Showing posts with label maui timeshares. Show all posts
Showing posts with label maui timeshares. Show all posts

Hawaii Calling

Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club is one of Oahu's premiere
timeshare resorts
One thing about Hawaii - once you visit, it always seems to be on your mind, calling you to come back. The intense beauty of both land and sea, the flower scented trade winds, the inherent feeling of relaxation and peace linger on far after you return to your real world. Hawaii continues to be one of the world's most popular destinations with Americans leading the pack - about 6 million of us visit per year. Japan is second with 1.3 million visitors and Canada third at 800,000. Many are repeat visitors and many are owners or renters of timeshare.

Timeshare in Hawaii 

Timeshare is ideal for Hawaii vacationing. Visitors often stay anywhere from five to seven days on an island, and Hawaiian vacations often include multiple island stays, particularly for first time visitors who want to get a little taste of each island. Joe Toy, president and CEO of Hospitality Advisors, says that "after about eight visits, vacationers start to look at timeshares as alternative accommodations instead of hotels." Fortunately for them, there are timeshares on every island.

Vacationing in Hawaii is often a family event with parents, children, and other family members, or friends too. Timeshares have multiple bedrooms, multiple baths, and extra living space to accommodate groups.  Families often need to economize and timeshares always have a kitchen for cooking meals to avoid the cost of dining out. Included balconies and patios not only provide great views, but also add additional space. Timeshares offer conveniences such as washers and dryers, free parking, and concierge service. Generous onsite amenities include swimming pools, fitness centers, family activities, beach equipment and more.

Oahu 

Each island has its own unique characteristics and each has a variety of timeshare accommodations from luxurious to economy. Oahu makes up about half of the state's tourism market. Waikiki, with its storied past, is a big draw for Oahu, as is the historical Pearl Harbor. Though you'll find timeshares in Waikiki, it's nice to get further away from the tourists. Visit the world-famous surfing havens of the North Shore, or the beautiful beaches of Ko Olina where you’ll find Marriott's Ko Olina Resort and Disney's Aulani perfectly positioned on the leeward coast of Oahu. Both feature multiple pools, golfing, water sports, spas and five-star dining. 

Maui

For an exceptional timeshare experience, Maui has it all.  Visitors are drawn to the gorgeous Ka'anapali Beach, historical Lahaina, the many spectacular trails of Haleakala National Park and the precarious highway to Hana. Those who prefer luxury accommodations head to Ka'anapali to Hyatt Ka'anapali Beach where owners enjoy all the fabulous amenities of the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa. For affordable accommodations with all the comforts of home try the Sands of Kahana Vacation Club or Kahana Beach Resort on Maui's west coast.

Kauai

The intense verdant beauty of the "Garden Isle" of Kauai is for those who enjoy a laid-back vibe and utter serenity. Friendly locals give visitors a taste of community life with farmer's markets, art walks and festivals open to all. Helicopter rides, kayaking, golfing, snorkeling and tours to the many movie sites are popular. Brave souls test their hiking skills and bravery on the ruggedly beautiful Napali Coast. The North Shore's Princeville, greener and wetter than other areas, is home to the popular timeshare resorts of Hanalei Bay Resort and Weston Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. The South Shore's sunny Poipu has the incredibly upscale Marriott Waiohai Beach Club - even if you can't afford to stay there, a walk-through is a must.

Hawaii

Home to volcanos, lush green coffee plantations, and calm, clear waters perfect for snorkeling, Hawaii, the "Big Island" is less visited than the others mentioned, but continues to grow in popularity. Offering affordable timeshare accommodations in Hawaii's main town of Kona, is Kona Islander. It has a great location across from a sandy beach, ocean views, and a short walk into Kona to restaurants, shops and nightlife. The more upscale Hilton Grand Vacations Club is located in the heart of picture-perfect Waikoloa. A haven for golfers, visitors also have an opportunity to visit an active volcano, a working coffee plantation or just relax beside one of the many gorgeous pools.   

Timeshare Property Tax Rate Dominates Lahaina Budget Hearing

A hearing was held on April 13, 2011, in Lahaina, Hawaii, regarding a time share property tax proposed by Mayor Alan Arakawa.

Over 200 were in attendance at the Maui County Council’s Budget and Finance Committee’s hearing, as reported by the online news source LahainaNews. Many, including representatives of time share resorts, were there to show support for those who opposed the Timeshare Property Tax increase of $14 to $19.60 per $1,000 in value.

Daniel Dinnell spoke on behalf of ARDA-Hawaii, the local chapter of the American Resort Development Association, a national timeshare association comprised of 20 local members with 45 properties statewide and 22 in Maui.

“As ARDA-Hawaii has previously testified, following a 69 percent increase to the real property tax in 2005, the timeshare industry is again being singled out with the largest single increase of $5.60," Dinnell said.

Representing Marriott’s Maui Ocean Resort Club on Maui, Rob Welch said, “Our timeshare owners are already heavily burdened with the highest property tax rate at $14 per $1,000. An increase of 40 percent, to $19.60, will have an immediate negative impact to our owners and our associates."

