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Hawaii is notoriously expensive as a vacation destination, both in terms of getting there and accommodations. Due to the high cost of living on the island, you'll also pay more for food, drinks, and entertainment than you would on the mainland.
The good news is, airline and hotel rewards programs can take the sting out of a Hawaiian getaway — or at least, part of the expense. Airline credit cards can boost your frequent flyer stash, making it fairly easy to fly to Hawaii for free, especially if you live on the West Coast.
With British Airways, for example, you can redeem 25,000 Avios for a round-trip flight to Hawaii (on partners Alaska Airlines or American Airlines) from specific West Coast cities like Los Angeles. So, for a family of four, you would only need 100,000 Avios. That's a lot of miles, but it's not beyond reach.
You can get even more value if you strategically plan your credit card spending to earn free hotel nights for your tropical getaway. With an array of hotel credit cards, you can book free nights at properties on nearly every Hawaiian island, and at nearly any price point.
See also: Breakdown of Benefits and Value of the Best Hotel Rewards Programs
Aching for a Hawaiian getaway, but trying to avoid full fare? Check out these Hawaiian hotels you can book with points.
For just 25,000 Hyatt points per night, you can book a garden room with a king or queen bed, score a complimentary minibar with snacks, and enjoy a private lanai with stunning views at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort.
The Andaz Maui is popular for its beachfront location on Maui's Pacific coast, multitiered infinity pools, and top-notch customer care. Guests have access to a private adults-only pool, an on-site spa and salon, and beach activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa owns a startling spot on the white sand beaches of Poipu with 50 acres of beachfront gardens, manicured lawns, and open courtyards for guests to enjoy. A nightly stay here costs just 25,000 Hyatt points, for which you'll get a standard king or queen guest room with a private lanai and classic Hawaiian décor.
The resort itself, which is fairly large considering it has more than 600 rooms, offers complimentary Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness center, Camp Hyatt for children, and access to a beautiful beach and pools.
See also: Best Credit Cards with Sign Up Bonuses for Free Hotel Stays
Consider a stay at the Hilton Waikiki Beach. A standard room with two queen beds and a city view can cost as little as 50,000 Hilton Honors points outside of peak times. These spacious rooms come with a flat screen TV and complimentary HBO, private balconies, and luxurious marble bathrooms.
The hotel itself features an amazing location in the thick of Waikiki Beach, along with a spectacular beachfront and plenty of on-site activities and restaurants for families and couples. It's just over a mile from Diamond Head, and some rooms feature views of the famous mountain. It's also walking distance to the International Marketplace, Honolulu Zoo, Kapiolani Park, and the Waikiki Aquarium.
If you're familiar with the Waldorf Astoria Brand, you already know just how luxurious and opulent the Grand Wailea must be. This gorgeous beachfront property features seven on-site restaurants, inspiring art, an unbelievable beachfront directly out its doors, and nine amazing pools perfect for families. Active adults and kids can sign up for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking tours, scuba lessons, and much more.
If you want to stay here, you'll need a lot of Hilton Honors points. A standard garden view room with two queen beds can cost 138,000 Hilton Honors points per night or more. A Hilton credit card, however, could get you free stays at this property. (See also: Which Hilton Credit Card Should You Get?)
The Waikiki Beachcomber Holiday Inn Resort is located in a premier spot near the heart of Waikiki, upscale shopping, and one of the area's most beautiful beaches. The property itself offers free internet, spectacular ocean and mountain views, the perfect beach for swimming or sunbathing, and a pool ideal for kids.
You can book a standard king room for just 40,000 IHG points per night, or use a combination of points and cash. Like other Holiday Inn Resorts, this property lets kids stay free when they share a room with their parents.
For just 10,000 Starwood starpoints per night, you can stay at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay. Its basic mountain and garden view rooms (bookable with points) feature the Sheraton Signature sleep experience with upgraded bedding, a private lanai, and an in-room refrigerator.
The Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa sits right at the edge of the water, providing amazing views of the mountains and ocean. You'll find meandering pools perfect for splashing or relaxing, killer views from every angle, and spacious rooms perfect for families. Enjoy sailing canoe tours, fishing, snorkeling, lei making, morning yoga, and many other activities.
If you're in the mood to splurge, book the Moana Surfrider for 20,000-25,000 starpoints per night with the Starwood Preferred Guest program. A free night award qualifies you for a stay in a historic Banyan room with Heavenly bedding, high-speed internet access, and basic décor.
The resort itself is bursting with things to do and see. An expansive lobby, outdoor dining opportunities, huge pool, and idyllic beachfront make it the perfect spot for families and couples alike. You'll also find an on-site fitness center and spa, perfect for staying in shape and scoring some much-needed relaxation.
See also: Our Favorite Hotel Credit Card: Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card
If you're looking for a Hawaiian getaway with as much room as possible, consider cashing in some Marriott Rewards points for a stay at the Residence Inn Maui Wailea. Here, 40,000 Marriott Rewards points will get you a studio suite with a king or two queen beds, a living and dining area with full kitchen, and free breakfast. If you've vacationed in Hawaii in the past, you already know just how valuable free breakfast can be.
The hotel itself has a spacious lobby, outdoor fire pits for guests, outstanding ocean views, a putting green, basketball court, fitness center, and a huge pool. With your own kitchen and so many amenities, you may never want to leave.
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