In 2019, Stephanie G. and her husband were enjoying their second trip to the Hawaiian Islands and staying at Hilton Hawaiian Village® when — after a warm welcome and falling in love with the property — they booked an appointment for a Personal Preview and sales presentation. 

   

"We knew immediately that the program was a good fit for us and would support our future vacations and trips to Hawaii," recalled Stephanie. "The rooms were especially inviting. We could picture ourselves being there and making it our home away from home."

Since then, the travel-loving pair have put vacation ownership to good use, traveling three weeks a year. Additionally, the couple takes regular jaunts for long weekends, overnights and day trips throughout the year. 

"We've enjoyed every Hilton Grand Vacations property we visited and have a special place in our hearts for our home resort, Ocean Tower, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club," explained Stephanie. 

Stephanie sets off on solo adventures when they're not busy exploring together. "On my most recent solo tour, I had the pleasure of staying at Elara, Kohala Suites, Maui Bay Villas and The Grand Islander. Each Hilton Grand Vacations Club property provided me an incredible stay and enticed me to return," she said.

However, a handful of amenities from Stephanie's recent trip left an impression. 

   

At Elara, it was the full wall projector screen and giant jetted tub. Stephanie's favorite amenities at Kohala Suites were the free parking near the Suite and the peaceful view from the lanai. At Maui Bay Villas, the beautiful lounge areas, endless pillows and creative outdoor seating wowed her.

Finally, the pool and hot tub inside The Grand Islander's tower provided the ideal backdrop for Stephanie to meet and chat with other Owners. 

Moreover, she realized that there were even more amenities than were featured on the Hilton Grand Vacations app and website. So, she began documenting her travels, specifically the accommodations, and sharing them with Owners in a Facebook group she frequents. 

"I took up a scavenger hunt in each room, capturing everything I found from rice cookers to automatic blinds to bathrobes," shared Stephanie. "We, as Owners, want to picture living in the space with family and friends. Many were interested in what I found in the kitchen so they could make a shopping list and picture cooking and sharing a meal," said Stephanie.

Fueled by the positive responses from other Owners, Stephanie is excited to continue documenting the Hilton Grand Vacations properties she visits. No matter where her newfound project takes her, there is one destination that always keeps her coming back. 

   

Hawaii. 

"It is a magical place, and there is always more to do and see, all of which is made possible with Hilton Grand Vacations ownership and a place to call home," said Stephanie.

Stephanie didn't skip a beat when asked about her favorite resort. "My new favorite resort is Maui Bay Villas," she answered enthusiastically.

"Everything was beautifully designed. All the special touches were impressive and meticulously planned and executed. The Suite I stayed in was amazing, and I immediately felt like I was stepping into my own gorgeous home -- immersed in comfort and relaxation."

"One of the best parts of my most recent trip was my departure day spent in the Maui Bay Villas beach pool. Having much of the day all to myself, I ended up delaying my flight so I could spend more time there swimming, lounging and enjoying the peaceful scenery," shared Stephanie. 

When she's not busy documenting her stays for the Facebook group or enjoying Hilton Grand Vacations' amenities, you can find Stephanie exploring all the Hawaiian islands offer. Stephanie enjoys taking in the islands by land and sea, from appreciating the culture to night swimming with manta rays and whale watching. "I crave the chill and thrill time in equal measure," she said. 

   

Each trip is as unforgettable as the last, making it difficult for her to choose a favorite Hawaii vacation memory. 

"It is impossible to pick a favorite, but one that stands out is my doors-off helicopter ride along the Kohala coastline," said Stephanie. "With endless waterfalls, waves glistening in the sunlight and lush greenery, I was surrounded by Hawaiian paradise. It was an unforgettable experience!"

Given her experience in the Hawaiian Islands and her passion for helping other Owners make the most of their vacations, Stephanie offered three tips for your next trip to paradise. 

3 Tips for an Unforgettable Hawaii Vacation 

Plan ahead. 

Don't wait to book big-ticket items like airfare, car rental and your Hilton Grand Vacations Studio or Suite. During peak seasons, the affordable flights will fill, cars run out and the best accommodations are booked solid. Making early reservations helps ensure your preferences are met and secures your trip. Create a budget and start saving so you can have your dream vacation.

Research your activities. 

Some excursions require reservations, so consider booking early. Note restrictions such as height, weight, age, party size limits, pricing (ask about group pricing discounts), pick-up and drop-off services or locations, and cancelation policies. If your group has a must-do activity, book it at the front end of your trip in case you have to reschedule or wait for better weather conditions. 

Relax and explore. 

Hawaii is a wonderful place to kick back and enjoy the warm water, soft sand and beautiful sunshine. It's also one of the best places to get out of your comfort zone and try something new and exciting. 

Read "Embrace Aloha: Fun Things Worth Doing on Your Next Vacation to Hawaii" for another Owner's Hawaii vacation stories.