Where to Stay in Hawaii with Points: 31 Top Hotels

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In the Venn diagram of the best hotels in Hawaii and the best hotels in Hawaii with points, these hotels are smack dab in the middle. Welcome to our ultimate guide on where to stay in Hawaii with points!

I’m sharing all of our favorite places to stay and how to use points to get a free night. 

Search by island for points per night, what to expect, the resort vibe, beach access, and more. While my preference is luxury resorts on points, I also share AC Marriotts and Wyndham properties, for example, so you can find the best deal on Hawaii with points.

If you are a pro at booking a Hawaii hotel with points, see what is in our wallets for the best cards for Hawaii travel.

If you’re new to using travel rewards, see our guide Travel to Hawaii for (Almost) Free: A Beginner’s Guide to Credit Card Points.

My list of hotels in Hawaii with points is comprised of those with the best reward programs (e.g., World of Hyatt, Hilton Honors, etc.). Hawaii is full of fantastic, non-chain hotels or smaller hotel groups, such as Outrigger properties. 

For those hotels, you can book on card portals. Our favorite cards all have travel portals for booking travel. Get perks through the portals! We love more time in the pool and resort credits on our account!

Tips on Where to Stay in Hawaii with Points

Before I get into the best hotels in Hawaii with points, here are general tips to consider when booking Hawaii award travel. 

Some of these apply to any destination, but I’ve included details specific to Hawaii hotels, our specialty.

1. When is off-peak travel in Hawaii?

Hawaii’s shoulder seasons are September to before Thanksgiving and April and May. 

I’ve found that Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, which use dynamic point pricing, don’t track Hawaii’s shoulder seasons. Still, they do experience spikes around the Christmas holiday and in response to last-minute bookings.

Here is the Best Time to Visit Hawaii.

2. Flexibility on your travel dates is the key to Hawaii award travel

As Hawaii is a popular destination for using points, award rooms can sell out fast. Use the “I’m Flexible” calendar on Marriott Bonvoy to find the best deal.

I recommend booking four to six months in advance to find a standard room for low points. Hawaii vacation clubs, such as Marriott Vacation Clubs, sell out quickly, so book your stay six or more months in advance.

Reward Travel Tips: Credit Card Myths Debunked

3. Booking a hotel in Hawaii on points is all about bank credit cards.

Hotel-branded credit cards are good, but we prefer what we share in our wallet below. 

For greater flexibility and to earn high sign-up bonuses, we prefer to obtain bank credit cards. 

Then, we can transfer points from the bank’s credit card to World of Hyatt, for example. Click the button below to see what is in our wallets for Hawaii travel. All of those cards are good for transferring points.

4. Don’t expect free upgrades with your hotel status

My brother is the highest member with Marriott Bonvoy thanks to his large sales region. When he came to visit us on Maui, he stayed at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua Resort. He was shocked when they didn’t give him an upgrade for his status. 

We find his story to be quite common in Hawaii. Hawaii resorts are accustomed to serving elite status travelers, and due to high occupancy, they can’t always provide upgrades and other perks.

Having elite status can be beneficial when booking hotels in Hawaii on points. But, for perks and upgrades, we recommend booking on a credit card travel portal. 

For our stay at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, we received $200 resort credit, early check-in, late check-out, and complimentary breakfast. Wow, so much pool time!

5. Best Value Redemptions (Sweet Spots)

When it comes to Hawaii award travel, here are the sweet spots for using points.

• Hyatt points to Hawaii is where it is at! I provide a lot of details on Hyatt Hotels in Hawaii & How to Book Free Nights is our guide to the best points program for Hawaii hotels.
  
• Transfer Points to Hotels: The best points redemption strategy is to transfer points from a bank credit card to a hotel program, like World of Hyatt. If you’re considering Hyatt vs Marriott Rewards for Hawaii, Hyatt will be the winner. Hence, our wallet reflects the best travel credit cards for Hawaii.

• Hilton Free Night Certificate Strategy: Hilton Honors has the fifth night free when you book four nights with points. As the average trip to Hawaii is 8 days (Source: Hawaii Tourism Authority), this is a good use of points for a low-value points program.

• Marriott’s Value Hotels: If you’re looking for a comfortable hotel to rest your head and store your bags, your best deal is Marriott points Hawaii. While I prefer their luxury resorts, look at their Courtyard, AC, and Residence Inn hotels for a good deal on points. Oahu has a lot of these value-hotel brands for Marriott.

Best Hotel Reward Programs for Hawaii

The best hotel rewards program for booking a hotel in Hawaii is World of Hyatt.

When comparing hotel loyalty programs by the value of hotel points and elite status perks, the World of Hyatt is the best. Additionally, and this is a significant point, Hyatt hotels are excellent places to stay in Hawaii. 

See our Complete List of Hyatt Hotels in Hawaii with our reviews.

In the categories of most luxurious, modern, and the best locations, Hyatt and Marriott properties are by far the best places to stay in Hawaii. The World of Hyatt wins, as you get more bang for your points compared to Marriott Bonvoy.

Other hotel reward programs with properties in Hawaii are IHG, Hilton, and Wyndham.

Hilton Honors has a good selection of popular hotels in Hawaii. The Grand Wailea is our favorite property in their portfolio as it is a luxury hotel on Wailea Beach on Maui. 

Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki (Oahu) and Hilton Waikoloa Village (Big Island) are the most popular properties for Hilton in Hawaii. These are sprawling resorts with thousands of rooms, pools, and restaurants. While they meet the criteria of a resort that you don’t have to leave, they may leave you wanting a more intimate, Hawaii experience afterwards.

Our ranking of the best to worst hotel reward programs in Hawaii:

1. World of Hyatt
2. Marriott Bonvoy
3. Hilton Honors
4. IHG
5. Wyndham Rewards

I share some hotel-branded credit cards that provide free nights with the sign-up bonuses here: The Best Hawaii Travel Credit Cards.

Resort Fees by Hawaii Hotel Brand

Few things get Hawaii visitors more fired up than resort fees. The previously hidden fee would add $40 to $55 per night. The resort fees are still in effect, but the price per night on their website already includes the resort fee.

With legislation that took effect in 2025, hotels are required to be more transparent with their pricing. So, you won’t see your hotel rate balloon as you check out. 

Booking with points can save you a considerable amount on resort fees. This is our main strategy in our How to Avoid Resort Fees in Hawaii.

Hilton Honors and World of Hyatt waive resort fees on award bookings, offering significant savings for your Hawaii vacation.

Using your points with Marriott Bonvoy will cover the room charge and taxes, but not the resort fee or additional service charges.

Hyatt hotels in Hawaii offer additional complimentary and discounted amenities with their resort fee. Hyatt hotels will include free ukulele and hula lessons, cultural immersion activities, yoga and fitness classes, snorkel gear, and lei-making classes.

Hilton hotels are notorious in Hawaii for providing few amenities with their resort fee. They are proud to offer perks that are par for the course in Hawaii, like free Wifi, gym access, Kurig coffee, or towels.

