Several airlines fly frequently to Hawaii, and they each have their own co-branded credit cards that can offer valuable points, miles, and perks. Here are a few popular options, along with why they might be a good fit:
1. Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard
• Best for: Direct flights to Hawaii and Hawaiian Airlines loyalists.
• Perks: Earns 3x miles on Hawaiian Airlines purchases, 2x on gas, dining, and grocery stores, and 1x on other purchases. Cardholders also get a 50% discount on a companion fare each year.
• Annual Fee: $99.
• Other Perks: Free checked bag for primary cardholder on Hawaiian Airlines flights, which can add up if you’re traveling frequently.
2. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card
• Best for: Alaska Airlines flights to Hawaii and flexibility with partner airlines.
• Perks: Earn 3x miles on Alaska Airlines purchases and 1x on other purchases. Offers an annual companion fare for $99 plus taxes and fees.
• Annual Fee: $95.
• Other Perks: First checked bag free for you and up to six companions. Alaska Airlines miles can also be used on other partner airlines like American Airlines, which also flies to Hawaii.
3. United Explorer Card
• Best for: United Airlines frequent flyers.
• Perks: Earns 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays; 1x on all other purchases. United offers multiple routes to Hawaii.
• Annual Fee: $0 intro fee for the first year, then $95.
• Other Perks: Two United Club passes per year, first checked bag free, and priority boarding. United also partners with Hawaiian Airlines, giving you a bit of extra flexibility if flights sell out.
4. Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve (Transferable Points)
• Best for: Flexibility with transfer partners like United, Southwest, and British Airways.
• Perks: Earns 2x (Preferred) or 3x (Reserve) points on travel and dining. Chase points can be transferred to a variety of airline partners, making it flexible for flights to Hawaii.
• Annual Fee: $95 (Preferred) or $550 (Reserve).
• Other Perks: Comprehensive travel insurance, access to airline transfer partners, and a range of travel credits (Reserve).
5. American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp or Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Card
• Best for: American Airlines flights to Hawaii.
• Perks: Earns 2x miles on American Airlines purchases, as well as on dining and grocery stores.
• Annual Fee: $0 for MileUp; $99 for Platinum Select (waived for the first year).
• Other Perks: Free checked bag and priority boarding on American Airlines for Platinum Select.
6. Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card
• Best for: Travelers who prefer Southwest’s flights to Hawaii.
• Perks: Earns 2x points on Southwest purchases, 2x on local transit and commuting, including rideshares, and 1x on all other purchases.
• Annual Fee: $149.
• Other Perks: Up to 7,500 bonus points on your card anniversary, a $75 annual Southwest travel credit, and 20% back on in-flight purchases. Also comes with four upgraded boardings per year when available.
Each card offers different benefits based on the airline and travel style. If flexibility is a priority, a transferable points card (like Chase Sapphire) might be ideal. However, if you have a preferred airline, one of the co-branded cards could be more rewarding.