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 ($795/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.

Sun Valley, ID

America's first ski resort + Hemingway country in Idaho mountains

Pay in cash

$3,130

$380 flight + $2,750 hotel

Pay with points

25,000 pts

+ $2,765 taxes & fees

25KDelta

Prices and award estimates are for planning purposes only. Availability and rates vary. Check with airlines and hotels for live award availability.

Best card for this trip

Amex Amex Platinum

80K MR + $200 hotel credit + Centurion Lounge SLC = ~$1,500 value

Apply

Weather in August

☀️ Peak season — ideal time to visit

Air temp

42°–82°F

6°–28°C

Rainfall

low

Crowds

Peak

Warm dry — Trailing of the Sheep.

Switch month

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

● Best months ● Shoulder ● Off-season

Flights — JFK → SUN

Economy

Delta SkyMiles
JFK → SUN — connect via DEN. Delta into SUN seasonal or via SLC
25,000
roundtrip
+ $15 taxes
Open to cover:Delta Gold Amex Platinum
United MileagePlus
JFK → SUN — connect via DEN. United via SLC or DEN to SUN
25,000
roundtrip
+ $15 taxes
Open to cover:United Explorer Sapphire Preferred

Top hotels for your points

⭐ Top picks

Picked for best points value — these hotels offer the strongest redemption rates we've tracked for this destination. Tap each one for why it stands out.

Sun Valley Lodge
Independent·Historic luxury
Original 1936 destination ski hotel — Hemingway stayed here.
Cash only
$550/night
Sun Valley Inn
Independent·Families
Sister property — more family-friendly, shared amenities.
Cash only
$350/night
Limelight Hotel Ketchum
Independent·Modern ski-in/out
Modern ski-base hotel in Ketchum, Aspen Snowmass-owned.
Cash only
$450/night

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

Open Amex Platinum (80K MR + FHR credits) + Venture X (75K + $300 travel). Covers Hilton-class stay + flights + airport lounges.

Amex Amex Platinum

80K MR + $200 hotel credit + Centurion Lounge SLC = ~$1,500 value

$895/yr annual fee

Capital One Venture X

75K + $300 travel credit = ~$1,200 toward flights + car

$395/yr annual fee

Your out-of-pocket budget for this trip

Car rental (5 days)$350

Food (5 days)$450

Activities (5 days)$750

Total cash needed$1,550

🚗 Car rental needed · vs. $3,130 full cash trip

What to see & do in Sun Valley, ID

Bald Mountain
Outdoor
'Baldy' — 3,400 ft vertical, varied terrain, considered America's premier ski mountain by purists.
Hemingway Memorial
Sight
Bronze bust honoring Hemingway who lived + is buried in Ketchum (1961).
Ketchum Town
Neighborhood
Walkable ski-base town with galleries, restaurants, no chains.
Galena Pass Scenic Drive
Outdoor
Sawtooth Mountain views, alpine lakes 30 min north.
Pioneer Saloon
Food
Ketchum landmark since 1947 — prime rib + Idaho potato, kitchy atmosphere.
Sun Valley Ice Show
Only here
Summer Saturday evening ice shows in outdoor rink — Olympic skaters.

Events to know about

✨ In August

Sun Valley Music Festival
Happening
July-August — free classical concerts in pavilion.
Jul · Aug
Sun Valley Wellness Festival
Memorial Day weekend — yoga, mindfulness, music.
May
Trailing of the Sheep Festival
October — sheep herded through Ketchum, folk music + dance.
Oct
Sun Valley Film Festival
March — indie film with international guests.
Mar

All cards that help with this destination

Amex

Amex Platinum

$895/yr

Apply Now

Chase

Sapphire Reserve

$795/yr

Apply Now

Capital One

Venture X

$395/yr

Apply Now

Or discover destinations by season

Plan a trip withcredit card points

Sun Valley, ID

Flights — JFK → SUN

Top hotels for your 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 Sun Valley, ID

Events to know about

All cards that help with this destination

Plan a trip with
credit card points