Elite status is another way to get your resort fees waived in Hawaii. Check your program’s status to see what perks it has for waiving fees. Hyatt waives resort fees on all bookings for their Globalist members, their highest elite status level.

Hotel Taxes in Hawaii

The resort fee plus taxes is considerable in Hawaii. Hawaii charges the following for short-term accommodations taxes:

• Transient Accommodation Tax (TAT) is 11%
• County Surcharge: 3% 
• General Excise Tax (GET): 4.712% (sales tax)
• Total Tax: cumulative tax of nearly 19%

Best Hawaii Resorts for Points (By Island)

Here we go! Here is our list of the best hotels in Hawaii to book with points, organized by island. I also list them in order of my favorite resorts by island.

The introduction for each Hawaii hotel on reward points is my personal take. I share my experience from staying at the resort, and the pros and cons are discussed.

To provide an apples-to-apples comparison, here is how I got the points per night:

• My search is for a standard room (lowest rate) with two adults. 
• For the points per night, I provide a range of points that are available for a standard room. The exact number of points depends on the room available and the dates of stay. More points are required for ocean view rooms and suites. Many of these resorts offer suites and even villas. 
• You may want to consider a Hawaii vacation rental if you have a large group, as that will be more affordable.
• Availability refers to the ease of booking reward nights. As this is Hawaii, availability can be challenging. Challenging means you should book over three months in advance to find an available room. Standard rooms may not be available; you may need to book a suite or a room with a view. 

See our Where to Stay in Hawai guide for the main resort areas and what to expect on each island.

Maui Hotels on Points

Maui is the most expensive of the Hawaiian islands to visit, thanks to the average daily rates of hotels. The luxury resorts of Wailea in South Maui skew the average, but Ka’anapali Resorts can get pricey, too.

Start earning points immediately, plus the best sign-up bonuses for these Maui hotels. Here are the best Hawaii travel cards to get you started.

Unlike Oahu, there are few lower brand hotel chains to maximize your points. However, I do share an AC Marriott in Wailea, located below.

Where to stay on Maui, vacation planning resources:

• Kaanapali vs Wailea: Where to Stay on Maui
• Kaanapali vs Kihei: very different,s but what is right for you!
• Where to Stay on Maui: Hotels and Vacation Rentals for a Range of Budgets
• 10 Best Maui Resorts for Families
• 31 Best Things to Do on Maui

Hyatt Properties on Maui

World of Hyatt remains your best option for booking a Maui hotel with points. See our article on Hyatt Hotels in Hawaii for all the details on booking a Maui hotel with points.

Here is a summary of Maui’s Hyatt hotels listed in order of our favorites to book with points.

Hana-Maui Resort

• Thank goodness the Hana-Maui Resort is there to greet you after a long day on the Road to Hana. While the rooms don’t have air conditioning and the resort needs a renovation, the vintage charm, ocean-view pool, service, and large rooms can’t be beaten. This is an excellent use of your Hyatt points.
• Points per Night: 25,000 – 35,000
• Full Review: Hana-Maui Resort

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa

• We are big fans of staying in the lively resort area of Kaanapali. The Hyatt Regency is great for families, offering a large pool, resort-style luau, and beach access right out front. Downsides to the resort include the small beach area outside due to erosion, and the hotel requires renovation. Pool renovations started in 2025! This is a solid recommendation for Hawaii on points.
• Points per Night: 21,000 – 29,000

Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

• The Andaz (Category 8) is Hyatt’s luxury hotel on Maui. Located in the Wailea Resort area, the beachfront hotel boasts a multi-level pool and an excellent Maui luau. Stay here for a romantic Maui getaway (22 Hawaii Honeymoon Things to Do).
• Our full review of the Andaz Maui with Points
• Points per Night: 35,000 to 45,000

Hyatt Vacation Club at Ka’anapali Beach

• This is where a hotel meets a vacation rental. You can find rooms with kitchens and multiple bedrooms. It is located next to the Hyatt Regency Maui. The problem is that availability using points is extremely challenging here.
• Points per Night: 25,000 – 35,000

Westin Maui Resort & Spa (Marriott)

Our family is a big fan of the Westin Maui. It is our go-to resort for staying in Ka’anapali. The hotel was remodeled recently, with the rooms renovated in 2024. The resort offers a variety of activities, a luau, and excellent dining options. 

It makes for a fun and lively place to stay, with epic sunset views and plenty of beach time. The resort also has a large video arcade with carnival games (win tickets for prizes in Valley Alley), parrots in the lobby, and walking around the pool facility is an activity in itself.

• Points per Night: 79,000  to 100,000, 185,000 points is typical
• Room Price: $540 to $700 plus taxes ($49 resort fee included in nightly rate)
• Off-Peak Availability: Best to book during the shoulder seasons, holidays are the most expensive time to book (dynamic point pricing!)
• Availability: Good – rooms are available to book throughout the year on points.
• Parking Fee: Self-Parking is $45, and Valet is $50 per night
• Resort Fee: $49 per night
• Cancellation Policy: 7 days in advance
• Location: The Westin Maui Resort is located in Kaanapali Beach Resorts, a developed resort community in West Maui. The area was not damaged by the Lahaina Fires in 2023. The Westin has the best location in the area, as it is adjacent to Whalers Village Shopping Center and its numerous restaurants. See our Kaanapali Things to Do to plan your trip.
• Beach Access: Walk out of the pool and onto Kaanapali Beach. The long and wide beach never feels crowded and is a perfect place for a sunset or snorkeling tour departure. You are a short beach walk to snorkeling or cliff jumping at Black Rock.
• Resort Vibes: The resort offers a fun experience for honeymooners and families alike. From the parrots in the lobby to the restaurants and bars, the resort is a hive of activity. Escape from the families to the adults’ pool for a secluded bar with ocean views. Our family can be found at the main pool, enjoying the splash pad and waterfalls. 
• Our full review and direct booking with Westin Maui Resort & Spa in Ka’anapali.

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is another great option for Marriott Bonvoy members. The hotel is on Kekaa Point (home to Black Rock) in central Kaanapali. The resort benefits from its location at the end of Kaanapali Beach, as it feels quieter and more secluded than other Kaanapali resorts. 

Enjoy the Sheraton’s lazy river, fantastic Sheraton luau, and rooms with ocean views. The resort is ready for renovation yet retains its charm.

• Points per Night: 46,000 – 65,000
• Good availability

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is a luxury hotel in northwest Maui. The hotel offers a range of Hawaiian activities and emphasizes cultural experiences, such as its Tales of Kapa Moe Luau.

While it is a Ritz-Carlton, the design and size are similar to the Marriott vacation clubs in Ka’anapali. The hotel is located on DT Fleming Beach, but it is a shuttle ride down the hill or a 10-minute walk away. As this hotel typically costs over $1,000 per night, if you find a deal using points, take it!

