Maui will soon welcome Westin Nanea Ocean Villas Kaanapali

A 26-acre parcel in Kaanapali, Hawaii, will soon welcome 390 more luxury timeshare units, to be developed by Starwood Vacation Ownership. Historically, Starwood has experienced monumental success with their 2 existing developments on Maui; the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas, and the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas North. The new resort, Westin Nanea Ocean Villas Kaanapali, will integrate fully with Starwood’s 2 existing resorts, making it one contiguous complex. The thing I think I love the most in learning about this project is it will be a ‘Green’ building project. The existing 2 Starwood resorts total 270 units. The eco-friendly 390 units at Westin Nanea Ocean Villas Kaanapali will more than double Starwood’s timeshare presence on the island. Rumor has it that there will be very few 1 bedroom and 3 bedroom units; The project will be comprised primarily of 2 bedroom units, and no ‘lock-offs’. Although the Maui News states the resort will open in 2010, Starwood’s press release states it will open in 2011. In 2007, Hawaii statewide approximately 8,000 timeshare residences. These statistics are up 16 percent from 2006, according to a survey conducted by state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Furthermore, the survey revealed that the number of timeshare units in Hawaii has almost doubled since 2000. On Maui alone, there were 2,916 units in 2007, which represents a 32 percent increase from 2006. The statistics represent yet another indicator that the timeshare industry is alive and well! It’s wonderful to see in spite of a sagging economy and high fuel prices, the demand for timeshare vacationing is still strong. I believe this is due to the public’s desire to make the most of their yearly vacations, with a product that offers an attractive alternative to hotel room vacationing.