Timeshare noob very interested in particular resort in Kauai

[Xan]

how often do you go? You don’t want to be stuck with an ownership that’s hard to use or becomes too costly and Impossible to get rid of. Do you got for a week at a time?

Pono Kai association, especially the Pacific Fantasy association has managed to keep fees down over the 35 years I’ve own there!

I was a DRI Hawaii owner at one point, but dumped that quickly, due to extremely high MF’s that keep rising and lack of good units without having to go through a giant resort, plus the point system just didn’t work for me.

With Pono Kai, you do not have to belong to a trading company either, but they do work with DAE, which you can have a free membership or a paid with more benefits at a low cost.

(A couple of other companies own some units in Pono Kai, with their own system, plus there are full time owners that usually rent at high prices, since it’s expensive to pay the MF on a whole ownership. I think Bluegreen owners may have a point system at Pono Kai.)


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[Xan]

Slip is clearly your expert here!! He even has a website!

Only downside to owning TS is that if you find it no longer works for you, you are potentially still on the hook for maintenance fees until you are able to transfer it to someone else.

I would definitely recommend buying a unit with AC and a swimable beach if possible, in case you need to rent some years if you can't travel and want to cover your MFs. These thing may not be important to you but they will be to most potential renters.

Another consideration is size. I would not recommend buying a studio. If you may/have kids now or in the future you may want to consider a 2Bd although you will be paying more in MF if you don't currently need the space. If the units are lock offs you could get two weeks of vacation for the one maintenance fee. I prefer l/o's for this reason. Also give higher rental value.

The good news is, as mentioned previously, you can get a unit here for a low price, the down side is that it might be hard to give away at some point.

If you know you like this resort and the rent you have paid is more than the MF, then go for it! Obviously there are plenty of smart people who have bought timeshares, for the right reasons and are happy owners, so if you have thought about all of these factors, don't let the "never buy timeshare voices" deter you.

BTW, if you are not comfortable with ebay you can check tug marketplace or redweek. The first two listings on redweek that I checked for Pono Kai are listed by Jessica at Redbud. The listings seem a little out of date, but I assume are still available. I have worked with Jessica before on a purchase at a different resort.

I agree that Slip is an expert with ownership, but I was an early owner when still being developed.

I’ve never really had any luck with posting a rental on any of the sites, but thanks to Slip, he will contact me to see if I have anything available since he books up quickly.

I would put a wish ad for purchase or rental and see if you get any owners that jump.

I did use eBay for my 2 Pono Kai Assoc. units many years ago and luckily everything went smoothly, but I’ve heard horror stories too! Find out who the escrow/title company is, get proof of ownership, the deeded unit & week, (even if it’s a floating week), since you will get preference on oceanfront if you have a deeded oceanfront or ocean view unit when booking!

Ask tons of questions and emailed proof of everything!


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[tshd]

It sounds like you've thought quite a bit about where and when you want to stay. You know the resorts and the area. Purchasing a timeshare that you've thoughtfully considered is not all bad. It's kind of like thinking "would you not get married to someone you love because there are other cheaper options available and you may divorce eventually which may be painful and cost you some money?"

While you may be able to get rentals there a bit cheaper for the next year or two, if you are okay with the commitment of owning a timeshare knowing the downsides, there are benefits as well. You don't need to worry every time you rent if the renter is legitimate and you know how much it will cost every year and hopefully get to pick your desired location within the resort. Also, knowing that you have to pay the MFs should incentivize you to travel. If you join an exchange program like the one through Pono Kai management or II, RCI, Trading Places, SFX then you may find yourself traveling even more via "getaways" (discounted weeks).