that age, they'll probably loose interest after half a day and you really need a full day to explore the park. On the east side of the island, you can also visit the Macadamia Nuts factory. One hour max there, but the kids & mom love the ice cream. If you want to spend some quality time with the kids and play with them, i would pick the Big Island.

On Oahu, there are so many things to do. The kids would have a great time at the Polynesian Cultural Center, although the younger one might be kind of young. One can visit the Arizona memorial, check out the military museums and drive out to the North Shore and check out the scenery. Kids love the shave ice at Matsumotos. If you like seafood, there are shrimp trucks along the drive. Also you can check out the Dole plantation. There is a cool train ride there. If your little ones are great swimmers, you can go to Hanauma Bay to snorkel with the fish. There are also some great scenic spots on Oahu. Oh by the way, depends on the wife, if she loves shopping, then you can't go wrong with HHV. The only true shopping mall in Hawaii is located near HHV. It is a pretty big outdoor mall with lots of different shops. Food is cheaper in Oahu also, thought not inside the resort.

It just depends on what you want to do. You can't go wrong with either.

I checked airfare around March, April and the cheapest i could find was on American for around $750 out of LAX to HNL. Hawaiian Air is about $800 a person.

 

[ljmiii]

I was wondering what people thought of this conundrum. My kids will be 8 & 6 next spring break, and have never been to Hawaii....

My wife and I have been to Hawaii many times (she went to UH Manoa) and we love both Oahu and the Big Island. However, with kids who are 8 and 6 who have never been to Hawaii I would definately go to HHV.

There is just a world of stuff to do close to HHV that will entertain kids - many walking, most a short drive, and only really two (North Shore and Polynesian Cultural Center) a longer drive.

The problem with Waikaloa is that the pool, the beach and maybe horseback riding at Parker Ranch are really the only kid friendly activities nearby. Most of the good stuff for the younger set is down in the arc from Kona through Volcano to Hilo - quite a drive from Waikaloa.

...flights appear to be cheaper to Honolulu than to Kona. Also, we only have 4800 points per year, so we'd have to use nearly all of 2 years worth of points to go to the big island.

Given all of this and assuming you are not 'city phobic' HHV is definately the way to go this trip.

That said...the Big Island is AMAZING and one day you must go. But it is BIG - don't try to stay in one place all week. A day or two in Hilo, a day or two at Volcano, and the rest somewhere Kona side makes for a much better vacation. It is (or at least was - I haven't checked since Aloha bit the dust) just as cheap to fly into Hilo and out of Kona (or visa versa) as doing a round trip into Kona - and you'll spend a lot less time in the car.

enjoy,
leo

 

[benjaminb13]

I've been watching with dismay the absolute lack of availability at HHV this whole year. I stayed there this last March just after we bought and loved it. However, when we wanted to go back and take the kids, we had absolutely no availability.

Now, however, I landed a 1BD at the Lagoon Tower from April 4 - April 11 (Saturday to Saturday, and the week that my kids are on vacation from school). I caught it just in the 9 month period, so I got very lucky. There is still a little left, so jump on it people if you're interested.

I was wondering what people thought of this conundrum. My kids will be 8 & 6 next spring break, and have never been to Hawaii. I could also have landed a 2BD at HGVC Waikaloa, with its access to HWV. What do some of you think of the value of going to Waikaloa vs. HHV for the week. As I see it, Waikaloa has a much better pool, and is in a much more mellow area, with more scenery right there without the bustle of the huge city.

We'll get a car regardless of where we go (so getting around is not a huge issue), and flights appear to be cheaper to Honolulu than to Kona. Also, we only have 4800 points per year, so we'd have to use nearly all of 2 years worth of points to go to the big island. Finally, it seems like there's more cultural & historical things to do on Oahu, and that area has more things to do within walking distance of where we're staying. I say this as having no experience in the area of Waikaloa, so I don't know beyond what I've read on these boards.

Do any of you have any opinions whether one way seems like a glaringly no-brainer better way to proceed? Obviously, things depend on our personality, I'm just wondering if people are scratching their heads saying "he actually passed up on Waikaloa in his situation....? What a fool!"

I can still cancel and try to scoop up one of the remaining Waikaloa rooms that are available (oh yeah, I forgot to mention that, there's a bit of Waikaloa availability too - how about your thoughts before your reservations ) if I act quickly. But, I think I'm stuck.

Finally, does anyone have a best guess on airfare from Los Angeles around that time? That's going to hurt. Any suggestions on getting the cheapest (not enough miles for all 4 of us).[/QUOTE

-I have also stayed in both places HHV and HGVC Waik I myself prefer Oahu-more scenic, commercial, nice beaches. But my kids - 9 and 6 - girls absolutely loved HGVC Waik. more, just more kid friendly I guess- Especially for their age. Try to get 2 br. get a bottom floor near the pool- your kids will love it- youll also have free access to HWV- Unfortunately , you cant do that if you settle for bay Club. Your children will love the pools and their lagoon is a perfect place for them to learn how to snorkle- all of this right around the corner-
they will also enjoy the new mall- Queens village- 2 minutes away

 

[benjaminb13]

I've been watching with dismay the absolute lack of availability at HHV this whole year. I stayed there this last March just after we bought and loved it. However, when we wanted to go back and take the kids, we had absolutely no availability.

Now, however, I landed a 1BD at the Lagoon Tower from April 4 - April 11 (Saturday to Saturday, and the week that my kids are on vacation from school). I caught it just in the 9 month period, so I got very lucky. There is still a little left, so jump on it people if you're interested.

