Visiting Hawaii with points and miles in 2024

This series exploring credit cards, travel points, and budgeting for adventures is created in collaboration with The Points Guy.

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For many adventurers, a journey to Hawaii symbolizes a trip to paradise, complete with a fragrant flower lei, a captivating hula performance, and relaxing days at the beach. And they’re right — I grew up on the island of Oʻahu and think about it every day.

Although Hawaiian vacations are often viewed as costly, using a few budget-savvy strategies, like traveling in the shoulder season or using public transport, can help reduce your expenses. Additionally, accumulating enough points and miles to cover flights and accommodations would allow you to allocate more funds for dining, tours, and other enjoyable activities.

Whether you're interested in exploring volcanoes, diving into Hawaiian history and culture, or simply relaxing by the pool, your island getaway doesn’t have to be pricey. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Hawaii with points and miles, featuring essential tips to kick off your rewards-earning adventure and make the most of credit card welcome bonuses.

Getting started with travel points and airline miles

The most affordable award flights to Hawaii

Most travelers will fly into Honolulu (HNL) and concentrate their efforts on Oʻahu. If you're considering island-hopping, it can often be more affordable to arrive at HNL and then take a quick 30-minute flight to another island.

That said, some cities provide direct flights to Maui (OGG), Kauaʻi (LIH), and Hawaiʻi the Big Island (KOA), so check Google Flights for all available options. Rates are typically lower from the West Coast or major U.S. airline hubs.

Here’s a breakdown of the cheapest award flights to Honolulu from the continental U.S., along with tips for earning the necessary miles by maximizing travel credit card welcome bonuses (rates based on flights from the West Coast):

• Cheapest economy class fare to Hawaii: 15,000 Turkish Airlines miles round-trip

• Cheapest business class fare to Hawaii: 25,000 Turkish Airlines miles round-trip

• Cheapest first-class fare to Hawaii: 45,000 Korean Air Skypass miles round-trip

Two key points to keep in mind: Most airlines belong to an alliance—Oneworld, Star Alliance, or SkyTeam—so it’s beneficial to check the redemption costs for points with both a main carrier and its partners.

Additionally, enrolling in travel credit cards that offer flexible rewards and generous welcome bonuses—like Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou, Capital One Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, and Bilt Rewards—allows you to transfer points to airline and hotel partners, giving you even more options.

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Receive 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. That’s $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠. (See full review here.)

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Get 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel through Chase Travel℠.

• American Express® Green Card*: Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 within the first six months of account opening.

• American Express® Gold Card*: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months. Plus, get 20% back in statement credits on eligible restaurant purchases worldwide, up to $100, within the first 6 months. Limited time offer ends 11/6/24. (See full review here.)

• American Express® Business Gold Card: Receive 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express*: Get 80,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 within the first six months of account opening.

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express*: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months.

• Citi Premier® Card: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening.

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Receive 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months from account opening.

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months.

• Bilt Mastercard®: No welcome bonus, but you can earn points on rent and transfer them to various airline and hotel partners.

Here’s a look at some of the top methods to fly to Hawaii using points and miles.

American Airlines AAdvantage

Thanks to American Airlines’ convenient award chart, it’s straightforward to determine how many AAdvantage miles are required for a flight to Hawaii in your preferred class with the airline or one of its Oneworld alliance partners.

• Economy Class: 40,000–45,000 miles for a round-trip

• Business Class: 110,000–120,000 miles for a round-trip

• First Class: 160,000 miles for a round-trip

To quickly accumulate AAdvantage miles, consider enrolling in one of the cobranded credit cards listed below. Alternatively, you can transfer Bilt Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio or Marriott Bonvoy points at a 3:1 ratio.

• Barclaycard AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee within the first 90 days of account opening.

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®: Receive 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 in the first three months.

• CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®: Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first four months of account opening.

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: Receive 70,000 bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first three months of account opening.

British Airways Avios

One of the best aspects of the Oneworld alliance is the opportunity to book flights to Hawaii using British Airways Avios. Award rates depend on distance, allowing you to secure a one-way flight to Honolulu from the West Coast or Phoenix (PHX) for as low as 13,000 Avios since the journey falls within 2,001 to 3,000 miles.

• Economy Class: 26,000 Avios for a round-trip

• Business Class: 77,500 Avios for a round-trip

• First Class: 103,000 Avios for a round-trip

You can accumulate British Airways Avios by transferring points from American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One, or Bilt Rewards at a 1:1 ratio, or from Marriott Bonvoy at a 3:1 ratio. Alternatively, you can sign up for their cobranded credit card to take advantage of the welcome bonus.

• British Airways Visa Signature® Card: Receive 85,000 Avios after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Another partner within the Oneworld alliance, Alaska Airlines, provides flights to Hawaii from Seattle (SEA), Portland (PDX), San Francisco (SFO), and San Diego (SAN).

• Economy Class: 30,000 miles for a round-trip

• First Class: 80,000 miles for a round-trip

Although you can’t transfer miles between Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and American Airlines AAdvantage, you can still book flights with one carrier through the other’s website since they are partners in the Oneworld alliance.

Alaska Airlines has a partnership with Marriott Bonvoy, allowing you to transfer points to Alaska at a 3:1 ratio. However, the quickest way to earn miles is by maximizing the welcome bonuses from its two cobranded credit cards.

• Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first 90 days of account opening, plus Alaska’s $99 Companion Fare, with taxes and fees starting from $23, each year after you spend $6,000.

• Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card: Earn 50,000 bonus miles, along with Alaska’s $99 Companion Fare, with taxes and fees starting from $23, after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days.

United Airlines MileagePlus

United Airlines operates on a dynamic pricing model, meaning fares fluctuate based on the season and seat availability. A recent search showed the following options for a flight in February 2024 from Los Angeles (LAX) to Honolulu (HNL):

• Economy Class: 23,000 miles for a round-trip

• Business/First Class: 100,000 miles for a round-trip

United partners with Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt Rewards, allowing you to transfer points at a 1:1 ratio. To quickly accumulate United MileagePlus miles, consider applying for one of its cobranded credit cards.

• United Gateway℠ Card: Receive 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of your account. Additionally, enjoy 0% intro APR for the first 12 months on purchases from the account opening. Learn more.

• United℠ Explorer Card: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months after opening your account.

• United Quest℠ Card: Acquire 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.

• United Club℠ Infinite Card: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of your account.

• United℠ Business Card: Gain 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in your first three months of account opening.

• United Club℠ Business Card: Earn 50,000 bonus miles plus 1,000 Premier qualifying points after spending $5,000 in the first three months.

Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles

You can book flights to Hawaii using other Star Alliance partners like Air Canada Aeroplan and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, but the most advantageous redemptions are through Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles.

• Economy Class: 15,000 miles for a round-trip

• Business Class: 25,000 miles for a round-trip

Keep in mind that you may need to check for award availability on United’s website first, then look on the Turkish Airlines site. If you still have trouble, call Turkish Airlines to help you book the flight you found on United's site.

When booking your award flight with Turkish Airlines, you'll actually be flying on United aircraft, thanks to their partnership. Check availability for flights to Hawaii from United hubs like Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN), Newark (EWR), Houston (IAH), Washington, D.C. (IAD), Los Angeles (LAX), and San Francisco (SFO) to find the most competitive rates.

Several flexible rewards programs, including Capital One, Citi, and Bilt Rewards, allow you to transfer points to Turkish Miles&Smiles at a 1:1 ratio, while Marriott Bonvoy offers a 1:3 transfer ratio.

Delta SkyMiles

Delta employs dynamic pricing, making it challenging to pinpoint the best rates, as they fluctuate. Here’s an example search for a flight from Seattle (SEA) to Honolulu (HNL) in February 2024.

• Economy Class: 56,000 miles for a round-trip

• Business/First Class: 203,000 miles for a round-trip

Delta SkyMiles partners with American Express Membership Rewards, allowing points to be transferred at a 1:1 ratio. To enhance your points balance, consider the attractive welcome bonuses offered by the American Express travel cards mentioned above or one of Delta’s cobranded cards listed below.

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card*: Receive 80,000 Bonus Miles after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card*: Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 in purchases in the first 6 months. Offer Ends 10/23/24.

• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card*: Receive 90,000 Bonus Miles after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months.

• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card*: Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months. Offer Ends 10/23/24.

• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card*: Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months.

• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card*: Earn 110,000 Bonus Miles after spending $12,000 on purchases in the first 6 months. Offer Ends 10/23/24.

Korean Air Skypass

You can also book flights to Hawaii through Delta’s SkyTeam partners.

To redeem miles with Korean Air Skypass, which allows bookings on SkyTeam carriers and partners like Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines, a round-trip flight must be booked, as one-way award redemptions are not permitted.

• Economy Class: 25,000 miles for a round-trip

• Business Class: 45,000 miles for a round-trip

For those needing a one-way award flight, Air France/KLM’s FlyingBlue program offers economy redemptions at 35,000 miles round-trip or 86,000 miles round-trip for premium cabins.

To accumulate Korean Air Skypass miles swiftly, transfer Marriott Bonvoy points at a 3:1 ratio.

• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Receive 60,000 Bonus Points plus 1 Free Night Award after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. The Free Night is valued at 50,000 points, but some hotels may have resort fees.

• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of account opening with your Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® card.

• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card*: Earn 155,000 bonus points after making $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card*: Earn 185,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards

Southwest determines its redemption rates based on ticket prices, so utilizing the low-fare calendar on its website can help you find the best available deals.

Here's a sample search for a flight from Oakland (OAK) to Kahului, Maui (OGG) in February 2024. Keep in mind that Southwest offers its own interpretation of business class, focused more on ticket refundability and boarding privileges rather than premium seating.

• Economy Class: 15,432 points for a round-trip

• Business Class: 40,322 points for a round-trip

Although Southwest doesn't have airline alliance partners, it is included in the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, allowing you to transfer your points to Southwest at a 1:1 ratio.

• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: Receive 85,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of opening your account.

• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card: Get 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card: Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

• Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card: Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Hawaii hotels available for booking with points

Throughout the Hawaiian Islands, you'll find major hotel chains that accept points, including World of Hyatt, Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG One Rewards, Wyndham Rewards, and Choice Privileges—all of which are free to join.

Keep in mind that some hotels may impose resort fees in addition to standard taxes and fees for amenities like local calls, pool towels, Wi-Fi, and other services not included in your room rate.

Some credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve, provide a $300 annual travel credit that allows you to offset fees, while others like the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card* offer $200 in statement credits for resort fees and other charges at Hilton properties twice a year as part of their benefits.

Regardless of which island you explore, applying for hotel credit cards or transferring flexible points from Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards will definitely help reduce your expenses.

Should you use cash or points for your travel bookings?

Oʻahu

For those who enjoy hiking dormant volcanoes, watching the surf on the North Shore, exploring WWII history at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, or indulging in shave ice by the beach, Oʻahu is the place to begin. It’s the most bustling island in Hawaii and likely where your flight arrived.

Stay close to Hawaii’s most famous beach at one of three Hyatt properties. Rooms at Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach begin at 12,000 points per night, while the nearby Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach starts at 15,000 points per night. For a premium experience, consider the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa, where rates start at 20,000 points per night.

The welcome bonuses from the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or the World of Hyatt Credit Card can easily cover at least three nights. Additionally, you can transfer Ultimate Rewards points to Hyatt since they are a partner.

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Maui

Currently, Lahaina is off-limits to visitors, and West Maui is still in the process of recovering from severe wildfires. However, the remainder of the island is operational, with points hotels available in Wailea, Kihei, Kahului, and Hana, plus more options in Ka’anapali and Kapalua once the West Coast recuperates.

