How To Plan a Vacation to Hawaii on a Budget

Whether you’re planning a trip around your kids’ summer break or a winter getaway, Hawaii is a great choice, no matter the season. Although the rainy season lasts from November to March, showers and storms are typically short-lived, making it one of my favorite year-round destinations.

That said, Hawaii is undeniably one of the most expensive travel destinations in the U.S. Due to its remote location and higher costs for essentials like food, visiting can be pricey. Still, there are ways I’ve discovered to make a trip to Hawaii more budget-friendly. Here’s how.

Look for Flight Deals With Cash

Flights to Hawaii can be long, especially if you live on the East Coast, but there are often great deals. If your travel dates are flexible, using a flight search tool like Google Flights can help you find the best deals. Let’s explore round-trip flight options (with no more than 1 layover) for a weeklong trip to Honolulu in May 2025:

• Dallas (DFW): $467 (one layover), $764 (nonstop)
• Los Angeles (LAX): $268 (nonstop)
• Miami (MIA): $514 (1 layover)
• New York (JFK): $572 (1 layover), $652 (nonstop)
• Salt Lake City (SLC): $416 (1 layover), $648 (nonstop)
• Seattle (SEA): $278 (1 layover), $398 (nonstop)

As you can see, a round-trip ticket from most U.S. cities can often be found for roughly $500, which is a solid deal. However, travelers departing from West Coast hubs like Los Angeles or San Francisco can often score even better bargains, with round-trip fares occasionally dropping as low as $200.

For East Coast people, breaking up the long journey can be a smart strategy. Booking a nonstop flight to a West Coast city, spending a night there, and then continuing to Hawaii can make travel more manageable — especially for families with young children who may struggle with an extended travel day.

Hot Tip:

Using airline miles can help you reduce the cash cost of your tickets, especially when booking for multiple passengers. For example, if you have an eligible Delta credit card, you can save 15% on award travel when using miles for flights operated by the airline.

Save Your Points for Hotels

While summer flights to Europe are the priciest, Hawaii is a unique destination as flight deals are available year-round. However, the same principle doesn’t necessarily apply to hotels. According to 2024 data from SFGate, Hawaii’s average nightly hotel rate costs around $440. Throughout a trip, these accommodation expenses can quickly add up.

That’s why, if you have credit card points like Amex Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards, using them for hotels rather than flights may be more beneficial. Here are some ideas on how to book a couple hotels for less:

1. Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach (O’ahu)

For first-time visitors to Hawaii, staying near the world-famous Waikiki Beach is a popular choice for good reason. This lively, walkable area puts you steps away from top-notch restaurants, coffee shops, stores, and stunning beaches. If you decide to rent a car for your vacation, you’ll also be perfectly positioned to explore the island’s must-visit spots, like the North Shore, while still enjoying the convenience of a central, pedestrian-friendly base.

A great budget-friendly option for an O‘ahu stay is the Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach, next to the International Market Place and a 7-minute walk from the beach. While the guest rooms aren’t the most modern, they are surprisingly spacious. A room with 2 double beds can comfortably accommodate up to 4 guests.

Standard rooms start at 55,000 Hilton Honors points per night. If you have The Platinum Card^® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, you can unlock valuable perks to make your Hawaii trip more affordable. You’ll receive your fifth consecutive award night free by enrolling in complimentary Hilton Honors Gold elite status. Plus, Amex Membership Rewards points transfer to Hilton at a 1:2 ratio, making redemptions even more rewarding.

For example, you can book 5 nights for 220,000 Hilton Honors points, but thanks to the transfer ratio, you’d only need to move over 110,000 Amex Membership Rewards points. Considering the total cash price of around $2,000, this redemption offers excellent value to book 5 award nights in one of the most expensive U.S. cities!

2. Prince Hotel Waikiki (O’ahu)

The Prince Waikiki is a beautiful modern hotel overlooking the Ala Wai Harbor. It’s a great choice if you want to visit O’ahu for a couple of days before heading to the other islands. It’s just a 15-minute drive from the airport and is centrally located to the famed spots of Waikiki Beach.

As part of the American Express Hotel Collection, eligible Amex card members enjoy unique perks when booking at least 2+ nights through the program. These include a $150 property credit for dining, spa, or resort activities, which can help offset some of your day-to-day costs. Depending on availability, some perks, including a room upgrade, early check-in, or late checkout, are also available.

Room rates start at $350 per night, meaning a 2-night stay would exceed $700. While that’s a significant expense, you can partially offset the cost with an annual up to $200 prepaid hotel credit from the Amex Platinum card when booking prepaid stays through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection (note that the latter requires a minimum 2-night stay).

With this credit applied, your out-of-pocket cost for the 2 nights drops to $500. Don’t forget about the additional $150 property credit when booking via the Amex Hotel Collection. The 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar on-site serves a delicious buffet breakfast at $34 per adult, making this credit particularly valuable. By maximizing the property credit, effectively paying $350 for 2 nights is an incredible deal.

3. Hana-Maui Resort (Maui)

World of Hyatt is one of our favorites because it maintains a fixed-price award chart. Unlike most loyalty programs that dynamically adjust award rates based on demand, World of Hyatt simplifies the process by assigning properties to Categories (1 to 8) and publishing rates for off-peak, standard, and peak seasons.

The Hana-Maui Resort is among the program’s most expensive properties as a Category 7 hotel, requiring 25,000 to 35,000 points per night. However, it remains a fantastic value, especially since you can transfer points into Hyatt’s program. Bilt Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards allow members to instantly move points over at a 1:1 ratio.

What makes the Hana-Maui Resort particularly special is its location — situated at the very end of the iconic Road to Hana. This scenic 64-mile drive to Hana has breathtaking stops, making the resort an ideal final destination. You won’t need more than a few nights here, as it is the perfect conclusion to your Maui adventure. I stayed at this resort in 2023 and was captivated by its untouched beauty.

Given that a room at this hotel can cost $600 (or more) per night, redeeming points offers exceptional value.

Budgeting for a Hawaii Vacation

Hotels and flights are the main travel components, but what about the other parts of a Hawaii itinerary? Here are some other considerations as you budget for the entire trip.

Rental Car

Renting a car in Hawaii is one of the best ways to explore the islands at your own pace to discover hidden beaches, scenic hikes, and local food spots. On average, you can expect to pay around $50 to $100 per day for a standard rental. Don’t forget to pay with a credit card with primary rental car insurance to protect yourself in case of damage or theft.

Take Advantage of Free or Low-Cost Activities

One of the best things about a beach vacation is that it can be incredibly budget-friendly once you arrive — especially if you plan on lounging around in the sand. While Waikiki Beach is convenient for tourists, don’t miss out on exploring iconic spots like Lanikai Beach and Hanauma Bay.

Thrill-seeking activities like ziplining or helicopter tours are undoubtedly pricey, but there are plenty of affordable ways to get outside and have fun. In O‘ahu alone, hike the Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail (for free) or Diamond Head Crater National Park (non-Hawaii residents pay just $10 per vehicle for parking). You can also visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial for free ($1 ticket for the USS Arizona Memorial program and $7 parking fee). My personal favorite? Dedicating an entire day to discovering delicious, local eats from food trucks in the North Shore serving garlic shrimp, poke, açaí bowls, and more.

Depending on your budget, the cost of food, activities, and other extras can range from $50 to $150 per day.

Island Hop for Less

A trip to Hawaii isn’t complete without exploring beyond O‘ahu. For first-time visitors, I highly recommend planning a visit to at least one other island. I highly recommend Maui, known for the epic Road to Hana, or the Big Island, for its world-class Kona coffee farms.

Luckily, interisland flights on Southwest Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines are affordable, with one-way fares starting at just $39 and plenty of flight times available. If you’re mindful of accommodation costs, a quick day trip to another island can be a budget-friendly way to experience more Hawaii.

If you plan to island-hop, factor in an average cost of around $100 per round-trip ticket.

The Total Cost

Let’s break down the estimated costs for a budget traveler on a weeklong vacation. A round-trip flight to Hawaii, including an island-hopping flight, would be about $600 per person. Additionally, you should set aside around $700 for food and activities.

There are also shared expenses, like accommodations and transportation. Based on our examples, you could book 5 nights at the Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki for 110,000 Amex points and 2 nights at the Hana-Maui Resort for 60,000 Chase points. A rental car for the week would cost approximately $700.

Bottom Line:

By redeeming points for hotel stays, this traveler would only spend roughly $1,650 — averaging less than $250 per day! Of course, this cost could even be lower if airline miles offset the flights.

How To Earn Points for a Hawaii Trip

Earning credit card points is a powerful way to cut costs on a Hawaii vacation. Whether planning a honeymoon or a family getaway, it’s a good idea to start planning 6 to 12 months in advance.

Giving yourself plenty of time allows you to strategically apply for these travel credit cards, earn their welcome bonus offers, and find award availability for your desired travel dates. These are some of the best credit cards for booking a Hawaii vacation, and why.

