How to Stay in Hawaii Hotels on Points
Points save twice in Hawaii
Hawaii resorts are expensive in two ways: a high nightly cash rate and a mandatory resort fee that can add $40 to $60 a night. Points address both. The award night offsets the steep cash rate, and because Hilton and Hyatt both waive resort fees on full-points award stays, you skip that surcharge entirely, a saving that is unique to redeeming points rather than paying cash.
The cards and transfer partners to use
Hilton Honors owns Waikiki and Marriott Bonvoy spreads across Maui and the islands, so target their points first. Hilton is fed by Amex at 1:2 and Bilt at 1:1; Marriott by Amex, Chase, and Bilt; and the several island Hyatts by Chase or Bilt. An Amex Platinum plus a Chase or Bilt card covers all three resort chains. See which cards transfer to hotels.
Premium co-brand cards for resort rates
A premium hotel card pays off fast against resort pricing. The Hilton Honors Aspire brings a free night and resort credits suited to a Hawaii splurge, and the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless and World of Hyatt cards add certificates in their own programs. Find the lowest-point island night on rooms.aero. See best cities for hotel points.
Stop guessing at point values. Look up the real award price and live availability for a specific trip before you transfer.
Search award flights on seats.aero →Frequently asked questions
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