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Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
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TPG readers reveal their favorite points hotels in Hawaii
After spending seven years in New York City working as a full-time writer and editor, Kaeli sold everything, left her cushy NYC apartment, and embarked on a solo travel adventure through Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand before doing the Working Holiday Visa thing in Australia and New Zealand. Kaeli then spent several months freelance writing and editing full-time as she continued to travel around Australia and New Zealand, before returning to the U.S. in March 2020. Her writing has been featured by The Points Guy, Forbes, and Budget Travel, as well as CNN Travel, Fox News Travel, NBC News Travel, Yahoo Travel and, Huffington Post Travel. Her greatest adventure: a two-month solo road trip through the Northern Territory and Western Australia while updating the Outback chapter of Fodor’s Essential Australia guidebook. Follow along with all her travel adventures on Twitter and Instagram: @KaeliTravels and her new website, KaeliTravels.com.
December 20, 2020 • 8 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
TPG Lounge members shared their favorite points hotels across Hawaii’s main islands, highlighting standout properties in Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island.
Oahu’s top picks include beachfront resorts in Waikiki, with praise for amenities like club lounges, family-friendly features and convenient locations.
Maui recommendations focus on luxury resorts with extensive pools, beach access and spacious accommodations, ideal for both families and couples.
Kauai and the Big Island properties are noted for apartment-style rooms, full kitchens, laundry facilities and tranquil settings away from crowds.
What to consider
Some offers and redemption rates mentioned may no longer be available; check current options before booking.
Entry requirements for Hawaii, including quarantine rules, have changed frequently, so review the latest travel guidance before planning a trip.
Many highlighted properties offer added value through amenities like free night benefits, upgrades or access to exclusive lounges.
What you'll miss from the article
Personal insights on which hotels provide the best value, amenities and experiences for points redemptions across Hawaii’s islands.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
With 2020 thankfully coming to an end and the arrival of a promising vaccine, Hawaii has been top of mind for many as it begins the process of carefully reopening to vacationers and travelers begin thinking about booking future trips.
So, we asked our TPG Lounge members to tell us about their favorite points hotels in the islands of the Aloha State — Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Here’s a look at some of our favorite answers. (Some responses have been lightly edited for style and clarity).
Just remember, the rules for entering Hawaii without a quarantine period have been a moving target, and COVID-19 cases are currently surging across the U.S. Here's everything visitors to Hawaii need to know before considering or booking a trip to this beautiful destination.
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Oahu
While there's plenty to explore outside Waikiki — we recommend renting a car and checking out the rest of the island after a day at the famous beach — that's where the majority of points hotels are located on Oahu, Hawaii's busiest island, home to Honolulu, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor and the North Shore.
"The Royal Hawaiian with an upgrade to the tower. Great location and tons of history." — Greg W.
"Hawaii points redemptions aren’t great for Marriott but I love the grand majestic feel of a few nights at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki. Great Platinum breakfast and lounge." — Kim S. K.
The Royal Hawaiian, also known as "The Pink Hotel." (Photo by Melanie Lieberman / The Points Guy)
"My wife and I loved our stay at Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach. Breakfast was great, parking across the street for a week was very affordable, there's a Domino's Pizza downstairs and you are just far enough from Waikiki Beach that you don't hear the noise but can still walk to it. Don't forget, it's a Category 3 hotel and you can use your free night certificate there [from the World of Hyatt Credit Card]." — Randall C.W.
"I have always liked the Sheraton for Waikiki but it is a family hotel and crowded, but the lounge is amazing and they know how to treat and deal with kids and families." — Michael S.
"Heading to The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach in June. 480,000 points for 10 nights. The reviews seem great with washer/dryer and kitchenette in each room. Have not been to Hawaii since 1986!" — Michael B.
"Sheraton Waikiki is my hands-down favorite on Oahu when using points. It’s a great property for Platinums and their recognition was exceptional with a free valet arrival gift worth $35 a day, a decent club lounge and almost always upgrades to a mammoth suite with two balconies facing the ocean and Diamond Head. The infinity pool is the best on the island for adults and it's in a very central location to everything in Waikiki." — David A.
"Just got back from an amazing trip to Oahu. Spent 60,000 Hilton Honors points a night at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort and got the fifth night free. Thanks to my Diamond status, I was upgraded to the rainbow tower with an amazing view and got a $10 food and beverage credit per person per night." — Clifton M.
From family-friendly resorts to romantic beachside getaways, our TPG Lounge members never fail to impress when it comes to picking the perfect points hotels to best suit their vacation needs.
"The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas. Amazing location, great beach with snorkeling access, big pool, spacious units, super-clean well-maintained property, nice boardwalk and amazing sunset views. Heavenly." — Eric S.
"60,000 points with the 5th night free at the new Westin Nanea Ocean Villas for a one-bedroom on Ka’anapali beach in Maui." — Wendy N.
"Andaz Maui. Great location, excellent food [and it's] not as big and crowded as the Grand Wailea." — Michel T.
Kauai
On Kauai, properties in Poipu and Princeville scored big among our TPG Lounge readers.
"We’re heading to Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection, next week. 200,000 for five nights, with the 5th night free. It’s my first time in Hawaii period, so by default will be my favorite." — James Y.
"[Koloa Landing is an] amazing property. You can pack light too — every room has a washer and dryer." — Dave W.
Have you been to Kauai's Koloa Landing Resort? (Photo by Jessica Puckett / The Points Guy)
"The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas has one- and two-bedroom apartment-style hotel rooms with a full kitchen and laundry, great pool, peaceful location and access to the beach through The Princeville Resort. It recently left SPG/Marriott, but Westin guests have access, or at least we did in January when we were there." — Gretchen E.
The Big Island of Hawaii
The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, was a major pick for our TPG Lounge members, many of whom said they never wanted to leave.
"Marriott’s Waikoloa Ocean Club. One bedroom with lanais [balconies] in the bedroom and living room, a full kitchen, washer and dryer, three pools, beachfront location, beautiful grounds and it's within walking distance of two major shopping centers including a grocery store." — Missy K.M.
The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel was certainly a crowd favorite. (Photo courtesy of the hotel)
"I am at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel right now on points. It's frickin' amazing! We come back over and over again. Hate to leave." — Jim B.
"Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Big Island! Great points deal, plus I hosted my wedding there and ultimately averaged nearly 25 cents back on future travel for every dollar spent!" — Matthew C.
"Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Big Island (BonVoy, Category 6, Autograph Collection). It's the first hotel ever built on that island by Laurence Rockefeller in 1965 and is the classic leave-your-cares-behind-in-Hawaii hotel. Away from the hustle and bustle of Maui and Oahu, it has multiple generations of families that return over and over. We have been going there for 35 years. Best beach on the island, and arguably in Hawaii." — Gil S.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
