If you’ve ever dreamed of sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and unforgettable family memories in Hawaii — you’re not alone. But let’s be honest: flying the whole family to Hawaii can feel like a budget-buster.
Good news: it doesn’t have to be.
I’m Olivia Miles, mom of four and professional family travel hacker, and today I’m going to show you exactly how you can take your family to Hawaii on points and miles — without draining your savings.
Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Choose the Right Frequent Flyer Programs
Some airlines make getting to Hawaii a lot easier with miles than others. These are my family favorites:
- American Airlines AAdvantage: Look for off-peak awards from the West Coast for as low as 20,000 miles one way.
- Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan: Great value for West Coast departures. Companion fare deals help stretch cash tickets too.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards: No blackout dates, and points are tied to ticket prices. Perfect if you find a sale!
- United MileagePlus: Lots of flights from hubs like Denver, San Francisco, and Chicago.
- Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles: Direct flights from many U.S. cities and reasonable award pricing.
✈️ Pro tip: When flying as a family, flexibility is your best friend. Look at multiple airlines and routes to maximize your options!
Step 2: Collect Points the Smart Way
For a family of 4 or more, you’ll want to build up your points bank across multiple accounts. Here’s how:
- Welcome Bonuses Are King
- Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Capital One Venture Rewards often have bonuses of 60,000+ points — enough for 1–2 roundtrip tickets!
- Have your spouse apply too — double the points.
- Use Everyday Spending
- Put groceries, gas, and family expenses on cards that earn transferable points.
- Don't forget bonus categories like dining and travel!
- Leverage Transfer Partners
- Chase Ultimate Rewards points can transfer to United, Southwest, or British Airways (which partners with American Airlines).
- Amex Membership Rewards and Capital One miles have great transfer partners, too!
Step 3: Book Early (But Not Too Early)
Hawaii flights book up fast, especially for families traveling together. Aim for:
- 11 months out: Airlines release seats this early.
- Check back often: Airlines sometimes release award seats closer to departure, too.
💡 Tip: Use tools like Seats.aero or Point.me to monitor award availability!
Step 4: Don’t Forget the Hotel!
You’re not just flying — you’re staying! Hawaii has amazing points hotels:
- Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa — Bookable with World of Hyatt points (around 25,000 points/night).
- Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki — Great for families, and free nights come fast with Hilton cards.
- Marriott Bonvoy properties — Tons of options across the islands.
Stack points from welcome bonuses, and consider free night certificates from co-branded credit cards to save even more!
Step 5: Think Bigger — Use Companion Passes and Perks
If you fly Southwest, the Companion Pass is a family game-changer. One family member flies free (just pay taxes and fees) every time you fly!
Also:
- Use free checked bags from airline credit cards
- Leverage airport lounge access for a stress-free travel day
Final Thoughts: Aloha Awaits 🌺
Hawaii isn’t just a dream — it’s an achievable goal for your family with points and miles.
With a little planning, the right credit card strategy, and smart booking, you’ll be building sandcastles in Waikiki, hiking volcanic craters, and soaking in sunsets over the Pacific — without the financial stress.
Your family’s Hawaii adventure is closer than you think!
Ready to start? Check out my beginner's guide to credit card points [link] or grab my free Family Hawaii Miles Planning Worksheet [link].
Happy travels!
