Interval Exchange (Kona Coast Resort Phase II)

[HiDef]

I recently put in an ongoing reuqest with Interval for a week in Hawaii on the Big Island.

After only 3 days I have been offered the Kona Coast Resort Phase II, in a 1 bedroom.

The unit I am using can pull a 2 bedroom.

My vacation is planned for mid-August.

Should I hold out for a 2 bedroom? I have requested every resort on the Big Island.

Or, is it unlikley any 2 bedrooms will come up and should scoop this 1 bedroom up.

Advice?

Thanks

 

[gmarine]

I'd take the exchange if a one bedroom works and pay the $49 for the retrade option then if a two bedroom comes up you can grab it. I think its risky to wait for a two bedroom in August.

 

[HiDef]

That's a good idea. I had not considered doing that but it makes a lot of sense.

What are the mechanics in doing this? Do I keep the 1 bedroom and then place another request first for a 2 bedroom, and if it hits how do I re-trade the 1 bedroom for the 2 bedroom?

 

[LLW]

That's a good idea. I had not considered doing that but it makes a lot of sense.

What are the mechanics in doing this? Do I keep the 1 bedroom and then place another request first for a 2 bedroom, and if it hits how do I re-trade the 1 bedroom for the 2 bedroom?

If it hits you would have to call in, within 24 hours, to ask to substitute the new match with the retrade. If you don't call in within 24 hours of match (regardless of II business hours), you may be stuck with both units. Ongoing searches are a hassle this way, and you would have to decide if a 2BR is worth it. Luckily, you would only have to watch until August.

One way to deal with it may be to put a re-trade on the new request, so that if you have to do a replacement exchange it would cost only $49 vs $164. If you catch the new match within 24 hours that would be refunded upon cancellation of the request, along with the $164 for placing the request.

 

[bobpark56]

Checked out of a 1BR 3 days ago

We just checked out of Kona Coast II 3 days ago. We had a 1BR unit (top floor) and were quite pleased with it. It was one of the 2 largest timeshare units we have ever stayed in, and the decor, fittings, and construction were just a notch below what you would find at a Marriott or Starwood timeshare. And we enjoyed the location. Don't expect a big pool...or fast internet. Buildings 19-27 have the best views, except for building 20. If we were to do it again, we would ask for building 26, as it appears that you can enter there on the 2nd floor and not have to lug your bags up 2 flights of stairs (there are no elevators). No one pressed us a bit to attend a timeshare presentation, though we learned we could receive $79 (I think it was) for attending if we wished to.

You should be aware that there is an extra charge for electricity if you elect to have air-conditioning (we found it useful). The current rate for a 1BR unit is $8.xx per day, a bit less than for a 2BR unit.

For inexpensive dining, we highly recommend Da Poke Shack (if poke is your thing) and The Thai Restaurant in the mall just above the resort. Peaberry & Galette is also nice, but not cheap, for breakfast...if you like an assortment of tasty crepes. Be sure to get your Aloha Privileges card when checking in. It will get you a 10% discount at The Thai Restaurant...and some others.

Bring your Costco & Safeway cards if you have them.

For snorkeling, start with Kahalu'u Beach, then try City of Refuge...or Mauna Kea beach if you like sandy beaches. For last 2, be sure to arrive early (before 9 am) if you want parking. It's best to avoid weekends here.

For City of Refuge ("Two-Step"), you may arrive later if you don't mind paying the National Park fees for entering and using their parking lot. But we showed our National Park Golden (senior) Pass along with a military ID card and were not charged a cent.

 

[HiDef]

Thanks Bob, that was a great post and really helpfull. I was worried about space but am not that concerned now. I've decided to keep the unit.