• Points per Night: 77,000 – 130,000

Marriott Vacation Club Properties on Maui

Maui, specifically, Kaanapali in West Maui is home to three Marriott vacation club properties. These are timeshare resorts that have limited availability for Marriott Bonvoy members. Booking these on points is challenging, but jump on the opportunity as they are modern, comfortable, and have beachfront locations with restaurants. 

• The Westin Ka’anaapli Ocean Resort Villas
• The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas North
• The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, Kaanapali
• Points per Night: 70,000 – 85,000 is typical 

Grand Wailea – A Waldorf Astoria Resort (Hilton)

We splurge for a night or two on our trips to Maui at The Grand Wailea. The pool is our kids favorite pool on Maui, in all of Hawaii for that matter. We enjoy the freshly renovated rooms and the expansive grounds. 

We enjoy staying in the luxury area of Wailea as it is quiet, has a wonderful boardwalk, and the Shops at Wailea with restaurants and a free hula show is walking distance away. Plus, we love to go on our favorite Molokini Sunrise Snorkel Tour that departs 10 minutes from Wailea.

• Points per Night: 110,000  to 120,000, 110,000 points is typical
• Room Price: $937 to $1,200 plus taxes ($55 resort fee included in nightly rate)
• Off-Peak Availability: Best to book during the shoulder seasons but good consistency in low points one to four months in advance
• Availability: Good – rooms are available to book throughout the year on points.
• Parking Fee: Self-Parking is $45 and Valet is $50 per night
• Resort Fee: $55 per night
• Cancellation Policy: 14 days in advance
• Location: The Grand Wailea is in South Maui, in the resort development area of Wailea. The hotel grounds take up most of Wailea Beach, shared with Wailea Beach Resort and Four Seasons Maui. You can walk to the Shops of Wailea, golf is nearby, and Kihei is a 10-minute drive down the road. 
• Beach Access: The Grand Wailea wins the prize for the best beach location in Wailea, Maui. As the first resort built in Wailea, they took most of the acreage on Wailea Beach. You can walk out of the lazy river and onto Wailea Beach.
• Resort Vibes: You will get all those Maui resort vibes at the Grand Wailea. The large resort has a beautiful central lobby with a bar inside a fountain. The grounds have a chapel, fountains, and gardens to walk. Tike torches alight the grounds at night. The pool is the largest on Maui with multiple levels, pools ,waterfalls, waterslides, tarzan swing, swim up bar, and a lazy river. It can get busy at the pool (chairs hard to get) but you can escape to the adults’ pool. The steep resort fee includes internet access; morning beach yoga & afternoon garden yoga, meditation & stretch class, beach cruiser bikes, twice daily scuba clinics, photography session, hula & ukulele lessons, and beach chairs.

Wailea Beach Resort (Marriott)

The Wailea Beach Resort and The Grand Wailea are our two favorite, family-friendly resorts on Maui. The Wailea Beach Resort is pricey on points but it is a wonderful splurge for a wonderful resort stay. 

The adults’ pool is an infinity pool with a bar connected to it. The kids pool has waterslides, a splash area, and a waterfall grotto. Plus, a food truck at the pool for casual bites. The restaurants, the modern decor, and the lively atmosphere make this a great place to stay on Maui. Oh, the rooms were renovated in 2025. Hopefully, they replaced the mattresses as that was my only gripe!

• Points per Night: 71,500  to 105,000, 85,000 points is typical
• Room Price: $600 to $760 plus taxes ($57 resort fee included in nightly rate)
• Off-Peak Availability: Best to book during the shoulder seasons; holidays are the most expensive time to book (dynamic point pricing!)
• Availability: Good – rooms are available to book throughout the year on points. A few weeks don’t have availability, probably due to conferences.
• Parking Fee: Self-Parking is $45 and Valet is $55 per night
• Resort Fee: $57 per night
• Cancellation Policy: 21 days in advance
• Location: The Wailea Beach Resort is located in South Maui, in the resort development of Wailea. It is in the string of resorts of The Andaz to the north and Fairmont Kea Lani on the south side. The Shops at Wailea are behind the resort. 
• Beach Access: WBR is not directly on Wailea Beach, but is in the lava rock coastline between Wailea Beach and Ulua Beach. But, from the kids’ pool, it is a two-minute walk to Wailea Beach, so we firmly consider this a beach resort. 
• Resort Vibes:  The activities included in your resort fee make this place unique. Where many resorts offer bottled water and a few yoga classes, the Wailea Beach Resort can keep everyone entertained with a jam-packed schedule. Every 30 minutes, there’s a new yoga class, ukulele lesson, lei making, soccer, hula lesson, boot camp, etc. Their kids’ club has arcade games, board games, and cultural lessons. 

Learn more and book the Wailea Beach Resort here.

AC Hotel by Marriott is located at the entrance to Wailea resorts. It is perched on the hill overlooking the beachfront hotels and surrounded by golf courses. You can walk to the Wailea Village shopping center across the street. 

This is a no-frills hotel in the luxury area of Wailea. It is like the AC Hotel in your town, but this one is on Maui. The pool is well done, but don’t expect a resort vibe.

For the points per night, I can’t help but add this to our list of where to stay in Hawaii with points!

• Points per Night: 41,600 to 63,000
• $429 to $580, $580 is typical. Spikes in room rates for bookings two month in advance

Related Wailea, Maui Articles:

• 14 Best Things to Do in Wailea, Maui
• Why are Hotels in Hawaii Expensive?
• Our Reviews: Mololini Snorkel Tours departing close to Wailea
• 7 Best Vacation Rentals in Wailea

Oahu Hotels on Points

While Hyatt properties on Oahu provide the best points value for booking with points, we enjoy the Marriott properties on Oahu. If you can find a good deal using your Marriott Bonvoy points or a favorable transfer deal, take it, as the historic, luxurious, and simply Courtyard Marriotts are excellent locations to stay on Oahu.

Oahu is the most visited Hawaiian island, so you will find the most hotels and resorts here. It can be overwhelming. I hope my list of where to stay on Oahu with points simplifies your planning. 

Oahu has an overwhelming number of hotel on points options. As booking with travel rewards can feel intimidating, our curated list of travel cards is a simple way to start earning a free night. Learn more here:

Here are more of our where to stay on Oahu resources to take the stress of planning away.

• Where to Stay on Oahu: best hotels and locations
• Which Part of Oahu Should You Stay? Ko Olina, Waikiki, North Shore
• Where to Stay on Oahu with Kids
• Is There a Best Time to Visit Oahu? The 4 Months

Hyatt Hotels on Oahu

World of Hyatt remains your best option for booking an Oahu hotel with points. See our article on Hyatt Hotels in Hawaii for all the details on booking an Oahu hotel with points.

Here is a summary of Oahu’s Hyatt hotels listed in order of our favorites to book with points.

