US · adventure
Big Island, Hawaii
United States
Active volcano, black-sand beaches, snorkel with manta rays
Kona side dry year-round; Hilo side rainforest-wet. Best Apr-May, Sept-Oct. 13 climate zones across the island.
When to visit
Award flights from the US
Economy
Alaska Mileage Plan
+ $30 taxes
Alaska miles via SEA — best US-Hawaii sweet spot
American AAdvantage
+ $30 taxes
AA economy via LAX or PHX
Business / First
American AAdvantage
+ $60 taxes
AA business via LAX
United MileagePlus
+ $60 taxes
United nonstop from West Coast hubs
Cash equivalent: economy ~$700 · business ~$2,400 roundtrip from NYC
Award hotels
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort
Marriott Bonvoy
Cat 6 — Kohala coast with lagoon and historic petroglyphs.
Hilton Waikoloa Village
Hilton Honors
Massive complex — dolphins, lagoons, monorail. Standard award.
Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
Marriott Bonvoy
One of best beaches in Hawaii — relaxed luxury.
What to see & do
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Active Kīlauea volcano + Mauna Loa. Crater rim drive, lava tube, viewpoint at night.
Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Float over feeding manta rays at night — once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Mauna Kea Summit
13,800 ft volcano — drive to visitor center, then 4WD to summit for stargazing.
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Volcanic black sand + green sea turtles basking. Photo stop on south point loop.
Pololū Valley Lookout
Dramatic cliff overlook at end of road; 15-min hike down to black sand beach.
Kona Coffee Tour
World-famous coffee region — multiple farms offer free tastings.
Monthly weather
Best cards for this trip
Open Marriott Brilliant (185K + 85K free night cert) + Chase Sapphire Preferred (75K UR). Covers 4-5 nights Waikoloa + RT flight.
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