How many points does a round-trip flight to Hawaii cost?

A round-trip economy flight from the US mainland to Hawaii typically costs 25,000–35,000 points in programs like United MileagePlus, American AAdvantage, or Chase Ultimate Rewards transferred to United. Business class runs 50,000–80,000 points round-trip on programs like Air Canada Aeroplan or Chase UR.

What is the best credit card for earning travel points?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95/year) and Chase Sapphire Reserve ($550/year) are the most flexible, earning Chase Ultimate Rewards transferable to United, Hyatt, Air Canada, and 10+ other partners. The Amex Platinum earns Amex Membership Rewards transferable to Delta, Air France, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines.

How many hotel points does a night at a Hyatt cost?

Hyatt hotels cost 3,500–45,000 World of Hyatt points per night. Category 1-2 hotels (many international locations) start at 3,500 points. Category 7 (top luxury) is 45,000 points. Category 8 (Miraval resorts) is 45,000 points. Hyatt is one of the best hotel programs for point value.

Can I transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to hotel programs?

Yes. Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio, making it one of the most valuable uses. You can also transfer to IHG Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy, though Hyatt generally offers the best value per point.

AI Trip Planner

Plan a trip with
credit card points

Pick origin + destination + month → see best award flights, top hotels bookable on points, attractions, signature events, and the cards whose welcome bonus would cover the trip. 41 US origin airports, no bank link required.

Kauai, Hawaii

Garden Isle — Nā Pali cliffs, Waimea Canyon, untouched Hawaii

Pay in cash

$8,200

$700 flight + $7,500 hotel

Pay with points

265,000 pts

+ $30 taxes & fees

40KAlaska225KHyatt

Best card for this trip

Chase World of Hyatt

60K bonus + free night cert = ~2 nights at Grand Hyatt Kauai (~$1,500 value)

Apply

Weather in June

🌤️ Shoulder season — decent weather, fewer crowds

Best: April

Air temp

71°–84°F

22°–29°C

Water temp

78°F

26°C

Rainfall

low

Crowds

Moderate

Warm dry, peak swimming.

Switch month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

● Best months ● Shoulder ● Off-season

Flights — JFK → LIH

Economy

Alaska Mileage Plan
JFK → LIH — long haul — connect via LAX, SFO, or SEA. Alaska miles via SEA — best US-Hawaii sweet spot
40,000
roundtrip
+ $30 taxes
Open to cover:Alaska Airlines Visa Amex Platinum
American AAdvantage
JFK → LIH — long haul — connect via LAX, SFO, or SEA. AA economy via LAX or PHX
50,000
roundtrip
+ $30 taxes
Open to cover:Sapphire Preferred

Top hotels for your points

⭐ Top picks

Picked for best points value — Hyatt has the only fixed award chart left in major US hotels, so your points stretch the furthest here. Tap each option below for why it stands out.

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Hyatt·Luxury, jungle-meets-beach
Cat 7 peak; eco-luxury on north shore.
35K/40K/45K
off / std / peak · Hyatt Cat 8
$1500/night cash
5 nights = 225,000 pts (~$7,500 value)
Open to cover:World of Hyatt Sapphire Preferred
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Hyatt·Families, big resort
Cat 6 — Poipu, family resort with saltwater lagoon.
25K/30K/35K
off / std / peak · Hyatt Cat 7
$750/night cash
5 nights = 150,000 pts (~$3,750 value)
Open to cover:World of Hyatt Sapphire Preferred

More hotels on points

Koa Kea Resort
Independent·Couples, intimate
Boutique adults beachfront Poipu.
Cash only
$500/night

Trip Strategy — open these cards and the trip is mostly free

Open World of Hyatt (60K + free Cat 1-4 cert) + Chase Sapphire Preferred (75K UR). Covers RT flight + 3-4 nights at Grand Hyatt Kauai.

Chase World of Hyatt

60K bonus + free night cert = ~2 nights at Grand Hyatt Kauai (~$1,500 value)

$95/yr annual fee

Chase Sapphire Reserve

75K UR → 2 more Hyatt nights OR RT flight (40K Alaska)

$795/yr annual fee

Your out-of-pocket budget for this trip

Car rental (5 days)$500

Food (5 days)$350

Activities (5 days)$300

Total cash needed$1,150

🚗 Car rental needed · vs. $8,200 full cash trip

What to see & do in Kauai, Hawaii

Nā Pali Coast
Outdoor
Towering sea cliffs accessible only by boat, helicopter, or 11-mile Kalalau Trail.
Waimea Canyon
Outdoor
"Grand Canyon of the Pacific" — 10 miles long, 3,000 ft deep. Scenic drives + hikes.
Hanalei Bay
Beach
2-mile half-moon beach on north shore — surf, kayak the river, Bali Hai views.
Poipu Beach
Beach
Family-friendly south-shore beach with calm lagoons and monk seal sightings.
Wailua River Kayak
Outdoor
Paddle to Fern Grotto + Secret Falls — half-day adventure.
Kauai Coffee Plantation
Food
Largest coffee plantation in US — free tasting + self-guided walking tour.

Events to know about

✨ In June

Hanapepe Friday Art Night
Happening
Weekly art walk in historic Hanapepe town.
Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec
Kauai Marathon
Early September — beautiful course past beaches and through Poipu.
Sep
Heiva i Kauai
August Polynesian dance + cultural festival.
Aug

All cards that help with this destination

Chase

World of Hyatt

$95/yr

Apply Now

Chase

Sapphire Reserve

$795/yr

Apply Now

Amex

Amex Platinum

$895/yr

Apply Now

Or discover destinations by season

Plan a trip withcredit card points

Kauai, Hawaii

Flights — JFK → LIH

Top hotels for your points

More hotels on points

Trip Strategy — open these cards and the trip is mostly free

Your out-of-pocket budget for this trip

What to see & do in Kauai, Hawaii

Events to know about

All cards that help with this destination

Plan a trip with
credit card points