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach

• Reasons to Stay Here: Location & convenience
• Points Rate: 20,000 – 25,000
• Cash Rate: $400+
• Award Category: 5

Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach

Reasons to Stay Here: Service & value for points
Points Rate: 17,000 – 23,000
Cash Rate: $300+
Award Category: 5

Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach

Reasons to Stay Here: Points rate & walkability
Points Rate: 9,000 – 15,000
Cash Rate: $300+
Award Category: 4

The Royal Hawaiian

The Pink Lady (The Royal Hawaiian) is our favorite hotel in Waikiki. There, I said it. We love the nostalgia of the hotel, the large gardens, the nightly hula shows at the Royal Hawaiian Center, and the central location in Waikiki. While the rooms are ready for a renovation, we love the vintage charm and the location on Waikiki Beach. We never regret staying here. If you can find a good deal on points, book it!

• Points per Night: 64,000  to 100,000, ~80,000 points is typical
• Room Price: $440 to $700 plus taxes, $500 is typical ($52 resort fee included in nightly rate)
• Off-Peak Availability: Best to book during the shoulder seasons, holidays are the most expensive time to book (dynamic point pricing!)
• Availability: Good – rooms are available to book throughout the year on points.
• Parking Fee: Self-Parking is $55, and Valet is $65 per night
• Resort Fee: $52 per night
• Cancellation Policy: 3 days in advance
• Location: The Royal Hawaiian is one of the original hotels on Waikiki Beach, so it commands a central location. We see the Royal as an oasis in Waikiki as it is surrounded by gardens. It is also next to the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, which has restaurants, a food court, nightly hula shows, and shopping. 
• Beach Access: Yeah, ultimate beach access to Waikiki Beach. Enjoy beach chairs out front of the resort. This is our favorite part of Waikiki Beach. While it can get crowded, the Royal Hawaiian has a lot of beach chairs ready for guests. The small, circular pool is rarely crowded and a few steps from the beach. Bonus, Royal Hawaiian guests can get access to The Sheraton Waikiki’s pools, adult and family pool. 
• Resort Vibes: The Royal Hawaiian has old-world charm. Multiple renovations have maintained the vintage, Elvis, Hawaii of the cruise ship period that we enjoy. The rooms are ready for a remodel, though. As this is a hotel in central Waikiki, it doesn’t have all the luxurious resort amenities, like a private lanai (balcony) and a big pool. But, you will find great service, large rooms, and room to spread out. Plus, don’t miss the Royal Hawaiian Luau!
• Learn more and book the Royal Hawaiian here.

Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort (Marriott)

The Sheraton Waikiki has a better price and lower points compared to The Royal Hawaiian. That makes sense as the Sheraton is a large hotel that feels a bit dated.

But, it is hard to beat the location, and our readers and viewers go back there often, as it is a great hotel in Waikiki. The pools get busy, but they are some of the best pools in Waikiki. Waikiki isn’t known for its pools, as real estate is a premium.

• Points per Night: 59,200  to 82,000, ~80,000 points is typical
• Room Price: $377 to $450 plus taxes, $400 is typical ($52 resort fee included in nightly rate)
• Off-Peak Availability: Consistent pricing throughout the year, holidays are the most expensive time to book (dynamic point pricing!)
• Availability: Good – rooms are available to book throughout the year on points. Limited availability one month in advance.
• Parking Fee: Self-Parking is $55 and Valet is $65 per night
• Resort Fee: $52 per night
• Cancellation Policy: 3 days in advance
• Location: The Sheraton Waikiki is situated in the heart of Waikiki, directly on Waikiki Beach. You have to walk through the Royal Hawaiian Center shopping mall to get to Kalakau Avenue, the main drag in Waikiki. The Sheraton is tucked next to The Royal Hawaiian. 
• Beach Access: The Sheraton Waikiki is on the ocean, but this is the only part of Waikiki Beach that no longer has sand. The adults’ pool is an infinity pool on the ocean. It is a one-minute walk out of the family pool to Waikiki Beach. So, you have easy beach access but no lounge chairs on the beach. 
• Resort Vibes: The Sheraton Waikiki is a tall hotel with a shopping center in the lobby. It is a large hotel on a small footprint in Waikiki, so it doesn’t feel like a resort. It is lively and a great location to stay, but it is more of a hotel on the beach.
• Full Review: The Sheraton Waikiki with Points

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa (Marriott)

Here are two more resorts on Oahu that are worth checking out when booking on points, as we enjoy these hotels. 

The first is Moana Surfrider, the original Waikiki hotel. The location is central Waikiki and on Waikiki Beach. Enjoy the turn of the century lobby, the Beach Bar, and the ability to walk out onto Waikiki Beach. We recommend staying in the old part of the hotel or the tower, as the Diamond Wing has thin walls!

• Points per Night: 52,000 – 98,000, ~60,000 points is typical
• Room Price: $267 – $361, rates are low right now as Waikiki is experiencing low visitor counts. 

The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay

The Ritz-Carlton moved into Turtle Bay Resort in 2024, and they inherited a freshly remodeled resort. We enjoy Turtle Bay for the location on Oahu’s famous North Shore. This and the Courtyard Marriott in Lihue (things to do in Laie, like the Polynesian Cultural Center) are your only options for hotels on the North Shore. 

Turtle Bay Resort offers golf, resort activities, multiple restaurants, and a pool with live music and a poolside bar. We enjoy the surfer chic vibe here. It gets pricey and the customer service can be spotty, but we find ourselves here on almost every trip to Oahu.

• Points per Night: 90,000 – 140,000, ~120,000 points is typical
• Room Price: $800 – $1200 plus taxes

Honorable Mentions on Where to Stay on Oahu with Points: Marriott Bonvoy

We are fans of Marriott properties in Hawaii and Oahu has a lot of properties to choose from, mostly in Waikiki. These Marriott hotels are not as luxurious as our preferred hotels listed above, but they are comfortable, relaxing, and recently renovated. 

Plus, they are only a block or two from Waikiki Beach so well worth the lower points!

• Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Waikiki Beach
• The Laylow Waikiki, Autograph Collection
• Courtyard Waikiki Beach
• The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach
• Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club (see our Ko Olina Guide for details!)
• Courtyards, AC Hotels, Renaissance Residences, Residence Inn, Marriott has all their brands on Oahu. 

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

The Hilton Hawaiian Village is a fan favorite. Folks love this hotel. The Rainbow Tower with Diamond Head in the background is iconic. For Erica and me, we don’t find the points per night or nightly rate to warrant this dated and crowded hotel.

The parking fee is outrageous. Lucky you can do Oahu without a rental car. The resort has thousands of rooms, shopping centers, and restaurant but it feels like a cruise ship on Waikiki Beach. The location at the far end of Waikiki makes it a long walk to Waikiki’s best restaurants. The beach here is great, though, as it is large and never crowded. If you find a good points deal, take it but be ready for a big, busy resort. 

• Points per Night: 70,000 to 150,000, ~100,000 points is typical
• Room Price: $350 to $600 plus taxes, $400 is typical ($55 resort fee included in nightly rate)
• Off-Peak Availability: Consistent pricing throughout the year, holidays are the most expensive time to book (dynamic point pricing!)
• Availability: Good – rooms are available to book throughout the year on points.
• Parking Fee: Self-Parking is $72 and Valet is $83 per night
• Resort Fee: $55 per night
• Cancellation Policy: 3 days in advance
• Location: Hilton Hawaiian Village is the Ewa side of Waikiki, the far southwest side of Waikiki. You are close to the Ala Moana Mall, the largest mall in Hawaii, boat tours to Turtle Canyon for snorkeling with sea turtles, and Fort DeRussy Park. 
• Beach Access: Located on one of the best parts of Waikiki Beach, Kahanamoku Beach. The beach is wide, long, and rarely crowded as it is the far end of Waikiki Beach. You also have access to Kahanamoku Lagoon for aqua bikes, SUP, and swimming in a manmade lagoon.  
• Resort Vibes: The Hilton Hawaiian Village is Waikiki’s only true resort. They offer everything from a chapel to fireworks every Friday night. Enjoy multiple pools, shopping areas, koi ponds, and even a manmade lagoon along the ocean. You may have difficulty finding a pool chair or navigating the sprawling resort. The rooms and grounds are dated and well-tread upon.

Honorable Mentions on Oahu Hilton Honors Hotels

Hilton, like Marriott, has numerous hotel brands on Oahu. Here is a list of other hotels to consider for using points on Hawaii hotels. These are not on Waikiki Beach, but they are a few blocks away. These Oahu Hilton Honors hotels average 50,000 to 60,000 points per night.

• Hilton Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
• Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk
• DoubleTree by Hilton Alana – Waikiki Beach

Related Oahu where to stay articles:

• Where to Stay in Honolulu: 10 Best Spots
• Where to Stay in Waikiki: 12 hotels reviewed
• Queen Kapiolani Hotel: Value at the End of Waikiki
• Beachcomber by Outrigger

Best Hotels on Kauai with Points

Nothing can be taller than a coconut tree on Kauai so you won’t find huge resorts and towers. Kauai is the best island for honeymooners, in our opinion, due to the resorts, the lush scenery, and the adventures on the island. Here are our favorite Kauai resorts in Hawaii, with points, from best to worst.

As you can see in the graph below, Kauai is one of the most expensive Hawaiian islands to visit. See what is in our wallets, as this is what we use to gain our Hawaii travel rewards.

Booking a Hawaii resort with points is the beginning of your planning, see our articles to get familiar with Kauai.

• Princeville vs Poipu: finding the best area on Kauai
• 10 Best Kauai Waterfalls
• 20 Best Things to Do in Poipu, Kauai
• 12 Best Things to Do in Hanalei, North Shore Kauai
• Kauai with Kids Ultimate Guide

Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel

Welcome to our favorite resort on Kauai. We have stayed here multiple times. Koloa Landing Resort is ideal for families as the standard room is a studio, which includes a kitchenette. One-bedroom rooms (suites) are available for a few points more. 

The rooms were renovated in 2016, and the resort was built in 2010, all of which contribute to a fresh, modern feel. The service is incredible, the grounds are extensive, and they always have great kid activities. The market near the lobby makes cooking easy. As they have kitchenettes, there is only one restaurant on the property. It is suitable for poolside food, but not for a dinner out.

• Points per Night: 100,000 to 120,000
• Off-Peak Availability: The lowest points per night is in November and early December
• Availability: Good – rooms can be found at a points discount one month in advance, 
• Parking Fee: Self-Parking and Valet is COMPLIMENTARY
• Resort Fee: $ per night (waived with award travel)
• Cancellation Policy: 
• Location: South Shore Kauai
• Beach Access: The resort is oceanside, but it is not located on the beach! The shoreline is rocky outside. You can walk 0.5 miles from the back of the resort to Kiahuna Beach, our favorite beach on Kauai. Poipu Beach is 1.3 miles away, we recommend driving.
• Resort Vibes: Intimate, relaxing, a perfect Kauai resort with big resort amenities. The pool is phenomenal, featuring waterfalls, numerous waterslides, and multiple levels. Plus, there is a quiet adult pool. The pool was voted the best pool in America by USA Today from 2020 to 2024. 
• Learn more and book here: Full Review of Koloa Landing Resort

Grand Hyatt Kauai

We stay here for one or two nights to enjoy the resort amenities and the large pool and lagoon. You don’t have to leave the resort, as the Grand Hyatt Kauai has it all. The rooms are Hawaii-themed, but they are not particularly special.

We enjoy Kauai for the adventures and scenery outside of the resort, so we don’t need a big resort like this for our full stay on Kauai.

• Award Category: 8
• Points per Night: 35,000 to 45,000
• Off-Peak Availability: Some nights in September, October, November, and early December
• Availability: Challenging – book four months or more in advance for the best availability
• Parking Fee: Self-Parking is COMPLIMENTARY, Valet is $40 Daily
• Resort Fee: $55 per night (waived with award travel)
• Cancellation Policy: 7 days prior
• Location: South Shore Kauai, near Poipu and historic Koloa Town. Located at the end of South Shore Kauai, this resort is out of the way but close to the action in Poipu, the main resort and vacation rental area on Kauai. The Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail is out front, south of Shipwreck Beach. You’ll be a 4-minute drive to Poipu Beach and an 8-minute drive to Koloa. Shopping centers are located in Poipu, with a variety of restaurants.
• Beach Access: Shipwreck Beach is directly in front, offering a gorgeous beach for sunsets and strolling. But it has a rough shorebreak. It is a popular beach for surfers. Hence, the resort has a lagoon and an epic pool.
• Resort Vibes: Perhaps the largest resort on Kauai, the sprawling grounds have pools, tennis courts, Anara Spa, restaurants, and Poipu Bay Golf Course. The pool has waterslides, waterfalls, grottos, and a large, sandy lagoon. Pool passes are available for non-guests!
• Learn more and book with points here: Grand Hyatt Kauai Review

Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort

On a points basis, this is your best deal for Sheraton and Marriott properties on Kauai.

The Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort has a lot going for it. The central location on Kauai makes exploring the island enjoyable; it is a new resort, and the rooms offer a healthy dose of Hawaiian charm, comfort, and modern aesthetics. I prefer these rooms to the more expensive Sheraton Kauai Resort. The resort has two drawbacks for me. 

The beach is a bit wild, with driftwood and a rough shorebreak; it isn’t a popular place for swimming. It is on Kapa’a’s beach boardwalk, which is excellent! The second drawback is that the modern hotel is a bit sterile. You won’t get cozy, Hawaii vibes with the decor and the pool.

