How to Stay in Hawaii Hotels on Points

By Bryce Casson, Founder · Cardocrat · Updated June 2026
The short answer: Hawaii pairs $400 to $700 resort cash rates with nightly resort fees, so points save twice: a single award night offsets a huge cash rate, and Hilton and Hyatt waive resort fees on full-points stays. Hilton and Marriott have the biggest Waikiki and Maui footprints, reached with Amex, Chase, or Bilt points.

Points save twice in Hawaii

Hawaii resorts are expensive in two ways: a high nightly cash rate and a mandatory resort fee that can add $40 to $60 a night. Points address both. The award night offsets the steep cash rate, and because Hilton and Hyatt both waive resort fees on full-points award stays, you skip that surcharge entirely, a saving that is unique to redeeming points rather than paying cash.

The cards and transfer partners to use

Hilton Honors owns Waikiki and Marriott Bonvoy spreads across Maui and the islands, so target their points first. Hilton is fed by Amex at 1:2 and Bilt at 1:1; Marriott by Amex, Chase, and Bilt; and the several island Hyatts by Chase or Bilt. An Amex Platinum plus a Chase or Bilt card covers all three resort chains. See which cards transfer to hotels.

Premium co-brand cards for resort rates

A premium hotel card pays off fast against resort pricing. The Hilton Honors Aspire brings a free night and resort credits suited to a Hawaii splurge, and the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless and World of Hyatt cards add certificates in their own programs. Find the lowest-point island night on rooms.aero. See best cities for hotel points.

Frequently asked questions

Do you pay resort fees on award stays in Hawaii?
Often not. Hilton and Hyatt waive resort fees on full-points award stays, which in Hawaii saves $40 to $60 a night on top of the cash rate you avoid. This makes a full-points booking meaningfully cheaper than a cash or points-plus-cash stay.
Which points are best for Hawaii hotels?
Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy have the largest Hawaii footprints, with Hyatt third. Reach Hilton with Amex or Bilt, Marriott with Amex, Chase, or Bilt, and Hyatt with Chase or Bilt, so an Amex plus a Chase or Bilt card covers the islands.

Related reading

Find your best card Read card reviews More articles
Bryce Casson

Bryce Casson, Founder of Cardocrat. Every card is ranked by what it actually returns, with all points valued at a flat 1 cent and offers verified against issuer sources. About the author.