Hawaii is a dream destination for many travelers, thanks to its stunning natural beauty, pristine beaches, and unique island cultures.
However, traveling to these enchanting islands can often come with a hefty price tag.
But there’s good news: savvy travelers can take advantage of points and miles to minimize their travel expenses.
In this article, we will explore the best ways to book your flights to Hawaii using various points and miles strategies, focusing on flights to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu.
Although this discussion centers around Honolulu, it’s essential to note that prices may vary when flying to different Hawaiian islands, although the award redemption rates may remain consistent.
The key to a budget-friendly trip to Hawaii lies in understanding how to maximize travel rewards credit cards.
For newcomers to the concept of points and miles, obtaining a travel rewards credit card is a foundational strategy.
For instance, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card currently offers 100,000 bonus Ultimate Rewards points after a $5,000 spend within the first three months.
These points can be utilized to book flights through the Chase Travel portal or transferred at a 1:1 ratio to several airline and hotel loyalty programs, such as Southwest Rapid Rewards, JetBlue TrueBlue, World of Hyatt, and Marriott Bonvoy.
Although there are diverse options, TPG recommends prioritizing the transfer of points to partner airlines to maximize their value.
When it comes to booking flights directly to Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines is a popular choice.
For instance, travelers can book round-trip tickets from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to HNL for as low as 20,000 HawaiianMiles in economy class.
On the other hand, flying in luxury with lie-flat seats may cost around 40,000 miles.
To earn Hawaiian miles, American Express Membership Rewards points can be transferred at a 1:1 ratio.
The Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® is another option that provides 60,000 bonus miles after a $2,000 spend within the first 90 days.
However, it’s important to note that American Express will reportedly end its partnership with Hawaiian Airlines soon.
Additionally, Alaska Airlines now allows members of its Mileage Plan to transfer miles to HawaiianMiles, adding another earning route.
If you’re considering a flight on Southwest Airlines, you can utilize Rapid Rewards points, which are straightforward to accumulate.
Despite fluctuating values for points, a round-trip fare from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to HNL can be around 21,500 Rapid Rewards points, plus minimal taxes and fees.
For those who frequently travel with Southwest or have ambitions of obtaining the coveted Companion Pass, double your value by bringing a friend along for free.
Turkish Airlines’ Miles&Smiles program is another secret weapon for flights to Hawaii, offering outstanding values for travelers based at Star Alliance hubs.
Flights on United Airlines from continental U.S. hubs to Hawaii can be redeemed for as low as 10,000 Turkish Airlines miles each way when booked through Turkish Airlines, a significant discount compared to the standard 25,000 miles directly through United.
Earning Turkish Airlines miles is feasible through various credit cards such as those linked to Bilt Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, or Capital One.
Booking flights using British Airways Avios for American Airlines flights is another viable option.
With Avios, travelers can book non-stop flights from West Coast cities to Hawaii for as low as 20,000 points.
To earn Avios, the British Airways Visa Signature® Card offers 85,000 miles after a $5,000 spend in the first three months.
For those interested in Alaska Airlines, it’s also possible to redeem for flights to Hawaii, as Alaska recently updated its award chart to include distance-based pricing.
This is especially valuable for travelers capturing ticket prices influenced by routing and availability.
Earn Alaska miles via Bilt Rewards points or the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card, offering substantial bonuses and companion fare incentives.
Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer program provides an option to book United Airlines flights, with pricing starting at around 19,500 miles for economy and 39,000 for first class.
KrisFlyer miles are easy to earn as they maintain partnerships with multiple transferable points programs.
American Airlines AAdvantage provides opportunities to redeem miles for flights on American and partner airlines; however, these prices for flights to Hawaii can be higher compared to other loyalty programs.
Earning AAdvantage miles is primarily through the airline’s own credit cards since it remains unaffiliated with Bilt.
Lastly, United Airlines MileagePlus is a straightforward option for flights to Hawaii, typically costing around 25,000 miles one-way in economy.
They offer easy online booking and have numerous credit card options for earning miles, making them accessible for potential travelers.
Delta Air Lines SkyMiles is also worth looking into, although it lacks a published award chart, leading travelers to search dates individually for the best deals.
The bottom line is clear: flights often represent the most significant expenditure for travelers going to Hawaii.
However, with optimal planning and the use of points and miles, visitors can explore the breathtaking islands of Hawaii without overspending.
Utilizing the right rewards credit card and understanding the numerous airline loyalty programs available will enhance your ability to travel affordably to the Aloha State.
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