• Points per Night:  70,000 to 78,000 points
• Room Price: $335 – $580, $380 + taxes when booked 3+ months in advance 
• Off-Peak Availability: lowest points per night when booking 3+ months in advance
• Availability: Good – point bookings are available 95% of the dates.
• Parking Fee: Self-Parking for $30 daily
• Resort Fee: $40 per night (waived with award travel)
• Cancellation Policy: 7 days in advance
• Location: East side of Kauai, just south of Kapa’a Town, the largest town on Kauai. Kapa’a has a charming downtown area with numerous things to do. The resort is surrounded by smaller hotels and next to Coconut Marketplace, with restaurants and cafes. Lava Lava Beach Club is a walk away also.
• Beach Access: The resort is situated on Waipouli Beach, a long stretch of coastline that extends south from Kapa’a Town. The beach is excellent for walking and for sunsets. It is swimmable, but the shorebreak can be rough and the waves are large. It is a stunning location, as it exudes those raw, wild Kauai vibes.
• Resort Vibes: Surprisingly, this lower-cost Sheraton feels more like a resort than the Sheraton Kauai Resort. The resort vibes come from the open-air, Hawaii-themed rooms, the new resort, the large pool area with bar, and it feels less crowded. They also offer bikes for the boardwalk to Kapa’a and feature the Luau Ka Hikina on-site.

Sheraton Kauai Resort

The Sheraton Kauai Resort did not wow us. You pay a high nightly rate for the location on Kiahuna Beach. The rooms are clean and comfortable, but lack Hawaii charm and luxury amenities. Besides the Rum Fire restaurant, there is one poolside bar and restaurant. 

The pool is oceanfront but small and crowded. Staying here is all about the beach access. We do enjoy their on-site, beachfront luau, which is the best resort luau on Kauai. The luau and the beach access put the Sheraton Kauai on our list of the best family resorts in Kauai.

• Points per Night: 74,000 to 90,000, 85,000 is normal
• Room Price: $550 to $900, $580 + taxes when booked 3+ months in advance
• Off-Peak Availability: lowest points per night when booking 3+ months in advance
• Availability: Good – point bookings are available 95% of the dates.
• Parking Fee: Self-Parking for $30 daily
• Resort Fee: $40 per night (waived with award travel)
• Cancellation Policy: 7 days in advance
• Location: South Shore Kauai in Poipu. The resort is in central Poipu with about a 3-minute drive to Poipu Beach and a 5-minute drive to the two large shopping centers. 
• Beach Access: The resort is located on Kiahuna Beach. The Sheraton Kauai Resort and Kiahuna Plantation vacation rentals are the only two properties on this beach. It is a crescent-shaped beach, excellent for swimming and surf lessons.
• Resort Vibes: The hotel is oceanside, and the Sheraton villas are on the mountainside. For the cost and points for booking these rooms, I recommend staying on the oceanside in the hotel. You will be closer to the beachside pool and the epic Kiahuna Beach. This is a hotel, not a resort. You receive no special classes or perks with the resort fee and the rooms are similar to a Sheraton on the mainland, off the interstate. While the rooms were renovated in 2018, they lack Hawaii charm.
• Learn more and book the Sheraton Poipu, Kauai here.

Marriott Beach Clubs on Kauai

You have the choice of three Marriott Beach Clubs on Kauai. These are timeshare clubs that also sell available rooms with Marriott Bonvoy points or pay per night. While they are relatively new (built about 25 years ago) and have nice Hawaii decor and beach vibes, they can feel stuffy and quiet. 

Don’t expect big resort amenities, but a laid-back Kauai attitude along the grounds. They have nice pools and excellent locations near great beaches. 

Using your Marriott Bonvoy points here is challenging as they have few nights available. The trick to booking with points is being flexible on your dates and booking a couple of months in advance. 

Here is what you need to know when booking with points.

Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club

For those highly flexible, last-minute travelers to Hawaii, this place is for you. You can’t beat the location near Poipu. The low points value makes sense, as just down the road is the newer and more luxurious Koloa Landing Resort. The rooms and grounds are starting to feel dated (built in 2003) but they are still comfortable and a quality three-star comparison.

• Points per Night: 77,000 to 87,000
• Off-Peak Availability: lowest points per night are one to two months out
• Availability: Challenging – don’t let the low number of nights per month fool you; the resort has zero to a handful of available nights per month. Refer to the “I’m flexible” calendar to find available times.
• Parking Fee: Self-Parking for $30 daily
• Resort Fee: $ per night (waived with award travel)
• Cancellation Policy: 
• Location: South Shore Kauai, just steps from the famous Poipu Beach. Make reservations for Brennecke’s or wait in the line at Puka Dogs, as both are a short walk from Waiohai Beach Club. You are a 5- to 8-minute drive from two large shopping complexes featuring restaurants and coffee shops.
• Beach Access: Poipu Beach is out your front door! Poipu Beach is one of our favorites on Kauai for the sea turtles relaxing on the beach, large beach with twin crescents, lifeguards on duty, and good snorkeling and surfing. When it gets busy, and it will get busy, head back to the beach club for peace and quiet at the pool.
• Resort Vibes: It doesn’t get much better than their Honu Bar, a poolside and beachside outdoor restaurant. Their lagoon pool overlooks Poipu Beach, and the place is a classic Marriott beach club property with one and two-bedroom villas. Guest rooms are also available. The fitness center is basic but large. There is a convenience store on site.

Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club is 66,000 to 80,000 points per night. The Marriott Beach Club is located on Kalapaki Beach, a quiet and excellent beach on Kauai. You will also find a Duke’s Restaurant onsite and on the beach. This is my second choice when booking a Marriott Beach Club.

Here is your third option for Marriott Beach Clubs, the Marriott’s Kauai Lagoon – Kalanipu’u. The beach club is located in Lihue, near the airport. The resort is a good location to explore the South Shore and Lihue has things to do, mostly great local restaurants. The resort is surrounded by coastline and lagoons.

Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay

Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay is reluctantly on my list of the best Hawaii resorts on points. The price, points per night, and the location are hard to beat. Please note that this is a value hotel with rooms that require some updates. It’s a great place to leave your bags while you explore Kauai.

• Points per Night: 65,000, more for last-minute bookings
• Room Price: $250 – $400, $350 + taxes is the typical rate ($25 resort fee included in nightly rate)
• Off-Peak Availability: points are consistently priced while dollars per night is dynamic. Best prices are in Hawaii’s shoulder seasons.
• Availability: Good – point bookings are available for all dates
• Parking Fee: Self-Parking for $25 daily
• Resort Fee: $25 per night 
• Cancellation Policy: 5 days in advance
• Location: East side of Kauai, just south of Kapa’a Town, the largest town on Kauai. Kapa’a has a charming downtown with a lot of things to do in Kapaa and the area. The hotel sits at the mouth of the Wailua River, fast access to Secrets Waterfall Kayaking Tours, Fern Grotto tours, and the Smith Family Luau. It is off the Kuhio Highway, making for a easy location to explore the North and South Shores..
• Beach Access: Guests can walk down to Lydgate Beach Park. Our kids loved this beach for the easy snorkeling and swimming in the protected lagoons and the large Kamalanai Playground. Lydgate Beach isn’t the most striking beach on Kauai, but a good one for walking and swimming. Lifeguards are on duty here. 
• Resort Vibes: As this is a Hilton Garden Inn, it doesn’t give off resort vibes. The rooms are dated and the pools are simple. The hotel is old and dated, but they did a good job updating the lobby. Mamahune’s is an oceanfront tiki shack serving well-priced drinks and food, but our experience has been mixed in terms of service. The resort fee does include live music, ukulele classes, a lei workshop, and a cultural sunrise ceremony. 

