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Toll Free: 877-624-6889
Intl: (407) 917-8432
Posted on February 08, 2022
One of the more remarkable aspects of the roller coaster ride of COVID and its impact on the tourism and timeshare industry is the resilience of Hawaii as a vacation destination. It seems like no matter how long the border lockdown lasted (eight months during 2020) or the ever-changing regulations regarding quarantines, testing and venue access, people keep coming back to their Hawaii timeshares.
Tourism surveys point to optimism among Americans planning vacations in 2022, while vacationers continue to look forward to their favorite Hawaii timeshare destinations. This despite the various rules as officials manage the Omicron spread.
Hawaii hasn’t completely retired its quarantine rules. Domestic travelers from the U.S. still need to register online through its Safe Travels Hawaii program, with fully vaccinated travelers uploading or providing proof of vaccination status to avoid the 5-day self-quarantine requirement. Those who are not fully vaccinated, or are unvaccinated, and provide negative COVID test results can also avoid quarantine.
The question then becomes, what is meant by “fully vaccinated”? State officials maintain that anyone with two doses (or one dose of the J&J vaccine) are still considered fully vaxxed as of the time of this writing. Governor David Ige hinted last month that he is considering changing the definition to include booster shots, so be aware that this could change. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Governor Ige has just announced that the state will not require booster shots in order to be fully vaccinated)
The island of Kauai appears to be mirroring the overall rules for Hawaii.
Maui, however, has already changed its vax definition to also include a booster shot. So theoretically you could fly directly to Maui from the mainland and need to be triple vaxxed, but only need the double dose to fly into Honolulu.
The real impact of these rules is in access to venues. On Oahu, customers must show proof of vaccination or negative COVID test results in order to enter bars, restaurants, entertainment or recreational facilities. It’s the same for Maui, but because they have changed their definition of fully vaxxed, non-boosted guests may be asked to provide negative test results to enter certain premises.
Clear as mud?
Even with the musical chairs being played by officials, vacationers can still dream about relaxing at their favorite Hawaii timeshare. The bottom line appears to be that if you are fully vaccinated and can show proof, then you really don’t have much to worry about regarding arrival and venue access.
And the good news is that face masks are no longer required when outdoors, so your selfies on Waikiki Beach are good to go!
The reality is that Hawaii provides a vacation experience that few destinations can match, with the exquisite scenery, wonderful accommodations, terrific beaches and laid-back island vibe.
Hawaii fans are eager to get back to the Aloha State, so we’ve had a look at the Hawaii timeshare resorts that are the favorites of buyers who placed offer through our platform last year. The resorts are shown in reverse order, with the most popular resorts showing near the end. Have a look.
The Big Island comes calling with this wonderful resort perched on the western coastline overlooking the Pacific just south of Kona. Get ready for spectacular sunsets from your one- or two-bedroom unit. Explore the fascinating Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with its active lava flows, then come back to cool off in the swimming pool or soak in the hot tub. And remember to get some Kona coffee.
Take in fabulous Poipu Beach from your location near the southern tip of Kauai. You will have everything you need in your two-bedroom villa, complemented by the onsite bar and food options, pool, hot tub and great kids’ activities at the MAZE's Club. Sightsee along the Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail and be on the lookout for the Hawaiian Monk Seals, or head out for a sunset cruise.
Located within the impressive Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort complex, Lagoon Tower overlooks Waikiki Beach and offers terrific watersports activities from the adjacent lagoon. Studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units deliver spacious accommodations with balconies providing incredible views. Numerous bar and dining options align with swimming pools, health spa and kid’s activities to give the best that Waikiki can offer.
Overlooking Shipwreck Beach and close to Kauai’s southernmost tip, the resort is near the Poipu Bay Golf Course with great access to everything in the region. The two-bedroom units and three-bedroom Presidential Suite combine to offer incredible vacation accommodations with wonderful ocean views. Dining, drinking and swimming options are all onsite. After you hit the beach, check out the Spouting Horn natural blowhole, take flight on a zipline or explore the history of Old Koloa Town.
Tucked into the Waikiki peninsula along the Ala Wai canal, this timeshare resort is in a great location to easily head into town as well as enjoy Waikiki Beach. Studio, one- and two-bedroom suites provide plenty of comfort after a day on Diamond Head crater, a round at Ala Wai Golf Course or shopping at Ala Moana. Relax in the sauna, dip in the pool or enjoy the tranquility of the gardens.
This spectacular spot on Kaanapali Beach is exactly what you dream of when looking for a Maui vacation. Close to everything, you can sunbathe, snorkel and sightsee before heading into Lahaina for a sumptuous dinner. Of course, you can dine, drink and relax at the resort as well, retreating to your one- or two-bedroom villa at the end of the day. Remember to catch a sunset cruise or go whale watching if you get the chance.
This retreat on the northern side of Kauai is the perfect place to see everything that the Emerald Isle is famous for. Adjacent to the Makai Golf Club, your one-, two- or three-bedroom unit is just the right home base to launch out and explore the beaches at Hanalei Bay, natural coves such as Queen’s Bath, or the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge. Taking in the Na Pali Coast is a must, best done by tour or air, or discover the Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”.
This area on the leeward side along Oahu’s western shore is the ideal respite for those looking to relax from the crowds of Honolulu and Waikiki. Less than an hour from Honolulu, you are close enough to enjoy attractions such as Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace and Waikiki yet far enough away to unwind and enjoy the island vibe. This 640-acre gated community has it all, with beach, pools, health spa, golf, dining and bar outlets. Two- and three-bedroom villas provide all the comfort you need.
An amazing location right on Kaanapali Beach, this is an impeccable spot for your Maui timeshare vacation. Offering ocean or mountain views from your balcony, you’ll always have a wonderful vantage point to soak in the atmosphere. One- and two-bedroom suites are spacious, with 820 sq. ft. up to 1400 sq. ft. of area. Indulge in the pool, hot tub or spa and have a cocktail at the Makai Bar. With watersports, sightseeing in the Waihee Valley or shopping in Lahaina, it has it all.
Only a block from the famed stretch of beach, this resort is part of the Waikiki Beach Walk complex with its shopping, dining and entertainment options. You are close to Kalakaua Avenue, considered the main street of Waikiki and home to even more shops, restaurants and the Waikiki Aquarium. There is also Kapiolani Park, the oldest public park in Honolulu which also hosts the Waikiki Zoo, and the majestic Diamond Head crater to explore.
All of this is possible from your spacious one-, two-, three- or four-bedroom unit, your home base with separate living room, dining area, kitchen and convenient washer/dryer for easy clean up after a day on the beach.
Hawaii lovers are well aware that the list above is not comprehensive, since outstanding resorts such as Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas, Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Grand Waikikian and Disney's Aulani Vacation Club Villas barely missed out.
With all of the destinations across the islands, there is bound to be a favorite that you’re looking for which may not be listed. If you have any questions or are looking for options in a specific place, click here to leave our licensed agents a message or give us a call at 877-624-6889.
Steve manages the public relations and content creation efforts of the company. Previously the Chief Operating Officer for Perspective Magazine, he provided oversight and contributed articles for the five regional vacation ownership trade magazines under the Perspective Magazine banner.
A contributor for industry publications such as Resort Trades and Developments Magazine, Steve Luba has 35 years’ experience in various roles in radio and television, sales and marketing, public relations, media and government liaison initiatives.
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