I was wondering what people thought of this conundrum. My kids will be 8 & 6 next spring break, and have never been to Hawaii. I could also have landed a 2BD at HGVC Waikaloa, with its access to HWV. What do some of you think of the value of going to Waikaloa vs. HHV for the week. As I see it, Waikaloa has a much better pool, and is in a much more mellow area, with more scenery right there without the bustle of the huge city.

We'll get a car regardless of where we go (so getting around is not a huge issue), and flights appear to be cheaper to Honolulu than to Kona. Also, we only have 4800 points per year, so we'd have to use nearly all of 2 years worth of points to go to the big island. Finally, it seems like there's more cultural & historical things to do on Oahu, and that area has more things to do within walking distance of where we're staying. I say this as having no experience in the area of Waikaloa, so I don't know beyond what I've read on these boards.

Do any of you have any opinions whether one way seems like a glaringly no-brainer better way to proceed? Obviously, things depend on our personality, I'm just wondering if people are scratching their heads saying "he actually passed up on Waikaloa in his situation....? What a fool!"

I can still cancel and try to scoop up one of the remaining Waikaloa rooms that are available (oh yeah, I forgot to mention that, there's a bit of Waikaloa availability too - how about your thoughts before your reservations ) if I act quickly. But, I think I'm stuck.

Finally, does anyone have a best guess on airfare from Los Angeles around that time? That's going to hurt. Any suggestions on getting the cheapest (not enough miles for all 4 of us).

-I have also stayed in both places HHV and HGVC Waik I myself prefer Oahu-more scenic, commercial, nice beaches. But my kids - 9 and 6 - girls absolutely loved HGVC Waik. more, just more kid friendly I guess- Especially for their age. Try to get 2 br. get a bottom floor near the pool- your kids will love it- youll also have free access to HWV- Unfortunately , you cant do that if you settle for bay Club. Your children will love the pools and their lagoon is a perfect place for them to learn how to snorkle- all of this right around the corner-
they will also enjoy the new mall- Queens village- 2 minutes away

 

[Sandy VDH]

This is discouraging. I've been looking into a HHV purchase.

If you purchase a HHV than you will have access at 12 months instead of 9 months and you should not have a problem getting there.

However resales are high and MFs are even higher that most other HGVC locations.

Sandy

 

[GregT]

HGVC TUGgers,

I found this older thread on the lack of HHV availability, and there was speculation that once the newer properties opened (Grand Waikikian and Kings Land) that the pressure on HHV availability would be relieved.

Now that it's mid-2010, is there still the same lack of HHV availability for Club Reservations, or is it lessening?

Please advise and thanks!

 

[nonutrix]

HGVC TUGgers,

I found this older thread on the lack of HHV availability, and there was speculation that once the newer properties opened (Grand Waikikian and Kings Land) that the pressure on HHV availability would be relieved.

Now that it's mid-2010, is there still the same lack of HHV availability for Club Reservations, or is it lessening?

Please advise and thanks!

I had no trouble booking three weeks in June back in January. I just looked to see there is a lot of HHV availability for the next 30 days under the open season reservations.

Hope this helps.

nonutrix

 

[jestme]

I had no trouble booking three weeks in June back in January. I just looked to see there is a lot of HHV availability for the next 30 days under the open season reservations.

Hope this helps.

nonutrix

As I look today, there is very little club season available at the HHV in Jan.-Feb. at all. Yet the Open season there right now seems to have a lot for the next 30 days. If this is any indication, then booking at midnight at the beginning of your 9 month window is imperative to get a club reservation. Then again, Hilton (Blackstone) may be hoarding 2011 inventory to use as sales incentive for the new towers at the HHV that they will soon be be selling at "pre-construction" pricing. People will be buying those now, getting their annual allotment of points, and will have no "home" resort to trade into the system for a few years.

 

[Talent312]

I dislike the notion of tacking onto a 2008 thread; however...
As you may recall, the economy tanked in the interim. This has taken a lot of wind out of the sails of Hawiian tourism. While high-demand periods will lead to a tight supply, if you act as soon as the club-window opens or wait for open season, you should find enuff available to suit.

 

[GregT]

I dislike the notion of tacking onto a 2008 thread;

Sorry....... I thought of that after the fact and realized I should have linked it......still a bit of a newbie here.....

Thanks for the responses!

All the best,

Greg

 

[feed the otter]

We are spending a week @ HHV Kalia Tower in January, having started working the days as soon as we hit the 9 month window as jestme alluded to doing. Turns out we had a couple days to spare before it all disappeared on us, but hardly enough time to think about what we wanted to do. In this case it definitely paid to plan our trip well in advance.

I hadn't considered the possibility of inventory being hoarded to cover the sales of the new HHV towers. I likewise haven't been watching, but are these new towers already being sold?

 

[jestme]

I don't think they have building permits as yet, so they wouldn't have them for sale yet. But as soon as they do get the permits, you can bet they will start selling them at "pre-construction" prices, just like they do with all the others.

 

[TUGmember100]

9 month window

I'm sorry if this was addressed elsewhere and another newbie question...but what timezone at midnight does the 9-month window start? I'm assuming EST since Club Member services is located in FL?

 

[jestme]

I'm sorry if this was addressed elsewhere and another newbie question...but what timezone at midnight does the 9-month window start? I'm assuming EST since Club Member services is located in FL?

Yes. That is correct.