How to Use Points for Flights from the Hawaii to West Coast

Hawaii is a dream destination for many travelers, and the good news is that you can make this dream come true without spending a fortune on flights. Even as a local family who travels to the west coast often, you can minimize costs by investing in the best rewards programs. By using the right points and miles programs, you can book your flights to paradise for a fraction of the cost. Here's a breakdown of the best options to maximize your rewards and enjoy a free (or almost free) getaway to Hawaii.

I have compiled a list of average current prices for rewards programs when you redeem for flights to and from Hawaii. These are current averages and don’t reflect live award availability.

Here are some of the best ways to travel to and from Hawaii.

1. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Best for: Flexible routes to Hawaii Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is one of the top programs to use when flying to Hawaii. You can redeem miles for flights to multiple Hawaiian islands with great availability. Economy flights to Hawaii start at just 20,000 miles one-way, making it an excellent choice for those with Alaska miles.

Transfer Partners:

  • Bilt Rewards

  • Marriott Bonvoy

2. Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles

Best for: Direct flights to Hawaii Hawaiian Airlines offers direct flights from multiple U.S. cities to Hawaii. While not as flexible as some other programs, it provides a fantastic option for those looking to book directly with HawaiianMiles. You’ll need 40,000 miles for a one-way economy flight to Hawaii.

Transfer Partners:

  • American Express Membership Rewards

  • Marriott Bonvoy

Flight booking screen showing journey from HNL to PDX with options for Main Cabin and First Class. Prices are displayed in miles plus a fee. Dates range from March 8 to March 14, with selected date March 11. Flight details include non-stop, departure at 12:05 PM, and arrival at 8:25 PM.

3. United MileagePlus

Best for: Flexible options and partnerships United Airlines allows you to book flights to Hawaii using MileagePlus miles, with great flexibility for flight dates and destinations. You can redeem as low as 20,000 miles one-way for a flight to Hawaii, depending on availability.

Transfer Partners:

  • Chase Ultimate Rewards

  • Marriott Bonvoy

Screenshot of a flight booking page showing travel details from Honolulu (HNL) to Los Angeles (LAX) on March 11. The page displays fare options in miles plus fee, with flights from March 8 to March 14. Flight options include economy and first class, showing a nonstop flight on March 11 with United Airlines, taking 5 hours and 24 minutes.

4. Delta SkyMiles

Best for: Wide selection of flights and partners Delta SkyMiles offers excellent coverage to Hawaii, often with competitive pricing for economy and business class awards. With Delta, you’ll need 25,000 miles one-way for economy class to Hawaii, and 45,000 miles for business class.

Transfer Partners:

  • American Express Membership Rewards

  • Marriott Bonvoy

Screenshot of a Delta flight booking page for a one-way trip from Honolulu (HNL) to Seattle (SEA) on March 19, 2025. The page displays different class options with corresponding miles needed: Basic (18,000 miles), Main (22,000 miles), Comfort+ (29,000 miles), First (112,500 miles), and Delta One (Not Offered). Details of a credit card offer with bonus miles are also shown.

5. American Airlines AAdvantage

Best for: Low-cost options with a variety of destinations American Airlines offers flights to Hawaii with AAdvantage miles, starting at 25,000 miles for a one-way economy seat. This makes it a strong contender for those with American Airlines miles.

Transfer Partners:

  • Bilt Rewards

  • Marriott Bonvoy

Flight selection screen showing options from Honolulu to Phoenix on March 9, 2025, with different seat price types: Main cabin 22.5K, Premium Economy 67.5K, and Business 120K loyalty points, plus $5.60 fee. Flight departs at 9:32 PM and arrives at 6:09 AM the next day. Duration: 5h 37m, nonstop.

6. Southwest Rapid Rewards

Best for: Low-cost options from the West Coast Southwest Airlines provides an affordable way to fly to Hawaii, especially for travelers who already have Rapid Rewards points. Southwest’s award pricing is dynamic, starting as low as 12,500 points for a one-way flight.

Transfer Partners:

  • Chase Ultimate Rewards

  • Marriott Bonvoy

Flight cost calendar from Honolulu to San Jose showing prices for February 2025, emphasizing a selected date on February 27 with a cost of 10,122 points.

How to Maximize Your Points and Miles for Hawaii Flights:

To get the most out of your points and miles, it’s important to book during off-peak seasons and take advantage of transfer bonuses or special promotions. Additionally, signing up for travel rewards credit cards can help you accumulate points quickly, boosting your balance for future flights.

Bonus Tip: If you don't have enough points for a round-trip ticket, consider booking a one-way flight with miles and purchasing the return leg separately.

By strategically using your points and miles, you can make your next trip a reality without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for flexibility with Alaska Airlines or direct flights with Hawaiian Airlines, there’s a program that fits your needs and maximizes your rewards.