Newbie looking for advice making resale purchasing decision for Maui

[lynx67]

Hi there, my wife and I are vacationing on Maui.
We are from Canada and fell in love with this beautiful area. This is our second stay and we are currently renting from an owner at the Mahana in Ka'anapali.

We are now considering in buying a timeshare resale week, however the whole timeshare business is very new to us and it looks like there is a lot to consider.

We love the Westin property in Ka'anapali. We did attended a Timeshare presentation here and we also went to a presentation at the nearby Marriott Ocean Beach Vacation Club to have something to compare the Westin property and program to.

The recent news about II taking over the Starwood vacation club arm and Marriott taking over the hotels is putting another wrinkle into the mix.

I wonder if somebody here on TUG who is familiar with the Marriott DC and deeded week programs, as well as with the Westin Ka'anapali Starwood program (mandatory) could give us some advice / suggestions. Hindsight is always 20/20 and I would like to learn from your experience.

I should say that we are not interested in travelling the world. We like it in Maui and our first objective would be to come back here as much as possible and stay at what would become our home location (either EY or EOY).

We are in Maui until Friday and have a couple more days to consider buying.

By the way, we were warned about the sewage treatment plant across from the new Nanea building as well as about the "type of people" that are spending time at night at the nearby airport beach park. I think that that is probably all exaggerated, but if somebody has an opinion about that I would also love to hear it.

Thanks in advance for ALL responses.



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[DeniseM]

Personally, I would not even consider buying from the developer, when you can buy the same thing on the resale market for less than 50% of retail.

There is a Tugger, who is a reputable timeshare resale broker, and has an office in Lahaina - I would go see him. Very nice guy, and he won't pressure you:

Syed Sarmad
Realtor/Broker
RE License # RB-20057
Advantage Vacation LLC
www.AdvantageVacation.com
Syed@AdvantageVacation.com
Cell 808-268-3826

 

[lynx67]

Thanks a lot Denise for that info.

This TUG forum has been great for us. Still need to learn a lot though.
It helped us so far in deciding that we would not consider buying from the developer for sure.


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[Henry M.]

When I bought at WKORV, before it was even built, I compared it to Marriott. I decided I preferred the beach and the separation from Whaler's Village of the Westin. I also preferred the locations of the other properties I'd like to visit once in a while, like Westin St. John, and Harbourside.

From the TS network itself, they are relatively similar. Marriott has a few more locations, but since to me the home resort is the one that mattered, I went with Starwood. Any differences are really not enough to say one system is significantly better than the other. Both have plusses and minuses. Both trade through Interval, but I have only once in 13 years used II. The trade was fair that one time, but I really like Maui and now prefer to use VRBO when I go places I can't trade into.

I didn't know about TUG when I bought my units. I looked into resale, but back then the discount for resales wasn't as high as it is today and the number of points I got made up for most of the difference. I also bought into the hotel side of the equation, and I prefer Westin and Sheraton's when I travel to Europe. JW Marriott's are also nice, but the points I would get for a TS exchange were significantly less valuable than the Starwood points, since it takes so many more points to stay at a Marriott property. There also weren't as many nice Marriott's where I usually go. All that is changing and has an uncertain future at this point. I have actually gotten a lot of value from my hotel points, but I go overseas a lot (not as good a value in the US). However, I don't know that they're worth enough to pay double for a developer purchase.

 

[vacationtime1]

While you are still on Maui, I suggest that you walk around each of your five* target properties -- daytime and nighttime -- and check out what each view category at each place "feels" like.

You will eventually have to make choices about views and having looked at each possible view will inform your decision (for Hawaii properties, pricing depends on view, not season).

Also, remember that renting in the short term while the dust settles on Starwood's timeshare spin-off and buying later (when Nanea and Hyatt become options as well) is a valid option.


* Yes, five. WKORV, WKORVN, original Maui Ocean club, its Lahaina tower, and its Napili tower. Nanea and Hyatt are "comparable", but not yet available resale.