“Our resort employs a staff of 480 local residents - in 2010, the total payroll, including benefits and taxes, were over $30 million; money spent in our local economy,” Welch also pointed out.

Gregg Lundberg, general manager of The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas, noted, “It’s important for all of us to realize that these {timeshare}owners stand to be tremendously impacted by the outcome of your deliberations and can no longer sit idly by as they are seemingly taken advantage of, because they are not Hawaii residents.”

Michelle Rose Abad, a graduate of the School of Travel Industry Management at the University of Hawaii, spoke in support of those opposing the timeshare property tax proposal. “I feel that increasing the Timeshare Property Tax as part of the 2012 budget will hurt the growth of the positive benefits that ownership brings to all of us here on Maui," she said.

"It will force our current owners to sell or foreclose on their timeshares. The effects, in turn, will place our employment, our health benefits, our retirement benefits and everything else that allows us to maintain a comfortable lifestyle on Maui in jeopardy.”

"This battle will not be settled until the council adopts its final version of the budget, but the administration’s statement appears to signal that there may be room for compromise," concluded the LahainaNews report.

Read the article in its entirety.

Romantic Hawaii Vacation Ideas

We post a lot of articles about family vacations, but how about a romantic getaway? A top timeshare romantic vacation destination is, of course, beautiful Hawaii. The tropical South Seas have always had the allure of romance.

Oahu
Hawaii's islands offer romance around every corner - and curve of the beach. Oahu has Waikiki Beach, famous the world over and it can be crowded. But here you can also take tandem surfing lessons - literally fall into each others arms and into the turquoise waters of the South Pacific. A drive up the west side of the island will reward you with numerous small beaches that are very often almost deserted. Wander a soft sand beach amidst coconuts that have fallen during the night. Take one back to your timeshare kitchen and put in two straws to share its sweet juice from its own coconut shell. See Oahu timeshares.

Maui
On Maui a must-do on your romantic getaway is to watch a startling brilliant sunrise from high atop Haleakala. The dormant volcano is 10,000 feet and the top is chilly, so you'll have to snuggle together! Maui also offers great hiking - another activity that you can enjoy together. Above the Pools of O'heo is the Pipiwai Trail, considered one of the best hikes on Maui. There are several sparkling waterfalls along the route, with the final destination being the Waimoku Falls that spectacularly plunges 400-feet down a sheer lava rock wall. See Maui timeshares.

Kauai
Kauai is known for its wide, uncrowded beaches with stunning sunset views. Or you can hike the mist-shrouded Alakai Wilderness Trail where you'll actually walk through clouds. Rent kayaks and tour along the base of the sheer cliffs of the spectacular Napali Coast. Kauai has an amazing array of festivals, and whether you're interested in Hawaii's special island music, in Polynesian culture, or in the paintings and sculptures of Hawaii's talented artists, you can "festival hop" during the busy summer festival season. See Kauai timeshares.

The Big Island
On the Big Island take a horseback ride across the expanse of Parker Ranch, a real working cattle ranch. Your Paniolo (cowboy) will guide you from splashing along the surf to entering mango groves where you can pick the sweet fruit right off the tree and enjoy a refreshing treat along the trail. And there is no better place for a romantic picnic than Rainbow Falls, a stunning waterfall in Hilo. Cascading for 80 feet, and 100 feet in diameter, the huge volume of water plunges over a lava cave, and creates mists where rainbows dance in the sun. See Hawaii timeshares.

Nothing says "I love you" like a romantic timeshare rental getaway on the islands of Hawaii!

(Maui photo provided by the Hawaii Visitors Bureau)

Travel Adventures on Maui: Must See Sites and Activities

If all you did when you visited Hawaii was sunbathe on the beaches, let the trade winds softly blow through your hair, and generally "relax to the unth degree" - you'd do Hawaii proud. However, Hawaii is so much more. Rent a timeshare on Maui and have an adventure!

Volcano
One of the most famous activities for visitors to Maui is seeing the sunrise from the summit of Haleakala. This extinct volcano (some scientists think it is only dormant) can be reached by driving through the Haleakala National Park. The breathtaking beauty of a sunrise as seen from the top of this volcano will stay with you the rest of your life. You can drive your own car, take a bus tour, do an overnight hike, or even join a bicycling tour.

Tranquil Pools
The Pools of O'heo, formally known as the Seven Sacred Pools, are a series of beautiful waterfalls that flow into tranquil pools through the O'heo Gulch and eventually to the ocean. Part of the Haleakala National Park, these popular pools offer a natural playground for all members of the family with swimming and even "cliff" diving.

Hiking
Above the Pools of O'heo is the Pipiwai Trail, considered one of the best hikes on Maui. It is 4 miles roundtrip and gains 650-feet in elevation. There are several great waterfalls along the route, with the final destination being the Waimoku Falls that spectacularly plunges 400-feet down a sheer lava rock wall.

