Destination Kauai: Three Fascinating Attractions

Kauai’s Kilohana Plantation

Kauai’s Kilohana Plantation dates back to the 1930’s when the business of sugarcane ruled the island. Today, the 35-acre plantation is open to the public, offering endless opportunities to experience Kauai culture.

Visitors may dine at the Gaylord’s Restaurant and tour the 1935 manor house, which still has the original Gump’s San Francisco furniture while the mansion rooms have been transformed into space for boutiques and art galleries. Outside, Clydesdales pull carriages, offering relaxing rides to guests. Or visitors may opt for a ride on the Kauai Plantation Railway and learn about Kauai’s sugar cane history and mythology while viewing stunning scenery filled with rows of fruit orchards and nut trees. The ride includes a stop to feed wild pigs.

After the 40-minute train ride visitors head to Kilohana Plantation’s Luau Kalamaku — one of the most amazing luaus on the island. The party starts with the Imu Ceremony, the unearthing of the luau pig, then guests can enjoy a Mai Tai or two before lining up for the Hawaiian inspired buffet, which is overflowing with mouthwatering fresh fruit, Mahi Mahi, roasted pig, pineapple chicken, poi (a Hawaiian staple), and of course the dessert buffet. The evening finishes with a theatrical-style Polynesian show depicting the Polynesian migration to Hawaii.

Fern Grotto Tour

A 40-minute ride down the sacred Wailua River on a Smith’s flat bottom riverboat reveals folklore and a backdrop found in many Hollywood movies. Once the boat docks, passengers debark and stroll to a stunning lava rock grotto draped in tropical ferns. Hawaiian singers and dancers take advantage of the natural amphitheater, performing for the guests.

Waimea Canyon

Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Hawaii, Waimea Canyon and its striking cliffs and scenery make for an easy “must see” while visiting the island of Kauai. The canyon is ten miles long, one mile wide, and up to 3000 feet deep. Adventurers may hike the various trails or take in the scenery from the air on a helicopter ride.

Yes, Virginia, There are Alternatives to RCI and II

If you own a timeshare, you’ve undoubtedly heard of RCI and/or Interval International (II). You’ve probably seen their hefty Resort Directories and, of course, probably paid your annual membership fees.

What you might not know, however, is that you do have many alternatives to these exchange companies. Even better, you can choose to maintain your membership in the original exchange company AND get another membership with one of the so-called “secondary” exchange companies, giving you great alternatives and options for using your timeshare.

Today we’re going to focus on the San Francisco Exchange Company, known as SFX.

SFX was founded in 1992 and prides themselves on dealing with “quality timeshare resorts located in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, the Caribbean, and Western Europe.”

They offer two (2) levels of membership, GOLD and PLATINUM. Here is a brief rundown of what these membership levels offer you:

SFX GOLD
Annual Fee: $0
Exchange Fees: $159
Time Limit To Complete an Exchange: 2 years
Advance Fees Charged: No
Advance Request Time frame: 12 months
Request First/ Deposit First: Deposit First
Guest Certificate Fee: $39
Room Upgrade Fees (When Available): $159-$200
Travel Protection: $45 per booking
“Sell Off Weeks” Discount: None

SFX PLATINUM
Annual Fee: $239 for 3 years; $349 for 5 years
Exchange Fees: $129
Time Limit To Complete an Exchange: 2 years
Advance Fees Charged: No
Advance Request Time frame: 18 months
Request First/Deposit First: Either
Guest Certificate Fee: $0
Room Upgrade Fees (When Available): $0
Travel Protection: $0
“Sell Off Weeks” Discount: $100

A note about “Sell Off Weeks.” These are weeks that you can request 90 days or less from the check-in date. There are some wonderful deals available if you are flexible enough to take advantage of this time frame.

As SFX prides itself on specializing in high quality resorts, some owners of less desirable or lower quality resorts may not qualify for membership. A quick look at some of SFX inventory reveals locations such as: The Manhattan Club (New York City), Lawrence Welk Resort (Escondido, California), Banyan Harbor (Key West, Florida), Sloan Gardens Club (London), and the Royal Mayan (Cancun).  What’s great about having another option in addition to your primary exchange company is having more chances to get an exchange into these high-demand locations.

It should be noted that if your timeshare is point-based, such as RCI Points, you would still have to maintain your RCI Points membership, as you will need to exchange your points for an actual week and then deposit that week with SFX, since they don’t work with points.

What about maintenance fees at your home resort? Those, of course, must be current at the time you place your week into the SFX pool. But you knew that already, didn’t you?

SFX can be reached at www.sfx-resorts.com. If you’d like a Membership Application, you can e-mail me at lisa@timeshareinsights.com.

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Lisa Ann Schreier, “The Timeshare Crusader,” is the author of Surviving A Timeshare Presentation, and Timeshare Vacations For Dummies, and blogs for Holiday Group.