Best Hotels on the Big Island with Points

Sorry, you can’t book Hawaii award travel here for the World of Hyatt; you have to default to Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors. Lucky you, we do enjoy the Hilton and Marriott resorts on the Big Island. 

Check out these Big Island resorts on points, and then check out the travel cards you need to make a free night a reality!

List of articles;

• Where to Stay on the Big Island: details on hotels and locations
• Hilo or Kona: Where to Stay
• Kona vs Waikoloa: What’s the Best Place to Stay on the Big Island
• 15 Best Things to Do in Waikoloa – home to Marriott and Hilton properties
• 32 Things to Do in Hilo

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort is my top pick for a place to stay on the Big Island with points. I love playing on A-Bay and going to the lively (lots of live music) Lava Lava Beach Club. Stay here to soak up the sun and the resort amenities. 

You can do small trips into Kailua-Kona and see sights along the Kohala Coast but this resort is made for beach days. It has a fresh feel to it as it was renovated in 2017. The rooms are basic, but the grounds and the lobby are lovely.

Details! See our full review here: The Waikoloa Beach Marriott with Points.

• Points per Night: 46,400 – 81,000
• Room Price: $430 – $700, $500 + taxes is the typical rate ($40 resort fee included in nightly rate)
• Off-Peak Availability: Shoulder seasons have the best point rates
• Availability: Good – book with points almost every night during the month. You will find spikes in the dynamic points pricing around the holidays and some weekends.
• Parking Fee: Self-Parking for $35 daily
• Resort Fee: $40 per night 
• Cancellation Policy: 7 days in advance
• Location: North of Kailua-Kona and the Kona Airport in Waikoloa Beach Resorts, on the sunny Kohala Coast. The resort boasts the best location in Waikoloa, as it is conveniently close to Kings’ Shops and Queen’s Marketplace, two shopping centers featuring restaurants and take-out options, and is on A-Bay. 
• Beach Access: This is a huge perk of staying here, staying on the famous Anaeho’omalu Bay (A-Bay) with Waikoloa Beach. The views of the bay from the pool are gorgeous, and it is a quick walk to the beach, with a catamaran sunset tour departing from the beach! The beach is large and rarely crowded. You can also walk to Lava Lava Beach Club on the south side of the bay.
• Resort Vibes: Quintessential resort vibes from the Waikoloa Beach Marriott. Kids will love the pool, you will love the yoga classes, and everyone will enjoy the beach. Marriott in Hawaii does a great job with the decor, ambiance, and location to provide a Hawaiian beach resort vacation.

Westin Hapuna Beach Resort (Marriott)

More points are required to stay at the Westin Hapuna than the Marriott Waikoloa Resort, but I get it! The Westin Hapuna has a killer location on Hapuna Beach, the Big Island’s most popular beach.

Skip the State Park fees and try to find parking by walking out of your room and onto the beach. The pools and restaurants are also lovely. The Westin Hapuna is situated on the hillside, offering excellent views of Hapuna Beach. The rooms are nothing fancy. They were remodeled in 2018 and due for a modern refresh already.

• Points per Night: 72,000 – 95,000
• Room Price: $500 – $720, plus taxes, is the typical rate ($37 resort fee included in nightly rate)
• Off-Peak Availability: Shoulder seasons have the best point rates
• Availability: Good – book with points almost every night during the month. You will find spikes in the dynamic points pricing around the holidays and some weekends.
• Parking Fee: Self-Parking and Valet for $35 daily
• Resort Fee: $37 per night 
• Cancellation Policy: 7 days in advance
• Location: On the Big Island’s Kohala Coast, 30 minutes north of Kona Airport. The Westin Hapuna is on Hapuna Beach. There is golf, beaches, and the Mauna Kea Resort nearby. The town of Waimea is the closest town, home to Merriman’s restaurant and other local spots. There isn’t a lot else in the area!
• Beach Access: I will mention Hapuna Beach a lot in this review as the resort’s namesake is a white sand beach on the luxury Kohala Coast. The Westin Hapuna is located on the north side of the beach, away from the crowds at Hapuna State Park. You are also close to the cove just off the shoreline, that is great for snorkeling. Walking out of your room and onto the beach (a bit of a downhill walk with stairs) is what makes this resort worth all the points.
• Resort Vibes: Marriott does Hawaii resorts right! The Westin Hapuna provides partial ocean views from almost all of its rooms. The pool over the beach, the grand lobby, and the open-air design is delightful. When you arrive, it feels like you picked the right place. You can also book a stargazing tour at the Westin Hapuna. We did this tour and loved the ease of it, compared to going up Mauna Kea for stargazing.

Another popular, luxury Marriott resort on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast is the Mauna Kea Beach Resort, a Marriott Autograph Collection. The Mauna Kea is a wonderful place to sta,y but it didn’t make my list for Where to Stay in Hawaii with Points because it is a lot of points.

However, look at booking the Mauna Kea luau!

When booking outside of the shoulder seasons, you can expect to spend over 105,000 points per night. See if you can find a deal and book it!

• Points per Night: 90,000 – 105,000
• Room Price: $850 – $1,200, $1,000 or more plus taxes, is the typical rate ($37 resort fee included in nightly rate)

Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel (Marriott)

Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel is a well-priced and convenient place to stay on the Big Island. We stay here when we want the convenience of eating and shopping in Kailua-Kona in the evenings and exploring the Kona Coast during the day. 

The rooms were updated well with a surf/beach theme in 2020. The overall hotel is dated but has an authentic Hawaii feel. This is the best hotel to stay at in Kailua-Kona Town.

• Points per Night: 36,000 – 55,000
• Room Price: $320 – $450, $350 plus taxes is the typical rate ($22 destination fee included in nightly rate)
• Off-Peak Availability: Shoulder seasons have the best point rates
• Availability: Good – book with points almost every night during the month. You will find spikes in dynamic pricing around holidays and some weekends.
• Parking Fee: Self-Parking for $40 daily
• Resort Fee: $22 per night (destination fee)
• Cancellation Policy: 7 days in advance
• Location: In the heart of Kailua-Kona, you can explore the whole town on foot. Walk to Kona Brewing, Ola Brewing, and through the historic downtown for more restaurants. See our Kona Things to Do. The hotel is also next to Kailua Pier so you can go out on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour, Atlantis Submarine, and Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour. Oh! They also have a great luau at the hotel, one of our favorites!
• Beach Access: The hotel is on Kamakahonu Beach. We find ourselves on this beach on every trip to Kailua-Kona as it is a lovely beach cove. Good sand, overlooking Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark (home to King Kamehameha the Great), and lots of beach activities depart from the beach. The beach can get busy, as it is located near the cruise pier in Kailua-Kona and is a popular Kona beach.
• Resort Vibes: Few resort vibes at the Courtyard King Kamehameha! It is a hotel on the beach with a few resort activities, but it is a comfortable place to stay in Kailua-Kona. There are few good value hotels on the Big Island, and this one is our favorite. The pool is small but it overlooks the beach and isn’t crowded. 