The Amex Platinum card and its business counterpart, the Amex Business Platinum card, are packed with valuable perks for travelers (some require enrollment). Amex points can be transferred at a 1:1 ratio to Delta SkyMiles and Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles, or at a 1:2 ratio to Hilton Honors, among other transfer partners.

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• With American Express Global Lounge Collection^® you can enjoy access to over 1,400 airport lounges globally, including The Centurion^® Lounge, Unlimited Delta Sky Club^® Access when flying an eligible Delta flight, Escape Lounges, Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Group, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass™ Select Lounges, & Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges subject to visit limitations. Lounges may have their own rules, like additional access rules and guest fees, and for Priority Pass Select, you need to enroll and there are unlimited airport lounge visits for Card Members. With Delta Sky Club Access, Card Members will receive 10 Visits to the Delta Sky Club to be used from February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access by spending $75,000 in eligible purchases on their Card in a calendar year. To find a lounge, visit the membership section in the American Express^® App or visit http://www.americanexpress.com/findalounge#/loungefinder.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

LIMITED TIME TRAVEL OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Business Platinum Card^® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after you spend $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel with your Business Platinum Card^® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. You can earn one or both of these offers. Offer ends 6/30/25.

150,000 points + $500 statement credit

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,800

Annual Fee

$695

APR

18.49% - 27.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights, prepaid hotels, and short-term rentals and prepaid flight and hotel packages booked through Amex Travel
• Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection (as of 10/2024).
• Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million per calendar year)

Cons

• High annual fee of $695 (rates & fees)
• Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Limited Time Travel Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Business Platinum Card^® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after you spend $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel with your Business Platinum Card^® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. You can earn one or both of these offers. Offer ends 6/30/25.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 10/2024.
• Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card^®. Enrollment required.
• Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
• NEW! Make the Business Platinum Card^® work even harder for you. Hilton For Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Benefit enrollment required.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® points for flights, prepaid hotels, and short-term rentals and prepaid flight + hotel packages booked at AmexTravel.com. 1X points on other eligible purchases.
• Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR^® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card^®.
• $695 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.49% - 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card is one of our favorite affordable travel credit cards. We recommend this card as Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio, which allows you to book several hotels in Hawaii entirely with points.

It also boasts this incredible welcome bonus offer: Earn 100,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.

LIMITED-TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

100,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,000

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.99% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

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Card Highlights

• Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Finally, the Bilt World Elite Mastercard^® stands out as a top budget-friendly choice for travelers, thanks to its $0 annual fee (rates & fees). Designed to help you earn rewards on rent without transaction fees, this card lets you earn up to 100,000 Bilt Points each year on a recurring expense you’re already paying. Plus, it offers strong rewards for everyday spending, making it even more valuable. Remember, you need to use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points (rewards & benefits). 

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Bilt World Elite Mastercard^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Apply Now(at Bilt's secure site)

Bilt World Elite Mastercard^® Credit Card

Welcome Offer

No offer available

No offer available

Annual Fee

$0

APR

See Rate & Fees

Why We Like This Card

Never before has there been a credit card built specifically with renters in mind. Enter the Bilt World Elite Mastercard^® Credit Card, designed specifically to help renters earn rewards on their rent payments with no transaction fees.

Of course, aside from rewards on rent, there are many other solid features that the card offers that add extra value to cardholders. In this guide, we provide a complete breakdown of everything the Bilt Card has to offer to help you decide whether the card makes sense for you.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x points per $1 at restaurants
• 2x points per $1 on travel booked directly with airlines, hotels, and car rental agencies
• 1x point per $1 on rent payments, without a transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year

Cons

• Does not offer a welcome bonus
• Must use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• $0 Annual Fee
• Earn 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year
• Earns 3x points on dining
• Earn 2x points on travel
• Earn 1x points on other purchases
• Earn double points on the first of each month (excluding rent, up to 1,000 bonus points)
• Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
• Earn up to 5x Bilt points on Lyft rides when you link your Bilt account and pay with your Bilt card
• Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent payments, statement credits, toward a down payment on a home, etc.
• Select “Learn More” to learn more about the product features, terms, and conditions

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Rate & Fees
• Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

Final Thoughts

The words “budget” and “Hawaii” may not sound like they belong in the same sentence. However, using rewards points can significantly offset the cost of a Hawaii vacation, as demonstrated above. Applying for the right credit card — or even multiple cards — ahead of time is a strategic move to consider.

Unless you have an unlimited supply of points, having a well-thought-out strategy for earning and redeeming them is crucial. A smart approach for most budget travelers is to use points strategically while covering some expenses with cash, striking a balance that maximizes savings at a rather expensive destination like Hawaii.