Marriott's Waiohai Beach or Ko 'Olina Question

[bcnelson1 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close bcnelson1]

We decided to check out another timeshare offer through Marriott and were given the option of Waiohai or Ko 'Olina. When we decide when we are going, we have to tell them which location. We have been looking through the resales listings and both seem to be fairly nice.

Waiohai has guaranteed us a 2 bedroom suite, but Ko 'Olina is offering only a lock-off with a request for a 1 bedroom based on availabity. All of a sudden all the kids are suddenly available to vacation with us, which surprised me!

We'd love to hear from you that have stayed at both or either, and your insights/opinions.

Barb
Still searching for my first timeshare!

[StressCadet Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close StressCadet]

We decided to check out another timeshare offer through Marriott and were given the option of Waiohai or Ko 'Olina. When we decide when we are going, we have to tell them which location. We have been looking through the resales listings and both seem to be fairly nice.

Waiohai has guaranteed us a 2 bedroom suite, but Ko 'Olina is offering only a lock-off with a request for a 1 bedroom based on availabity. All of a sudden all the kids are suddenly available to vacation with us, which surprised me!

We'd love to hear from you that have stayed at both or either, and your insights/opinions.

Barb
Still searching for my first timeshare!

We just did a preview at Waiohai last month. They guarantee 2 bd because that is what all the units are-there are no lockoffs at Waiohai. They can sleep 8. (2 king beds and 2 pullout sofas) It's a lovely resort and a lovely island. It was my first time on Kauai and I am hooked. I did just receive a call from Marriott and they offered me a promo for Oahu-with the same terms as you-lock off or master 1 bd if reserved far enough in advance. I am considering it-but know I could only fit my family of 4 whereas we had 5 on Kauai. If your party is more than 4-and your kids are adult sized-LOL-then it might be more comfortable at Waiohai-plus you would have more privacy with solid 2 bedrooms. Then there is the question of which island you would like to visit-each one has it's own charm-the Ko'olina is located outside Waikiki-which is fine with me. The Waiohai is located on/in Poipu (Beach). You really can't go wrong with Marriott or Hawaii for that matter. I too have been looking at resales. My in laws own both Waiohai and Ko'olina EOY's and and EY at Newport Coast. Lucky dogs Good luck with whatever you decide and just stay focused and remember you can buy resale.

[bcnelson1 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close bcnelson1]

Thanks for your input. I can hardly wait, but it looks like we won't be able to go until next year because of schedules.

I have given serious consideration to EOY ownership, especially if the family has to travel quite a distance (we do live in CA but it's still a major undertaking to get everyone together at one time). Since your in-laws have EOY's, what do they think of it? Do they wish they had purchased annually?

Thanks, Barb

[StressCadet Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close StressCadet]

Thanks for your input. I can hardly wait, but it looks like we won't be able to go until next year because of schedules.

I have given serious consideration to EOY ownership, especially if the family has to travel quite a distance (we do live in CA but it's still a major undertaking to get everyone together at one time). Since your in-laws have EOY's, what do they think of it? Do they wish they had purchased annually?

Thanks, Barb

First things first-LOL. Your avatar is a little dark-but is that a dachshund???!!!
If so-I am owned by two of them

Well-they own one even and one odd. They have not yet stayed at Ko'olina but are looking forward to it. They were offered Ko'olina at a reduced rate to compliment the Waiohai week. Of course-they bought all these from the developer. Newport Coast they own annually but they haven't stayed there in 3 years. they only recently found out they could have day use there. I had to laugh-they don't live very far from the resort and all this time they could have been using the facilities. They have traded the Newport for Custom House and a Worldmark Resort (Bass Lake) and have a week reserved in Florida for a daughter's honeymoon. They are having a great time with their timeshares-it "forces" them to vacation (straight from the salesmans mouth-LOL) but it really does. I haven't known them to take as many vacations as they have lately. Their kids have grown and are either in college or in the case of the one mentioned-getting married. They are really enjoying themselves.

I bought an EY Maui unit (not Marriott) resale. I wish it was an EOY-but my ebay fingers got a bit restless at the deal. I know I won't use it EY at least right now while I am tied to a school calendar. I am still considering what to do with it on those years I don't visit-maybe bank it to try to get a week to match the next years week. So...to answer your question-I guess it depends on where you would like to visit. Hawaii Maint fees are high-I don't recommend an EY-let me rephrase that-I don't recommend a Hawaii timeshare at all-unless you plan to use it-while it would probably be a good trader-it's too expensive to use as a trader IMO. Other, more experienced posters can chime in with appropriate suggestions on what to purchase if your intent is just to trade to Hawaii once in a while.
Hope this helps.