II Exchange / Hawaii questions

[jp10558]

So, I'm trying to do my first II exchange for my Fox Run week 33. I put in an OGS on any of the Marriott properties 2BR in Hawaii from May-October 2026. I guess that is probably a bit of a "Hail Mary" cause I know Marriott may be a stretch for Fox Run. Then again, why not try with a somewhat wide net and dates far out.

I did get an e-mail today from II for The Kona Coast Resort Phase II in August 2026 but it wants me to call them. I'm guessing this is perhaps the "Infamous lesser exchange attempt from II" I've seen a couple times, but TBH, Kona Coast on II looks (not as nice as Marriott) nice enough to me - similar to maybe the Surfside Beach Palms Worldmark I stayed at earlier this year. I.e. 3-3.5ish stars rather than 4. The location "seems fine" given I've never been to Hawaii, looks like it's very close to the beach (claims .7 Miles) and has the all important hot tub and pool. Sauna as a bonus if II is right.

Of course, as I'm looking for 2026, I can wait on the search - but what does TUG think? Should I bother to call and maybe take this exchange?

 

[dioxide45]

YOu probably won't see any 2026 Marriott deposits this early. Those tend to deposit at the earlist being 14 months out. A 2BR is also a challenge since most of the resorts are lock offs into 1BR and studio.

Another thing to confirm about Kona Coast. Do they have air conditioning? Is there a fee for using the AC? I don't know the answer, but some resorts either don't have it or charge extra for it.

 

[klpca]

So, I'm trying to do my first II exchange for my Fox Run week 33. I put in an OGS on any of the Marriott properties 2BR in Hawaii from May-October 2026. I guess that is probably a bit of a "Hail Mary" cause I know Marriott may be a stretch for Fox Run. Then again, why not try with a somewhat wide net and dates far out.

I did get an e-mail today from II for The Kona Coast Resort Phase II in August 2026 but it wants me to call them. I'm guessing this is perhaps the "Infamous lesser exchange attempt from II" I've seen a couple times, but TBH, Kona Coast on II looks (not as nice as Marriott) nice enough to me - similar to maybe the Surfside Beach Palms Worldmark I stayed at earlier this year. I.e. 3-3.5ish stars rather than 4. The location "seems fine" given I've never been to Hawaii, looks like it's very close to the beach (claims .7 Miles) and has the all important hot tub and pool. Sauna as a bonus if II is right.

Of course, as I'm looking for 2026, I can wait on the search - but what does TUG think? Should I bother to call and maybe take this exchange?

Kona Coast in Aug will be pretty warm. I haven't stayed there but my former SIL loved the resort so we visited them there a few times. If I recall, there is an extra charge for AC, and there is no beach access - you will need to drive to the beach. The views are limited for exchangers as well. I would do more research before you accepted this exchange to make sure that it is what you want. There are a lot of properties in Hawaii and there will be more opportunities. You have plenty of time.

 

[jp10558]

Kona Coast in Aug will be pretty warm. I haven't stayed there but my former SIL loved the resort so we visited them there a few times. If I recall, there is an extra charge for AC, and there is no beach access - you will need to drive to the beach. The views are limited for exchangers as well. I would do more research before you accepted this exchange to make sure that it is what you want. There are a lot of properties in Hawaii and there will be more opportunities. You have plenty of time.

Good to know. I think I'll wait then - like you said, there isn't really a rush, and I def need AC. I also have no current idea other than "We'd like to go to Hawaii in 2026". Ideally I'd match something by 11 months out or so and then try and tie an HGVC or Wyndham week either before or after it using my owned points when they open up for club bookings.

 

[klpca]

Good to know. I think I'll wait then - like you said, there isn't really a rush, and I def need AC. I also have no current idea other than "We'd like to go to Hawaii in 2026". Ideally I'd match something by 11 months out or so and then try and tie an HGVC or Wyndham week either before or after it using my owned points when they open up for club bookings.

Ok. that first post was pre coffee. The two bedroom is a wrinkle. You still have a lot of time but two bedrooms aren't as plentiful as 1 bedrooms/studios. Your best strategy (in addition to an OGS) is to manually search on a regular basis and watch the posts in the sightings board. Most inventory will show up about a year out +/- and you can start watching the patterns now, to see what your Fox Run will see.

 

[b2bailey]

Ok. that first post was pre coffee. The two bedroom is a wrinkle. You still have a lot of time but two bedrooms aren't as plentiful as 1 bedrooms/studios. Your best strategy (in addition to an OGS) is to manually search on a regular basis and watch the posts in the sightings board. Most inventory will show up about a year out +/- and you can start watching the patterns now, to see what your Fox Run will see.

Yes, this. I often check to see what one of my weeks COULD see as an exchange.
As an example, my Marriott Newport Coast 2BR is my strongest trader. At this moment I'm not able to see any 2bedroom Marriott units anywhere in Hawaii, any time in the future.

 

[fishwithwater]

There is only one Marriott on the Big Island and I haven't seen it on the sighting board lately, but since you said any of the Marriott properties in Hawaii, I think you have a decent chance when you are closer to the check in date.