 

[LisaRex]

Now that Interval International, an exchange company, bought out Starwood, I'd hold off on buying anything for awhile until I figured out what that all meant for owners. Trust me, there will be people selling their timeshares until the end of time.

Also, consider renting especially if you are not chained to a school schedule like people with children. Flexibility will allow you to get a much better bargain because you can travel in shoulder season. If you can travel in low season every year, you will find lots of price breaks with private rentals and timeshare owners who just want to break even on their MFs. Timeshare ownership gives you no low season breaks because they coded the entire year as high season. So you'll be paying the same to buy in and the same MFs year after year, no matter if you travel in mid-November (low season) or mid-February (high season).

Nonetheless, if you are still interested, definitely look at resales first. Starwood was exercising its right of first refusal extensively for awhile, but not sure if they were as aggressive with EOY and studios.

FYI, I'd not consider buying Island View on either side. I would target OV on the north side and OF on the south side. (North side has better OVs and south side has better OF views.) Buy as little as you think you will PERSONALLY use. If you think you'll want to go every other year, then buy every other year. You could buy an annual 2 bdrm and split the two sides to use in 2 separate years, but if you do that, you'll lose any view upgrade you've paid for in year 2.

Also, please realize that if you buy there, you have to book your unit before the 8-12 month window closes or you will lose your view. Also realize that high season weeks will be difficult to book unless you are ready to pull the trigger exactly at 12 months out.

(See why I'd rather rent?)

 

[Henry M.]

I really like the Hyatt property too, but that program is for a fixed week, and that just does not work for me. I also don't know how easy it is to exchange into other locations. It seems like it would be very difficult to exchange in, if you owned elsewhere, due to the fixed weeks. I think most Hyatt properties are like that, but I'm not 100% sure.

 

[DavidnRobin]

If you want to go to Maui EY or EOY, and if snorkeling is a priority - buy WKORV/N (resale).
If having a straight on Ocean Front view with perfect sunsets on a large and comfortable balcony overlooking Lanai and Molokai is a high priority, then buy OFD or OFC WKORV (resale) - not WKORVN.

Can't help with the other TS systems - but we are very happy with our OF WKORV and look forward to our annual vacations there (and will continue to do so no matter what shakes out with SW and MI, or SVO/SVN and ILG/II)
YMMV

btw - if you are at WKORV/N - go out to the beach in front of B2 and look back at the OF villas - you may see what I mean...

 

[artringwald]

We've stayed many times at Diamond Resort's Ka'anapali Beach Club. You could go there for lunch or dinner at the poolside bar and grill to see what you think of the place. The only downside is that the 1 bedroom units don't have an oven, although they do have an electric frying pan.

For buying resale, a very reputable agent is Wally at Timeshare Resales Hawaii, on Honoapiilani Road just a couple of blocks north of where you're staying. Even if you don't buy from Wally, you'll have fun chatting with him. Ask to get on the mailing list for his excellent newsletter.

 

[lynx67]

Wow. Getting some really good advice here on the forum. Very much appreciated!


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[Bill4728]

Please read about mandatory and voluntary resorts in the starwood system. Then you need to determine how important the view is to you, because if you buy in AZ you can use your staroptions to reserve Maui or Kauai and pay way less in maintenance fees but your view would also be much less.

You could also buy a resale at the Marriott towers (either one) and always get the view you owned. BUT unlike a mandatory resort with starwood, the resale marriott would never be able to get marriott vacation points.

Hope this helps

 

[DeniseM]

*It has become far more difficult to reserve Maui with Staroptions.

Some high season weeks are completely booked, before the Staroption reservation window opens up, and even when available, Saturday check-in is often not available.

If you really want an Ocean Front view - you should buy where you want to go, or rent from an Ocean Front owner.

 

[kalima]

Hi from a fellow Cdn

Hi we also love Maui! We did by small points allotment from the developer but then thankfully found TUG and picked up a resale week for next to nothing at our home resort. Kaanapali Beach Club, Lahaina. WE cannot wait to go there next year in December! Anyway just wanted to say HI! We are from Vancouver Island, BC.