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – a Doubletree by Hilton

The Grand Naniloa Hotel is the best hotel in Hilo, which isn’t saying much. Hilo needs a hotel makeover, as we love staying in Hilo for all the Hilo things to do, Big Island waterfalls, and proximity to Volcanoes National Park. 

The hotel is ready for room renovations and a fresh coat of paint on the exterior. However, we do love the casual vibe and onsite restaurants. This is a great place to stay for the price. Explore the island all day and come back for a clean and comfortable bed in a vintage room.

• Points per Night: 55,000
• Room Price: $250 to $300 plus taxes ($39 resort fee included in nightly rate)
• Off-Peak Availability: appears to be consistent on point pricing through the year
• Availability: Good – lots of availability and the points are consistently priced. For the low room price, you might consider saving your points for a hotel in West Hawaii (Kona and Kohala Coasts). Don’t try to stay here in April during the Merrie Monarch Festival as it will be booked!
• Parking Fee: Valet only for $25
• Resort Fee: $39 per night
• Cancellation Policy: 3 days in advance
• Location: You will find yourself in the best location in Hilo, East Hawaii, on the peninsula between Hilo and Reeds Bay. You can walk to Lili’uokalani Gardens. Downtown Hilo is about a 45-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride. There is abundant parking in Hilo. 
• Beach Access: The Grand Naniloa is situated on a lava rock coastline, featuring numerous tidepools and caves. We enjoy nightly strolls and playing in the tidepools with our kids. The resort overlooks Hilo Bay and Coconut Island, where you can join the local kids in jumping from an old pier. Hilo is not known for its beaches due to the weather and its limited beaches.
• Resort Vibes: The dated hotel doesn’t offer a lot in the way of resort vibes. The pool is small and simple, the exterior has a bit of moss from the rainforest climate, and the rooms are dated. However, they do provide a Hawaiian atmosphere with live music and hula in the lounge, as well as a peaceful, Hawaiian-inspired decor. The resort fee includes resort amenities like guest internet access, two drink coupons per night, a lobby beverage station, snorkel rental for two, and two rounds of 9-hole golf daily at the Naniloa Gold Course across the street.

These last two hotels on the Big Island are good Hawaii on points destinations. They provide an authentic, Hawaiian feel to your vacation. See our article on how to have an authentic trip to Hawaii.

Hilton Waikoloa Village

The Hilton Waikoloa Village is similar to the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Oahu. This is a massive resort complex with multiple towers, shopping centers, pools, and lagoons. They even have a train to get around the property. We purchased one-year pool passes, and even the pool was crowded, dated, and not enjoyable for us. 

These big resorts aren’t our thing. I realize that is not a popular opinion. If you love big resorts with a lot of things to do, a resort that you don’t have to leave, then this is the place for you. We question the luxury prices and points they charge for a value hotel experience.

• Points per Night: 75,000  to 80,000, 138,000+ for two months out or peak
• Room Price: $460 to $500 plus taxes ($48 resort fee included in nightly rate)
• Off-Peak Availability: Book more than three months out and avoid the holidays
• Availability: Average – high point pricing was two to three months in advance and around holidays. Dates are sold out within three months.
• Parking Fee: Self-Parking is $50 per their Parking Package
• Resort Fee: $48 per night
• Cancellation Policy: 7 days in advance
• Location: The Hilton Waikoloa Village is located on the Kohala Coast in Waikoloa Resorts. The sprawling hotel is located on a cove with multiple beaches and a large lagoon in the center. You can take a short drive to shopping centers in Waikoloa but the resort is built so you never have to leave.
• Beach Access: There is a beach on the southside of the cove, in front of the main pool. But the shorebreak and beach didn’t look inviting to us. The draw for beachtime is their central lagoon. On the lagoon, you can find beach sand, restaurants, and beach and water activities for sale.
• Resort Vibes: This is the ultimate resort on the Big Island. With thousands of rooms spread across towers, you will take a train to get to the pools, restaurants, and lobby. The pool has waterslides, bridges, and multiple levels. They do their best to create a Hawaiian feel, but due to the hotel’s size and age, it falls short of providing a truly relaxing Hawaiian hotel experience. The Hilton Waikoloa Village is a cruise ship that got grounded on the Kohala Coast. 

Worst Hawaii Resorts on Points

IHG and Wyndham score low on our list of hotel loyalty programs in Hawaii due to a combination of low rewards value and lack of hotels in Hawaii. 

Wyndham and IHG offer the following hotels in Hawaii. 

IHG Hotels in Hawaii

• Holiday Inn Express Waikiki
• Holiday Inn Express Kailua-Kona

Wyndham Hotels in Hawaii

• Maui: Days Inn by Wyndham in Kihei
• Oahu: Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Waikiki 
• Kauai: None
• Big Island: None

I enjoy staying at Holiday Inn, Ramada, and Days Inn when we are doing a road trip on the mainland. For our trips to Hawaii, we like to stay at hotels with more amenities like a fun pool, proximity to the beach, a Hawaiian atmosphere, and larger rooms. 

Stay in a vacation rental! If you’re staying on an island for more than four days, a vacation rental will be more comfortable. You will get more space, a kitchen, and a better price than these hotels. Here are our favorite vacation rental complexes on each island: HVG Where to Stay.

Related articles:

• Hawaii Hotel vs Airbnb: How to Decide What’s Best
• Is Airbnb Legal in Hawaii? Yes, but it is complicated

Consider that these hotels are not on our list of where to stay in Hawaii with points, as they don’t offer a good value for points, and they are dated places to stay.

For Club Wyndham timeshare members, you can use reward points for the following clubs in Hawaii. Per my understanding (email me if I’m wrong!), only Club Wyndham members can use Wyndham Rewards for award bookings at Club Wyndham properties.

• Big Island
  • Club Wyndham Royal Sea Cliff
  • Club Wyndham Mauna Loa Village
• Oahu:
  • Club Wyndham Royal Garden at Waikiki
  • Club Wyndham at Waikiki Beach Walk

Final Thoughts: Free Nights in Hawaii

Using points for free nights in Hawaii is all about planning ahead. Due to the high number of points for a free night, it may take a year of planning to get the credit cards and achieve the minimum spend for the sign-up bonuses. You can do it! 

The biggest tip I can share for a free night in Hawaii is to get a credit card that allows points to be transferred to World of Hyatt or Hilton Honors for their 5th night free.

Not only do you have the flexibility to move points to different hotel reward programs, you can also get good deals through their travel portals and receive point multiples. 

My wife, Erica, and I love traveling to Hawaii multiple times a year. As we don’t live in Hawaii anymore, we need to make these trips affordable. We lean heavily on our reward points to make our Hawaii dreams a reality. 

We hope you can experience a trip to Hawaii and get a free night or more in the process!

Learn more below about what’s in our wallets.