Exchanging to the other Hawaiian Islands

[1Kflyerguy]

I am exploring my options for a trip to Maui or Kauai next year. I know there are some RCI resorts on each island, so far i have not been super impressed by what i have found, but will keep looking.

What about SFX? I know they accept HGVC deposits, what the chances of getting an exchange into one of the Marriott or Westin resorts?

I have not used them before, and the website doesn't have tons of information on what might be available.

May just be easier to rent from another owner, but thought i would check the options.

 

[Sandy VDH]

You might get some Wyndham deposits into RCI for Kauai.

 

[alwysonvac]

Do you own any timeshares affiliated with Interval International?
I know you mentioned 2018 but they're offering an amazing getaway rate for the next three months if you can take advantage - http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?...resort-villas-getaways-04-2017-12-2017.253386

When in 2018 are you trying to go?

I use my Vistana ownership for access to the other islands but the following RCI resorts have been recommended on TUG. Definitely read the reviews to determine if any of these timeshares meets your family's needs/requirements.

(1) For Maui
Diamond Resorts - Kaanapali Beach Club Resort
Sightings - http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/rci-weeks-kaanapali-beach-club-2018-bulk.252822/
Photos - http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/kaanapali-beach-club-maui.240052/

(2) For Kauai
Wyndham Shearwater
Diamond Resorts - Point at Poipu
Cliffs at Princeville & Cliffs Club

http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/any-recommendation-for-kauai-timeshare.230181/
http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?...rwater-right-now-its-better-than-ever.240558/
http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?...eter-you-from-booking-the-cliffs-club.244120/
http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/point-at-poipu-resort-walk.239007/

 

[1Kflyerguy]

Do you own any timeshares affiliated with Interval International?

Currently we only own with HGVC> I have been considering adding something else, which i why I asked about Marriott or Westin/Visitana via SDX, sort of a try before we buy approach...

When in 2018 are you trying to go?

The plan was to take my sister to Big Island for the first part of the trip, as she has never been and she really wants to see the volcano.. I just spoke with her last night about timing, she is a teacher and wants to go in late March which is her spring break. My guess is that will make everything much more crowded than low season when I usually go. Which may complicate an exchange and other things..

Thanks, I will check out the resorts below for availability and amenities.

I use my Vistana ownership for access to the other islands but the following RCI resorts have been recommended on TUG. Definitely read the reviews to determine if any of these timeshares meets your family's needs/requirements.

(1) For Maui
Diamond Resorts - Kaanapali Beach Club Resort
Sightings - http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/rci-weeks-kaanapali-beach-club-2018-bulk.252822/
Photos - http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/kaanapali-beach-club-maui.240052/

(2) For Kauai
Wyndham Shearwater
Diamond Resorts - Point at Poipu
Cliffs at Princeville & Cliffs Club

http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/any-recommendation-for-kauai-timeshare.230181/
http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?...rwater-right-now-its-better-than-ever.240558/
http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?...eter-you-from-booking-the-cliffs-club.244120/
http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/point-at-poipu-resort-walk.239007/

 

[GregT]

I would also consider trying to coordinate a Direct Exchange with a Marriott or Westin owner. Westin owners do not have a resort option on either Oahu or Big Island, and Marriott owners have only a new (and in my opinion, weaker) option for Big Island.

I've done this twice, reserving space on the Big Island and getting Marriott access in trade. (My trade was for pure Marriott points, but you could trade a week for a week).

Good luck with the search and let us know how we can help.

Best,

Greg

 

[PamMo]

I think Greg has the best idea. I'm almost certain you could find a Westin owner who would love to exchange Maui (Westin Kaanapali) or Kauai (Westin Princeville) for a week in Kings' Land - it's a very nice resort. Same for Marriott owners. That way, you could get a nice guaranteed view category, too.

 

[hurnik]

I am exploring my options for a trip to Maui or Kauai next year. I know there are some RCI resorts on each island, so far i have not been super impressed by what i have found, but will keep looking.

What about SFX? I know they accept HGVC deposits, what the chances of getting an exchange into one of the Marriott or Westin resorts?

I have not used them before, and the website doesn't have tons of information on what might be available.

May just be easier to rent from another owner, but thought i would check the options.

SFX does sometimes get Marriot in Maui, although it's not common (this is word of mouth). But if you're flexible and put your request in far in advance, there may be a match eventually. Yes, they do accept HGVC no problem. (I deposit with them all the time). They also sometimes get the Ka'anapali Beach Club (also in RCI--probably the only one in RCI that I'd consider).

I know there are some Marriott owners that would trade with you, but odds are you'll have to trade a Honolulu HGVC resort to do it. Depending on your cost/point it *may* be cheaper to rent. I think the min. trade is probably a 7k week at least.

Although the vast majority of Marriott weeks I see on redweek are 2 BR units (maybe you want/need those?).

But it never hurts to post something on the Exchange (buy/sell/rent board thingy).

 

[alwysonvac]

Currently we only own with HGVC> I have been considering adding something else, which i why I asked about Marriott or Westin/Visitana via SDX, sort of a try before we buy approach...

The plan was to take my sister to Big Island for the first part of the trip, as she has never been and she really wants to see the volcano.. I just spoke with her last night about timing, she is a teacher and wants to go in late March which is her spring break. My guess is that will make everything much more crowded than low season when I usually go. Which may complicate an exchange and other things..

JMHO...
Since your sister wants to go during Spring Break, I would stick with the HGVC Resorts. This will give you the most flexibility in terms of availability and checkin/checkout dates since she's limited to one specific week. I suggest splitting the trip with two or three nights on the Volcano/Hilo side and the other remaining nights at the HGVC Waikoloa or Waikiki resort. While on the Volcano/Hilo side, this will give her time to visit Volcano National Park, Pacific Tsunami Museum, Akaka Falls, Akatsuka Orchid Garden, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, Big Island candies, etc.

I think it's a great idea to try the other Hawaii resorts out before buying. But I would save Maui and Kauai for another time when you have more date flexibility. I agree with the others that it won't hurt to try to arrange a private exchange but I won't count on it. As a non-Marriott, I personally found it hard to find a private Marriott exchange when I've advertised in the past. I was only successful after I proactively reached out to a specific fellow TUG member.

Some older threads you might find helpful
"Beyond Hilton what system is best for Hawaii" - http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/beyond-hgvc-what-system-is-best-for-hawaii.247387/
"Volcano Village B&Bs" - http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/volcano-village-b-bs.225934/
"Big Island: Volcano House or Kilahuea Lodge? June 2015" - http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?...ano-house-or-kilahuea-lodge-june-2015.221057/
"What to do/where to stay in Big Island for 3 days" - http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/what-to-do-where-to-stay-in-big-island-for-3-days.204651/

 

[hurnik]

Here's some info from the other forum for SFX:
http://www.timeshareforums.com/foru...6-HGVC-exhange-for-specific-week-in-Maui-2018

 

[1Kflyerguy]

I would also consider trying to coordinate a Direct Exchange with a Marriott or Westin owner. Westin owners do not have a resort option on either Oahu or Big Island, and Marriott owners have only a new (and in my opinion, weaker) option for Big Island.

I've done this twice, reserving space on the Big Island and getting Marriott access in trade. (My trade was for pure Marriott points, but you could trade a week for a week).

Good luck with the search and let us know how we can help.

Best,

Greg

Thanks, I had not considered that and may give that a try. I see there is an exchange section in the TUG marketplace, are there any other sites that facilitate direct exchanges?

 

[1Kflyerguy]

JMHO...
Since your sister wants to go during Spring Break, I would stick with the HGVC Resorts. This will give you the most flexibility in terms of availability and checkin/checkout dates since she's limited to one specific week. I suggest splitting the trip with two or three nights on the Volcano/Hilo side and the other remaining nights at the HGVC Waikoloa or Waikiki resort. While on the Volcano/Hilo side, this will give her time to visit Volcano National Park, Pacific Tsunami Museum, Akaka Falls, Akatsuka Orchid Garden, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, Big Island candies, etc.

I think it's a great idea to try the other Hawaii resorts out before buying. But I would save Maui and Kauai for another time when you have more date flexibility. I agree with the others that it won't hurt to try to arrange a private exchange but I won't count on it. As a non-Marriott, I personally found it hard to find a private Marriott exchange when I've advertised in the past. I was only successful after I proactively reached out to a specific fellow TUG member.

