Questions about Maui and Kauai

[ajevic]

With resale prices dropping I am seriously considering purchasing in either Maui (Western Shore) or Kauai (South Shore) and have a few questions some may be able to answer.

1. Which island would be best for a family with teens (twins 14, and 15). I know I'll probably get a variety of answers to this, but swimmable beaches, snorkeling, whale watching, horseback riding, resort activities such as lei making, etc. Would prefer it to not be too overcrowded, some is OK, but would also like some seclusion.

2. Which island would be easier to trade into. If I was to purchase in Kauai, how hard would it be to trade into Maui or any of the other islands and vice versa.

3. Which Island tends to have better trade value. I realize this is a loaded question and many factors go into determining trade value. If all things were equal, between two resorts (both 5 star/Gold Crown, same week, supply/demand the same for each island, etc) which would have the better trade value?

Thanks in advance for you responses.

 

[DeniseM]

With resale prices dropping I am seriously considering purchasing in either Maui (Western Shore) or Kauai (South Shore) and have a few questions some may be able to answer.

1. Which island would be best for a family with teens (twins 14, and 15). I know I'll probably get a variety of answers to this, but swimmable beaches, snorkeling, whale watching, horseback riding, resort activities such as lei making, etc. Would prefer it to not be too overcrowded, some is OK, but would also like some seclusion.

Kauai is our favorite because it is beautiful, quiet and laid-back, but if I had teenagers I would buy a TS on Ka'anapali Beach which is the center of action on Maui, the "Waikiki of Maui." Lots of activities there to keep teens busy.

2. Which island would be easier to trade into. If I was to purchase in Kauai, how hard would it be to trade into Maui or any of the other islands and vice versa.

Maui is the hardest island to trade into - I think Kauai probably has the most timeshares of any island.

3. Which Island tends to have better trade value. I realize this is a loaded question and many factors go into determining trade value. If all things were equal, between two resorts (both 5 star/Gold Crown, same week, supply/demand the same for each island, etc) which would have the better trade value?

Thanks in advance for you responses.

Maui has the highest trading value - but the resort itself is very important too. However, if you buy at one of the top resorts on Maui, you may find that it's too valuable to exchange. For instance, we own at the Westin and our Maintenance Fee is $1,600 a year. I can rent it for $3,500 - so I would never deposit it, because it is so hard to get an exchange of equal value. We solved the problem by buying on Kauai, but if I didn't want to do that, I'd rent my Maui TS and use the money to rent exactly the unit I wanted on Kauai. There are only 2 or 3 resorts on Kauai that are equal to the Westin, IMNSHO.

If you click on my webpage link below my name you can read extensive Maui and Kauai reports with pictures.

 

[hibbeln]

If you have an outdoorsy family that likes to spend time together in active pursuits (if your teens would like to spend a week hiking with you, exploring beaches with you, etc) then go with Kauai.
If your teens like to branch out more on their own, or are interested in shopping, then I would say Maui.

Maui is absolutely harder to trade into, especially during the peak season.

Having said that, we have a place on Kauai and love it!

I would say to do a little research first......take a trip and visit both areas. You'll know immediately which is right for you!

Also, grab the Revealed books (Maui Revealed and Kauai Revealed, The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook).....your library probably has them. Look them over and see which sounds more like "you".

 

[ajevic]

Thank you both for your informative responses.

 

[tombo]

I loved both islands, but for me Kauai wins hands down. The waterfalls, the beaches, the hiking trails, the grand canyon of the pacific, and the Napali coast are a few of the reasons I choose Kauai. Maui has more shopping and dining choices, but when I go to Hawaii I want the garden of Eden. I can shop and eat at a good restaurant at home.

 

[hibbeln]

I should add we've been going every 2 years (summertime) with our boys. Started when they were 3 & 6 and now they are 11 & 13. We are to go next summer again when they will be 14 and almost 12...... They do love Kauai, and we use it as an ultimate family vacation. Lots of family together time (Grandpa is along, also, everytime) but with all the hiking and snorkelling and playing in the waves, it helps keep the generations happy.

Maui DOES have nicer coral....hands down!

Kauai has more in the way of solitude and deserted beaches.

Kauai has awesome hiking (much pretty challenging, at least to us!). Maui has hiking also, but it just seems harder to get to.