Hang Gliding
Step up the excitement of your Maui vacation by soaring above Maui's lush tropical landscape in a hang-glider. This idea isn't as outrageous as it seems. "Hang Gliding Maui" offers everyone a chance to experience this special thrill by riding on a powered tandem hang glider out of Hana airport.

Soaring
If hang gliding isn't enough excitement, head to "Skyview Soaring" and add a soaring glider ride to your adventures. You and your glider pilot will be pulled up above Haleakala. From there you'll experience an incredible 45 minutes of soaring and gliding as you make your way back down to the Hana airport.

Cave Tours
And, the Hana Cave Tours offer a fun experience exploring deep into the subterranean passages of an extinct lava tube. As you clamber across a cinder trail, under stalactites and around stalagmites (hand-rails are provided), you'll be seeing (and from the inside out), the last minutes of a lava flow before it was frozen in time.

So, plan your family vacation to Maui. By renting a timeshare you'll have a great hub from which to enjoy many great adventures on this beautiful Hawaiian island. See all Maui timeshares.

Winter Timeshare Vacation in Maui

Winter in Hawaii is special and December on the island of Maui is like December no where else! It's easy to take the entire family for a special winter vacation by renting a timeshare, which can be as low as $71/night at the Kamaole Beach Club, or just $100/night at Marriott's Maui Ocean Club (see photo at right). Can you think of a more exciting Christmas present for the family?! And, perfect for the family looking for budget travel deals!

All during the month of December you'll find Christmas holiday activities and events on Maui. The first weekend in December ushers in the Christmas season with the "Holiday Lighting of the Banyan Tree" in Lahaina. This holiday celebration Hawaiian-style also includes the exciting World Culture Exchange Hula performances, as well as traditional Hawaiian music and an arts and crafts fair. The kids will delight in the children's holiday art activities and cookie decorating workshops held at the Old Lahaina Courthouse.

Tchaikovsky's beloved The Nutcracker is performed by Ballet Hawaii at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului. Also during the December holidays at the Cultural Center is the Maui Film Festival "First Light" during which Award-worthy films of 2009 will be screened.

On December 19th, the 2009 Christmas program by the Maui Pops Orchestra will feature famed guitar virtuoso and singer Willie K. Conducted by Music Director James Durham, the orchestra will offer traditional Christmas music and Hawaiian favorites.

Just to remind you that you are, indeed, in Hawaii, be sure to attend the 11th annual "Billabong Pro Maui" where the world's top professional female surfers compete. Held during the month of December at Honolua Bay at the Kapalua Resort on Maui's northwest shore, on days when the surf is rolling its biggest, this very-Hawaiian event is open to the public at no charge.

Enjoy this wonderful budget Christmas family vacation in Hawaii - and Mele Kalikimaka! See all Maui timeshares.

A Timeshare in Hawaii Makes a GREAT Summer Vacation


The minute you get off the plane, you’ll know you are in tropical paradise and on your way to a great summer vacation. You’ll feel the sun on your face, the balmy breezes on your cheeks and smell the fresh plumeria flowers in the air. It's no secret that the Islands of Aloha are a scenic paradise, but what you may not know is that by renting a timeshare, you could have more space and amenities than a hotel room, for about half the cost.

"Hawaii is historically one of the world's most popular summer vacation destinations and this year is an exceptionally good time to visit with the deals and specials in the marketplace for travelers to take advantage of," said John Monahan, president and CEO of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB).

Oahu
Oahu is the popular island for tourists with a mix of natural and cultural wonders. See pro surfers on the famous North Shore, visit the memorial at Pearl Harbor, or bask in the sun and learn to surf on the legendary beach of Waikiki. See Oahu timeshares.

Hawaii (the Big Island)
Bigger than all of the other islands combined, Hawaii holds 11 of the world’s 13 climactic zones—from sandy beaches to snowcapped mountains. For activities you can: see beautiful rainforests, botanical gardens and waterfalls; try fishing and snorkeling off the Kona Coast; or visit Volcano National Park. See Hawaii timeshares.

Maui
For the best beaches in the world, you’ll want to visit the second largest island, Maui. For more incredible scenery, try a long drive up to Hana, or wake up early to catch the sunrise atop Haleakala Crater. See Maui timeshares.

Kauai
Graced with dramatic, natural beauty, the oldest island of Kauai can offer you great outdoor adventures. See the massive Waimea Canyon, "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Take a boat ride out to view the towering cliffs of the Napali Coast. See Kauai timeshares.

Molokai
Molokai is an island that has preserved its connection to the past and offers many activities for those who love the outdoors. View the lush foliage in beautiful Halawa Valley or visit the Kalaupapa Settlement to learn about the works of Father Damien. See Molokai timeshares.

For more ideas on what to do on your Hawaii vacation, visit their official tourism site and request a free copy of the Hawaii's Official Visitors' Guide.
Photo compliments of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau.