Recent WKORV stay

[DavidnRobin]

Wow - what a great vacation - but way too short (as always).

We ended upon the 6th floor (OF Dlx) on the north (pool-side) of the south building (B3). We were told that we were 2 out of 9 on the list - which was interesting because I was told we were the 1st callers when I called 12 months ahead - but no big deal - our villa was great. We had only requested B3 - next time I will request an odd number (south-facing) unit.

In staying on both the south and north sides of B3 - I prefer the south views (odd number units) - this would be true for B2 also (OV units). The sun is better and the views (sunset) are better in the south facing units - plus better blocked from the prevailing trade winds coming off the mountain.

The OF Dlx units are great - with the windows on the side and the large balcony windows - you get incredible panoramic views and great light. It was worth the extra premium we paid.

We showed up -and the rains that had been going for a week stopped (sorry - Westin5Star and luv_maui) - the Kona wind was still blowing but switched to trade winds on Monday (the wind was almost still on Sunday). The locals had been saying it was some of the worse weather in recent history. The beaches were closed in front of WKORV and WKORV-N (security guards stopping people) due to contamination from the runoff. (the beach was still accessible form the public park). The sewer treatment plant north of WKORV-N had seriously overflowed into the sea. Many folks said that this alone would put a damper on SVO's plans to build WKORV-NN (along with other planned resorts) - and felt this was a wake-up call for Maui and Developer's (yes, it was that bad).

First night (Sat) we went to dinner at Longhi's (Lahaina was absolutely empty all week) - even the public park was empty on Sunday - from what we were told local folks were busy cleaning up from the flooding - it seemed that everyone had ruined carpets and damage from flooding. We drove down south on Sunday (it was still too rough to snorkle anywhere) and checked out the local beaches (stopped at the roadside grill in Makena for fish tacos). Sunday night we went to Mala Ocean Grill and Tavern on Front Street (North Lahaina) - a place to go - food was fantastic.

We did the Owners Update on Monday - 4500 SPs for 60 minutes. The SVO Rep was a goof, but we didn't care - spent most of the time just chit-chatting - when they weren't on the phone dealing with storm clean-up -but no big deal - spent some of the time going over and checking out an OV units at WKORV-N. They gave us the wrong unit number, but we found the open units. They were okay, but were smaller (narrower) - however, nicer furnishings. Overall -we like the south resort better - eventhough the buildings are better located at WKORV-N. The Bar/Grill at WKORV-N is better - we had lunch there - they had really gotten flooded out and had just re-opened.

The constuction seems better at WKORV than WKORV-N. The pools were not heated at WKORV-N and most people were at WKORV pools. The kids seemed to be enjoying the Whale Ship. Robin thought the dark bottoms of the WKORV-N pools was not a good look. We both like the openness of WKORV.

We did the Feast at LeLe on Monday night - this is a great Luau, but pricey - this is not a buffet-style - you have an individual waiter and waitress - with foods grouped according to the island theme. Very well paced and great show (and sunset view).

OK -nap time - more later.

 

[LisaRex]

Thanks for the update! I know Maui desperately needed the rain, but egads! Glad you had good weather.

I wonder if the NN complex will indeed be delayed or scrapped. Honestly, for existing owners it would probably be better if they don't continue to build in Maui as I fear a glut will devalue our properties. On the other hand, a healthy SVO is a good thing, too.

 

[DeniseM]

The sewer treatment plant north of WKORV-N had seriously overflowed into the sea. Many folks said that this alone would put a damper on SVO's plans to build WKORV-NN (along with other planned resorts) - and felt this was a wake-up call for Maui and Developer's (yes, it was that bad).

That's horrifying! I don't know how they can even consider building WKORVNN, unless they move the sewer plant or something.

 

[Westin5Star]

David, I am glad that you had a nice vacation. My accounts of the horrible weather and storms were no exaggeration. I hope that we have good weather Jan 3-15 when we return. Is the beach still closed? Did they try to repair the area that caved in near the beach? Did they replant the downed thorny trees or remove them? Are you able to snorkel in the water again?