 

[YYJMSP]

Anyway just wanted to say HI! We are from Vancouver Island, BC.

Hi neighbours! We're in Victoria...

 

[lynx67]

Thanks to everybody for posting. Every input is helping and I have to say that the response here on TUG is giving me a very good feeling about this online community!

kalima, YYJMSP, nice to see some fellow BC TUGGERS here. Maybe we meet each other at the pool one day.
My wife and I live in Surrey (still).

I think we are at the point where we decided not to buy during our current trip...however, we will use the time until our next trip to become more knowledgeable and the objective is still becoming an owner. Besides the industry consolidation, it is the current weakness of the Canadian Dollar and our speculation / hope that our currency will become stronger before we invest a larger amount of money in US-$.

Thanks again for the great feedback!


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[pacman]

Just wanted to add my 2c worth, also from a fellow BC'er.

We are in Hawaii too right now, on the BIG island, after spending last week in Maui (WKORV-N). We own both at the Marriott Maui Ocean Club (original tower ocean view) and Starwood in AZ, so we have stayed at WKORV and WKORV-N many times (trading through II). These trades are very hard to get now, btw.

Both Maui properties have things we like and don't like, but in the end, both are very nice and we enjoy both. You can't really go wrong with either of them.
Maui was our favorite island, but for us, it has just become too busy, too commercial, and we now like the BIG island the best. You should try both the BIG island and Kauai first, before making any decision on buying in Maui. Again, just my opinion.

pacman

 

[lynx67]

Good point pacman! Honestly we have been so impressed with Maui and heard a lot that it offers the best of Hawaii if you are looking for stable weather and you are interested in a relaxing stay, that we haven't looked further than Maui yet.
You are right. We should probably get at least some more information on the other islands before spending a lot of money.
Hope you're having a nice stay on the Big Island.


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[Helios]

Just wanted to add my 2c worth, also from a fellow BC'er.

We are in Hawaii too right now, on the BIG island, after spending last week in Maui (WKORV-N). We own both at the Marriott Maui Ocean Club (original tower ocean view) and Starwood in AZ, so we have stayed at WKORV and WKORV-N many times (trading through II). These trades are very hard to get now, btw.

Both Maui properties have things we like and don't like, but in the end, both are very nice and we enjoy both. You can't really go wrong with either of them.
Maui was our favorite island, but for us, it has just become too busy, too commercial, and we now like the BIG island the best. You should try both the BIG island and Kauai first, before making any decision on buying in Maui. Again, just my opinion.

pacman

This is good advice. Look into HGVC if you are thinking about the big island.

 

[taterhed]

Just wanted to add my 2c worth, also from a fellow BC'er.

We are in Hawaii too right now, on the BIG island, after spending last week in Maui (WKORV-N). We own both at the Marriott Maui Ocean Club (original tower ocean view) and Starwood in AZ, so we have stayed at WKORV and WKORV-N many times (trading through II). These trades are very hard to get now, btw.

Both Maui properties have things we like and don't like, but in the end, both are very nice and we enjoy both. You can't really go wrong with either of them.
Maui was our favorite island, but for us, it has just become too busy, too commercial, and we now like the BIG island the best. You should try both the BIG island and Kauai first, before making any decision on buying in Maui. Again, just my opinion.

pacman

Good point pacman! Honestly we have been so impressed with Maui and heard a lot that it offers the best of Hawaii if you are looking for stable weather and you are interested in a relaxing stay, that we haven't looked further than Maui yet.
You are right. We should probably get at least some more information on the other islands before spending a lot of money.
Hope you're having a nice stay on the Big Island.


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Can I 3rd that suggestion?

Not sure what your airfare choices are from BC, but...
Marriott's Ko Olina is on Oahu--but well away from the city. Might be a good airfare choice
Kauai (Waiohai, KBC or Lagoons or ???) is our favorite also. Some busy beaches, shops etc... but tons and tons of quiet green parks, majestic canyons and 'secret' beaches for walking.