We suggest staying in Wailea or Kihei in South Maui, known for stunning beaches and views of the nearby islands of Lanai and Kaho’olawe. This area also serves as an excellent starting point for the famous road trip to Hana, featuring picturesque beaches and waterfalls, or for driving to the summit of Mt. Haleakala, one of Maui’s top attractions at an elevation of 10,023 feet.

Marriott Bonvoy members can book stays at the AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea starting at 33,500 points per night, the Residence Inn Maui Wailea for 61,000 points per night, or the Wailea Beach Resort for 65,500 points per night.

As Marriott Bonvoy is a transfer partner of both Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards, you can easily transfer points from either program.

Additionally, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant welcome bonus provides two free nights (valued at up to 85,000 points each), helping you save on your stay. This card also offers a complimentary night on your anniversary and up to $300 in dining credits each year ($25 monthly) at restaurants.

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Hawai'i Island (The Big Island)

While the majority of points hotels are located around Kona, the charming DoubleTree by Hilton, the Grand Naniloa Hotel, is available in Hilo for those preferring the east side of the island, starting at 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night. This is a great option if you plan to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, located just an hour away.

On the West Coast, Hilton Waikoloa Village offers a fantastic family-friendly experience with multiple swimming pools, a lazy river, and various water slides, starting at 75,000 points per night.

As an American Express Membership Rewards hotel partner, Hilton Honors allows you to earn two Hilton Honors points for every Amex MR point transferred.

Regarding welcome bonuses, the Platinum Card from American Express provides enough points for a single night, while the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card* covers two nights. Additionally, it grants Hilton Gold status, which offers perks like daily dining credits or continental breakfast, free room upgrades, and a fifth-night free benefit.

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Kauaʻi

Referred to as The Garden Isle, Kauaʻi is famous for its film locations. The island was prominently featured in the “Jurassic Park” series, and the well-known Fern Grotto was showcased in Elvis's classic “Blue Hawaii,” also serving as a stand-in for the Peruvian jungle in “Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark.”

Whether you decide to stay on the picturesque North Shore or along the eastern or southern coasts, there’s a points hotel close by. The most notable options include those from World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, and Hilton Honors.

Heading south, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa in Poipu starts at 30,000 points per night, while the Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, begins at 85,000 points per night, making them excellent options.

The Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort in Kapa’a is a wonderful choice if you prefer the East Coast, starting at 66,000 points per night, along with the Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay, which starts at 60,000 points per night.

To quickly earn loyalty points, consider signing up for any of the Hyatt, Marriott, or Hilton credit cards mentioned previously to maximize their welcome bonuses.

You can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Hyatt or Marriott at a 1:1 ratio, while Amex Membership Rewards points can be transferred to Hilton at a 1:2 ratio or to Marriott at 1 to 1.5. The choice depends on your preferred hotel brand.

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Activities and transportation on the ground

To navigate the islands, renting a car or joining a guided tour is ideal if you prefer not to drive. There are numerous activities available, such as snorkeling trips in Maui, nature explorations on the Big Island, guided excursions to Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, or enjoying a night at Oʻahu's renowned Paradise Cove Luau.

Although car rentals and attractions can become expensive, there are ways to reduce your travel costs. If you hold the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you can use the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal to book tours and rental cars at a value of 1.25 cents per point or 1.5 cents per point, respectively.

Certain credit cards, such as the Capital One Venture Rewards and Capital One Venture X Rewards, enable cardholders to offset travel expenses by redeeming miles, typically valued at one cent per mile. It's worthwhile to check if your preferred card has similar features, as this trend is becoming more prevalent.

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In summary

Traveling to Hawaii doesn't need to be expensive, especially if you prepare in advance and leverage airline and hotel loyalty programs. By strategically applying for credit cards that offer attractive welcome bonuses and being mindful of points and miles through transfer partners and airline alliances, you can cover your essentials and concentrate on enjoying your trip.

*Terms and conditions apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be necessary for certain American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com for more information.

The details for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card have been gathered independently by Dinogo Planet. The information on this page has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Editorial note: The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by any of these entities.