 

[DavidnRobin]

Most likely the weather will be great for you - it usually is. I hear there were a lot of unhappy people. The beach was closed thru Sunday. They hadn't repaired the wash-out on the beach (it was cordoned off). The trees were still down. Snorkling was great starting Wednesday. Real clear on Friday - we saw 2 sea turtles up-close right off the WKORV beach.

A few things...
There were a few warning cards in the villa about HBO. btw, you can remove channels (but not block) from the TVs - you just have to be good at figuring those things out(and kids would be able to anyhow, but it can be done).

Eventhough the new lounges by the pool are not as nice as the teak ones - since they are black I think it will help stop the hourding since towels stick out so much more. Plus, they dry off much faster (and cleaner) - they also have a smaller footprint - so it seems that there are more of them. They seemed comfortable enough with a towel on them. I did see one that was ripped already (some people...!). The teak lounges and chairs were just stuffed into the garage area. The teak lounges had the backs busted off - the chairs are in fine condition - what a waste. I don't see them replacing the ones on the lanais - they would certainly clash.

There is a list of items (mostly free) that you can get from Service Express that is in the folder on the coffee table - lots of useful stuff - make sure you check it out. We didn't see it right away.

Not as many kids in the Hot Tubs as before (by the pool shack) which was nice - most of the time just a few other people. They were pretty hot - really not good for young ones since they cannot control their body temps as well as adults. This is a great place to meet other Owners and Exchangers - I sent a few to TUG. I didn't meet any resale folks.

Most of the rest of the vacation - we hung out at the resort or took short trips North - e.g. Julie's Banana Bread (yum). We also went to Roy's in Kahana, and another great find - Smokehouse BBQ behind Lahaina Center (close to Hilo Hatties) on Wainee (sp?). I am not a big BBQ fan, but it was fantastic - and relatively inexpensive (and large portions). Robin actually finished her food and said the coleslaw was the best she ever had (I didn't get a chance to try it...).

We went to see the Warren and Annabel show in Lahaina - we think this is a must see - we met people there who had gone multiple times. We are still blown away by a few things we saw (or didn't see...).

Oh yeah - dolphin pods (or is that packs?) frollicing a few hundred yards off shore (got photos) of WKORV - and one whale sighting (missed photo). Lots of great fish snorkling also right off the beach. I must say - one of the best aspects of WKORV is being able to snorkle off the beach and being so close to the room.

Anyway - that is about it. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[tomandrobin]

Looks like you guys had a great trip. Thanks for those tips, we are keeping notes for our trip next October. That BBQ place might gave made the cut. Robin loves a good BBQ restraunant.

 

[duke]

First night (Sat) we went to dinner at Longhi's (Lahaina was absolutely empty all week) - even the public park was empty on Sunday - from what we were told local folks were busy cleaning up from the flooding - it seemed that everyone had ruined carpets and damage from flooding. We drove down south on Sunday (it was still too rough to snorkle anywhere) and checked out the local beaches (stopped at the roadside grill in Makena for fish tacos). Sunday night we went to Mala Ocean Grill and Tavern on Front Street (North Lahaina) - a place to go - food was fantastic

Hey David,

We've never been to the "roadside taco stand in Makena". Can you advise how to get there?

Thanks

 

[DavidnRobin]

Hey David,

We've never been to the "roadside taco stand in Makena". Can you advise how to get there?

Thanks

It is called 'Makena Grill' - and it is across the street from Secret Cove.

 

[DavidnRobin]

also - for those that care...
Robin won a bottle of wine playing the No Limit Holdem poker game on Thursday in B4. (there were 6 people to start and it came down to just the 2 of us - I let her win... ) We brought the bottle home because we already took a Turley Zin and a Ridge Zin with us.

also - great beer alert - Big Swell IPA from Maui Brewing Co (comes in a can) - big and hoppy - yum.

 

[bbison]

We leave for there Sunday, hope you saved us some sunshine!