Lots to see and do. Also, consider a lock-off: pay for vacation with a rental or turn one week into two or visit 2 islands for the price of one!!

Good luck

 

[GregT]

Lynx,

You have gotten excellent suggestions already, and enjoy your remaining time in Maui. When you are back, and not under the influence of vacation, you should keep reading here on TUG and study your many options. I think will end up buying resale, and will be happy with either WKORV or MOC. There are building to building nuances, so the advice given to study the five different properties is very good.

Some of the questions you will want to consider:

1) Do you need to travel in peak season (Summer, Spring Break)
2) How important is the view to you
3) Do you cook in the unit alot (requiring a full kitchen)
4) Do you grill frequently
5) How often will you be in the ocean (snorkeling/etc), versus being at the beach but not in the water
6) Are "modern" furnishings important/relevant to you

I've stayed at WKORV twice and at Maui Ocean Club many times. They are both terrific and I would happily return to either one.

I think there is one distinct advantage to WKORV and one distinct advantage to MOC. The beach and ocean off of WKORV is far better than the beach/ocean off of MOC, which is very rocky. When we want to be in the ocean at MOC, we walk north to be in front of Kaanapali Alii or up by Blackrock.

However, the ocean view (from the grounds), is superior at MOC to the view at WKORV, which is impacted by a slope/berm/hill/trees which restricts ocean view from the grounds. These two points may or may not be significant to you, but one of my favorite things about MOC is the large grassy area in front of Lahaina Villas that looks out towards Lanai. Great lounging during the day and great spot to have dinner.

I do agree with others that there is much to like about the other islands too, and we've spent quite a bit of time on each of Kauai, Oahu and Big Island. However, Maui is definitely our favorite and I hope you find your favorite island too.

Best,

Greg

 

[LisaRex]

I'll add to GregT's comments, that MOC has one distinct advantage over WKORV and that is view preservation. If you buy a view upgrade at MOC, it is my understanding that you are entitled to that view any time you reserve, whether it's 12 months out or 2 months out, provided a villa in that view class is available. With WKORV, you have to reserve in the home priority period in order to preserve your view. If you book outside of that window, you lose your view.

One positive is that OF owners at WKORV are now being given additional SOs if they exchange their units. That's a nice perk.

 

[PamMo]

..One positive is that OF owners at WKORV are now being given additional SOs if they exchange their units. That's a nice perk.

With the change in SO's for oceanfront view in 2017, will we be able to book a guaranteed oceanfront unit with StarOptions in the 0-8 month window - if one is available?

 

[DavidnRobin]

With the change in SO's for oceanfront view in 2017, will we be able to book a guaranteed oceanfront unit with StarOptions in the 0-8 month window - if one is available?

I would assume that is the case. Will it be available on-line or not? Don't know...
when is the first 8month date to reserve?

A risk is ending up on 1st floor OF in B2 or B2 (tough life...). We really enjoy the relative privacy on the OF balconies in B2-B3 (esp 5-6th), but the 1st floor is exposed to the walkway below (not accessible from balcony). I think the 1st floor villas at WKORVN have direct access to the grounds w/o having to go down hallway (can be advantage IMO - I like that ability at WPORV).

 

[LisaRex]

With the change in SO's for oceanfront view in 2017, will we be able to book a guaranteed oceanfront unit with StarOptions in the 0-8 month window - if one is available?

I haven't read anything about exchangers being able to get OF with SOs, only that owners exchanging out will get SOs. I hope that they allow people to book OF because that will be a real perk for OF owners. Either way, OV owners would still be out of luck.

 

[artringwald]

Here are some reasons why I don't think you should go to Kauai:

The roads are terrible:

It rains too much:

It's too Jurrasic:

And worst of all, it's too dangerous.

I'm sure you'd like Maui, Oahu, or the Big Island much more than Kauai.