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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
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

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

Featured image by The island of Oahu. (Photo by Melanie Lieberman/The Points Guy)

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  • Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
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TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

3XEarn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
2XEarn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
1XEarn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer
    Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

    Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles
    50,000 Bonus Miles
  • Annual Fee

    $250
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.

Pros

  • Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
  • Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
  • First checked bag free

Cons

  • Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
  • SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
  • Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
  • New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
  • Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
  • Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
  • Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • $250 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees