So, what does a Hawaii timeshare cost? Well, there are allot of variables in a timeshares cost such as:

1. Location

2. The size of the unit

3. The extent of the amenities included in the price

4. Choosing off-season or peak-season

5. The condition of the property

6. Location of the property, such as ocean front beach front, lakeside, geographical location, etc

7. How many "shares" you own

These are just a few examples of how much a Hawaii timeshare can cost. A good ballpark figure is $10,000 to $30,000 but again, that can go in either direction by the thousands of dollars depending on some of the factors listed above, most important one being how many shares you own and in which season.

Hawaii timeshare costs can go as low as $5,000 (if you are very lucky) and all the way up to tens of thousands for larger high-end beachfront units. The typical annual fees are $300 to $400 but can go as high as $1,000 or more for larger shares or peak season shares, and the number of amenities such as pools, restaurants, tennis courts, etc.

A "share" is the amount of time you purchase. Typically 7 days is considered 1 share and two weeks 2 shares, etc. Sometimes the annual fees do not include property taxes, so shareowners would be responsible for those costs as well.

The annual maintenance fees are similar to home association fees and typically include utilities, maid service, your parking, and usually there's money set aside in case repairs need to be made. Some people don't like the idea of having to pay yearly maintenance fees however, anyone who has ever lived in a seasonal townhome understands the convenience of the turn-key nature of the property being kept in tip top shape.

Many people often ask if there is a cap on the maintenance fees and "how do I know if it's not going to triple a year or two after I buy the timeshare?" The answer is that every year there is a budget that is set out by the management company. That budget has to be approved by the homeowners association, which are actually the timeshare owners.

If they are going to increase the timeshare maintenance fees, the homeowners association has to approve it. On average, you can expect Hawaii timeshare maintenance fees to increase by about 3 to 4 percent per year. Other fees can include transfer fees, recording fees, and assessment fees.

Bottom line, a Hawaii timeshare can be a bargain IF you know you can use it, and IF you buy it right. Whatever you do, don't let a quick decision get you in hot water. These things are easy to buy, but not so easy to sell. Timeshares can be 10 years and some are deeded and passed down to your kids.

A few simple questions you may want to ask are:

Do they allow pets? (If so, how many and what kind?)

Are the weeks fixed weeks or can they float?

Can you exchange for time at other resorts?

Just remember, it's always good practice to write down all your questions a head of time and write down any new questions that pop in you mind and add those to your list as well.

Make sure you shop around and visit the resorts you are interested in. A great way to do this it to get a heavily discounted rental stay at one of the resorts. This is something we do and we love it, and it's far easier than buying, with many more benefits.