Hawaii remains a dream destination for countless families, and it’s easy to see why. The islands are characterized by stunning mountain vistas, pristine beaches, and rich tropical vegetation, all coupled with a unique cultural heritage. For outdoor lovers, Hawaii is an absolute haven, offering exceptional surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, and golfing opportunities across the islands. Although the recent eruption of Mt. Kilauea on the Big Island raised concerns, it’s important to note that attractions like Mt. Haleakala in Maui remain safe and accessible. Additionally, many areas on the Big Island continue to be safe and offer attractive prices. (Refer to: Yes, It’s Still Safe to Visit Hawaii During the Volcanic Eruption)
Despite its allure, there are reasons some families might shy away from Hawaii—primarily, the expenses and travel time involved. While you can’t change the fact that reaching the islands requires a flight to the West Coast, followed by an additional five to six hours to Hawaii, there are strategies to cut down on travel expenses. Here’s how a family of four can journey to Hawaii for $1,000 or less.
Using Airline Miles for Flights to Hawaii
Before diving into the specifics of your journey, take time to determine which Hawaiian island(s) you wish to explore. Focusing your trip on one island can significantly lower your travel costs in both cash and miles. However, if you’re inclined, you can fly into one island, hop over to another during your stay, and then return home from your final island destination. Your itinerary choices are flexible. (Refer to: Cut These 9 Expenses in One Year to Get a 10-Day Hawaii Vacation)
Traveling to Hawaii using airline miles offers several advantageous options:
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Korean Air: 25,000 to 30,000 miles for a round-trip in economy class, depending on whether you fly with Delta, Hawaiian Airlines, or Alaska Airlines.
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Air France/Flying Blue: 30,000 miles for a round trip in economy.
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American AAdvantage: 40,000 miles for a round trip in economy.
Other airlines, including Singapore Airlines and British Airways, also provide options for flying to Hawaii with rewards. Additionally, Southwest Airlines plans to start flights from select California locations to several Hawaiian destinations, including Honolulu (Oahu), Kahului (Maui), Kona (Big Island), and Lihue (Kauai). They’re also expected to introduce inter-island services, so keep an eye out for these updates.
Given today’s plentiful options, families would be wise to focus on earning rewards through a versatile travel credit card. Some cards permit point usage for bookings on any travel site with statement credits available, while others offer substantial discounts for reservations through their portals. Many of these cards also facilitate point transfers to various airline and hotel partners, allowing you to consolidate your loyalty points effectively. (Refer to: This Might Be the Best Travel Rewards Program — No Matter What Airline You Fly)
A family that accumulates 100,000 points through sign-up bonuses and everyday spending can book four round-trip flights to Hawaii with specific airlines. The perk of flying to Hawaii with miles lies in the fact that it is a domestic location, which means you will not encounter the hefty fuel surcharges that are common with international flights. Instead, you’ll only pay the government-mandated taxes and fees associated with domestic travel, which totals roughly $5.60 per person for each leg of the flight.
Finding Affordable Lodging in Hawaii
Once you’ve saved on flights through airline miles, a family of four could end up paying less than $50 for their airfare when only visiting one island.
Now, let’s talk about accommodations.
The upside of staying in Hawaii is that, despite it being a costly location, there are numerous hotels and resorts where you can redeem hotel points.
The Hilton Honors program stands out as an excellent choice due to the variety of properties available. Additionally, several of these options aren’t prohibitively expensive in terms of points. Some of the more popular and budget-friendly hotel bookings in Hawaii include:
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Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Alana, Waikiki Beach for as little as 47,000 points per night.
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Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach starting at 50,000 points per night.
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Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort from 60,000 points per night.
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Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay at 45,000 points per night.
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Hilton Waikoloa Village from 60,000 points per night.
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Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria resort, available for 95,000 points per night.
If a family earns over 200,000 Hilton Honors points through signing up for dedicated Hilton credit cards, they could feasibly enjoy five complimentary nights at some of these hotels. This is because Hilton’s Silver, Gold, and Diamond members receive a free fifth night when booking four consecutive reward nights.
Beyond Hilton Honors, several major hotel chains offer options for bookings in Hawaii using points. Here are some prominent choices:
World of Hyatt:
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Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach: 12,000 points per night.
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Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa: 25,000 points per night.
IHG Rewards:
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Holiday Inn Express Waikiki: 35,000 points per night.
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Holiday Inn Express and Suites Kailua-Kona: 40,000 points per night.
Marriott Rewards:
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Mauna Kea Beach Hotel: 45,000 points per night.
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Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa: 40,000 points per night.
(Refer to: 8 Amazing Hawaiian Resorts You Can Book With Rewards Points)
Moreover, it’s important to remember that utilizing rewards points to stay at high-end resorts is not your only option. There are notable disadvantages, including exorbitant prices for everything from gifts to dining for guests of resorts, leaving you with limited choices and higher expenses.
If the prospect of overspending on resort amenities concerns you, consider renting a condo for part or all of your trip. This option not only provides more space—potentially with a separate bedroom for the children—but it also allows access to a kitchen for preparing meals, which can help save money. Buying ingredients for breakfast and morning coffee can be an easy way to minimize dining costs.
To cover your condo expenses using rewards, sign up for a flexible travel credit card or a cash-back credit card. This will enable you to leverage points for your condo or any hotel with a kitchenette, maximizing savings. (Refer to: Best Credit Cards with Easy Travel Redemption)
By spending less than $50 on flights, utilizing hotel points for lodging, and being mindful of food and activity costs, a family could enjoy a remarkable Hawaiian getaway for $1,000 or even less, depending on their spending choices. If you’re eager to explore Hawaii’s stunning beaches, hike its volcanoes, or partake in a family luau, it’s time to start planning your adventure.
