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Hawaii will pay for your flight to do its remote work program - but there's a catch

Dec. 06, 2020
•
3 min read
Oahu
Hawaii will pay for your flight to do its remote work program - but there's a catch
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If you're like me, you're really tired of working in whatever space you could carve out in your home as most companies (including ours) has employees working from home. Now, the state of Hawaii is offering you the chance for an amazing change of scenery and is willing to even pay your airfare.

Under its pilot "Movers & Shakas" program, Hawaii will pay for your airfare on Hawaiian Airlines or Alaska Airlines if you stay at least 30 consecutive days in Oahu. You'll also be required to volunteer at local nonprofits including Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi, Hawaii Literacy and KUPU.

The state's economy, which is heavily reliant on tourism, has been devastated by a severe drop in visitors because of the COVID-19 pandemic. So this pilot program could be a win-win for the state and those who want the chance for an extended stay.

Related: 5 things to know about visiting a reopening Hawaii

Applications for the program opened on Nov. 29 and will close Dec. 15. If you're among the first 50 people to be approved, the program offers a package of travel and lodging benefits to ease your transition. Hotels are offering special long-term rates for those looking for a place to stay. They include:

  • Alohilani
  • Outrigger Waikiki
  • Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger
  • OHANA Waikiki East by Outrigger
  • Prince Waikiki
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Workers also have access to discount workspaces at Treehouse, Hawaii Office Centers and Hub Coworking Hawaii. Plus get discounts at local restaurants at Duke’s Waikiki and Hula Grill Waikiki when you mention you're part of the Movers & Shakas program.

Hawaii's program is the latest iteration of efforts to get people to work remotely, including Work From Hyatt, Marriott, Barbados, Bermuda and the country of Georgia, to name a few. So now may be a great time to take advantage of a program that will take you away to a more scenic place to work.

If you are entertaining the idea of a trip to the Aloha State, know that Hawaii's COVID-19 restrictions and entry requirements are changing seemingly by the minute. Check out this guide for the latest information about traveling to a reopened Hawaii, and what you need to prepare for a successful trip.

Related: Moving target: Here’s everything you need to know about Hawaii’s ever-changing visitor policy

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

TPG Editor‘s Rating
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Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.