We break it up each time by going to 2 different islands....we like to go to Kauai second, because it really does feel like home. Next summer we're going to Oahu for our first week and renting someplace on the north shore or north or Kaneohe Bay.

If you have a Maui week, you can always rent something (fairly cheaply usually, at least compared to Maui) on another island.

Just make sure you LOVE what you get on Maui. I think why we like Kauai so much is that in our unit at Lawai Beach Resort we look right out at the ocean, fall asleep listening to the ocean, eat breakfast watching the surfers.....THAT is what makes it feel like home.

 

[alanraycole]

I alwayt I was in the minority...

when declaring Kauai the best. But, there ARE others who think just like I do. I agree with virtually everything said so far.

So, what do I have to add?

Where to own is a little different than where to go. Go to Kauai, but if you hope (remember, no guarantees in timeshare investing!) to ever MAKE money as opposed to SAVING money with timeshares, you would be better off with buying Maui.

Maui has been very hard to trade into for me when trying to be choosey (key word being "choosey"). Kauai is much easier. The only timeshare that I have never seen offered on exchange that I have bothered to search for on Kauai is the Waiohai. That was my main reason for buying at the Waiohai.:annoyed:

The next time I buy a timeshare, it may be on Maui... but not because I want to stay there. You can rent it like has already been suggested, but you can also rest assured that it should have the best trading power so that you can go where you want. When you wish to sell it, if you bought it on the resale market during a time like now, you will very likely make at least a little money.

There are other strategies, such as the two that I currently use... One is to own at the resort where you actually want to go, so you won't have to play the often annoying exchange game. The second is one that I would rather keep to myself because if others followed it, its value would be diluted.

 

[DaveNV]

To add my vote to what the others have already said:

For a family vacation, go to Kauai. For a vacation where your kids are likely to go off and do their own thing, go to Maui.

Kauai has pretty nice timeshares that are pretty easy to trade into and out of. Maui is tough either way, unless you'll be staying at the resort you own. And depending on your needs, you'd have to go out of your way to find a Hawaii timeshare that doesn't trade well outside the state. Even a tiny $1 studio in the heart of Waikiki trades really well to the mainland.

You mentioned Kauai's south shore. You may want to consider Kauai Beach Villas in Lihue. Very affordable to buy into, (check ebay), and close to everything. I'll be there this Saturday.

Dave

 

[DeniseM]

You mentioned Kauai's south shore. You may want to consider Kauai Beach Villas in Lihue. Very affordable to buy into, (check ebay), and close to everything. I'll be there this Saturday.

Dave

Don't listen to Dave - he's never even been there!

(Dave - Shhh! )

Actually - we own there too and love it, but I think it is way too quiet for teens - and I'm not kidding now. It is a very quiet resort, the pool is your very basic cement pond, and the only thing within walking distance is the Hilton Hotel which charges $25 a day to use their pool.

 

[DaveNV]

Don't listen to Dave - he's never even been there!

(Dave - Shhh! )

Actually - we own there too and love it, but I think it is way too quiet for teens - and I'm not kidding now. It is a very quiet resort, the pool is your very basic cement pond, and the only thing within walking distance is the Hilton Hotel which charges $25 a day to use their pool.

HAHAHA! Funny... But true. Till this weekend. After that, I'll never mention the place again...

Denise, is it really $25 a day to use the Hilton pool now? Guess I'd better "acquire" those Hilton pool towels right away...

Dave

 

[MuranoJo]

Would prefer it to not be too overcrowded, some is OK, but would also like some seclusion.

Have been several times to most of the islands over many years. In the 'good old days' we found it easier to grab seclusion. Now I just can't believe how congested it is and people are all over the--it's just not the same to us.

 

[alanraycole]

If you want seclusion...

try the beaches of Kauai that require walking a trail to reach. They are also among the most beautiful!

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

try the beaches of Kauai that require walking a trail to reach. They are also among the most beautiful!

Kaua'i beaches are definitely less crowded than beaches on the Big Island or Maui. That's because Kaua'i has by far the most beaches of any island and has less population than O'ahu, Maui, or the Big Island. Plus Kaua'i beaches overall are nicer (longer, wider strip of sand fronting the ocean). Moloka'i beaches may be less crowded, but Moloka'i beaches aren't nearly as nice as Kaua'i beaches.