Some older threads you might find helpful
"Beyond Hilton what system is best for Hawaii" - http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/beyond-hgvc-what-system-is-best-for-hawaii.247387/
"Volcano Village B&Bs" - http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/volcano-village-b-bs.225934/
"Big Island: Volcano House or Kilahuea Lodge? June 2015" - http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?...ano-house-or-kilahuea-lodge-june-2015.221057/
"What to do/where to stay in Big Island for 3 days" - http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/what-to-do-where-to-stay-in-big-island-for-3-days.204651/

Thanks for the info, Our home resort is Kings Land, so i pretty familiar with the big island, but will definitely review these older threads to see what i may have missed...

The original plan was for the 3 of us to spend a week on the Big Island, then my sister will return home, and my wife and I would jump over to a different island. That may or may no work out. A couple of the RCI resorts looked interesting. We stayed on Kauai a few years ago in a condo without A/C and my wife hated it... Unless i want to end up in the doghouse, A/C is a must, so that eliminates a number of resorts..

I will with see what i can figure out, or as you mentioned a separate trip may just work better.

 

[GregT]

Thanks, I had not considered that and may give that a try. I see there is an exchange section in the TUG marketplace, are there any other sites that facilitate direct exchanges?

I would try vacationpointexchange.com and ownertrades.com.

Good luck!

Best,

Greg

 

[alwysonvac]

I would try vacationpointexchange.com and ownertrades.com.

Good luck!

Best,

Greg

I believe ownertrades.com is only for Marriott to Marriott trades unless it changed.

 

[hurnik]

I believe ownertrades.com is only for Marriott to Marriott trades unless it changed.

Nope, still the same. Owner to owner only. You can't even search the exchange until you've listed your Marriott resort (only).

 

[hurnik]

I am exploring my options for a trip to Maui or Kauai next year. I know there are some RCI resorts on each island, so far i have not been super impressed by what i have found, but will keep looking.

What about SFX? I know they accept HGVC deposits, what the chances of getting an exchange into one of the Marriott or Westin resorts?

I have not used them before, and the website doesn't have tons of information on what might be available.

May just be easier to rent from another owner, but thought i would check the options.

If it helps, I was able to make a direct exchange via TUG with another Marriott owner. Given my rather specific date range, I was happy to get anything. Basically I'll exchange one of my 1 BR Lagoon reservations for a future date, and I'll get a 1 BR Marriott Ocean Club in Maui plus pay for the fees.

I thought that was perfectly acceptable given things.

So I'm quite happy.

 

[ronandjoan]

I am exploring my options for a trip to Maui or Kauai next year. I know there are some RCI resorts on each island, so far i have not been super impressed by what i have found, but will keep looking.

What about SFX? I know they accept HGVC deposits, what the chances of getting an exchange into one of the Marriott or Westin resorts?

I have not used them before, and the website doesn't have tons of information on what might be available.

May just be easier to rent from another owner, but thought i would check the options.

SFX will certainly take HGVC deposits and then you could get a good resort there

 

[buzglyd]

Go on Hyatt's hotel site and register for the points program. You'll get an offer to tour the Hyatt Residence club there. I think it was $1300 or so for 5 nights and the property is gorgeous.

I'd do it again if I could.

 

[1Kflyerguy]

SFX will certainly take HGVC deposits and then you could get a good resort there

I spoke with SFX, they said Hawaii was possible, but they would not promise anything, which i understand. They seemed more focused on trying to convince me to visit Mexico instead..

Go on Hyatt's hotel site and register for the points program. You'll get an offer to tour the Hyatt Residence club there. I think it was $1300 or so for 5 nights and the property is gorgeous.

I'd do it again if I could.

I received that offer shortly after registering for Hyatt points also. Unfortunately the timing was not right for me, but i saved the card and may call them to see if they might extend the offer, or something similar.

 

[ronandjoan]

I spoke with SFX, they said Hawaii was possible, but they would not promise anything, which i understand. They seemed more focused on trying to convince me to visit Mexico instead..

Hmmmm, I've gotten the Bay Club, King's Land, Kona Hawaiian Village 4 times, Mauna Loa Village 2 times, Kauai Coast at the Beachboy, without any problems. Some were available immediately and others I had to wait a while, but not overly long, or else I had to make other plans first.

 

[1Kflyerguy]

Hmmmm, I've gotten the Bay Club, King's Land, Kona Hawaiian Village 4 times, Mauna Loa Village 2 times, Kauai Coast at the Beachboy, without any problems. Some were available immediately and others I had to wait a while, but not overly long, or else I had to make other plans first.

Thanks, that's good to know