Scott Kobayashi Scott Kobayashi

10 Epic Ways to Use 100,000 Chase Points—Especially If You’re Flying from Hawaii

10 Epic Ways to Use 100,000 Chase Points—Especially If You’re Flying from Hawaii

Aloha, Hawaii travelers! With the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card's impressive 100,000-point sign-up bonus, you're poised to unlock a world of travel opportunities. Whether you're dreaming of island-hopping adventures, luxurious hotel stays, or international adventures, these points can make those dreams a reality. Let's explore ten exceptional ways to maximize your 100,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points, tailored especially for those departing from the beautiful Hawaiian Islands.​

1. Island-Hopping with Southwest Airlines

Explore the neighboring Hawaiian Islands by transferring your Chase points to Southwest Rapid Rewards. Southwest offers inter-island flights, allowing you to visit Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, and more. With no change fees and two free checked bags, Southwest makes island-hopping convenient and affordable. For example, flights between Honolulu (HNL) and Lihue (LIH) can be booked for as few as 3,500 points one-way, depending on availability and fare prices.​

2. Luxurious Stays at Hyatt Resorts in Hawaii

Transfer your points to World of Hyatt for stays at some of Hawaii's top resorts. For instance, the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, located on Ka'anapali Beach, offers rooms starting at 25,000 points per night. With 100,000 points, you could enjoy four nights in paradise. Hyatt waives resort fees on award stays, adding even more value to your redemption.​

3. Round-Trip Flights to the U.S. Mainland

Utilize British Airways Avios, a Chase transfer partner, to book round-trip flights from Hawaii to the U.S. West Coast on American Airlines or Alaska Airlines. These flights can be booked for as few as 20,000 Avios one way, offering an economical way to visit cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle.​ Click here for our full guide of flights to the west coast from hawaii.

4. Fly to Singapore on All Nippon Airways

Fly from Tokyo to Singapore for as low as 27,000 KrisFlyer miles by transferring your Chase points to Singapore Airlines' KrisFlyer program. This is a fantastic way to experience world-class service on one of Asia’s top airlines—perfect for Hawaii travelers looking to explore more of Asia after a stop in Japan.

5. Stay at All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico

Consider transferring your points to Hyatt for stays at their all-inclusive properties in Mexico. For example, the Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta offers rooms starting at 25,000 points per night. With 100,000 points, you could enjoy four nights of all-inclusive luxury, covering accommodations, meals, and activities.​

Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta

6. Explore Europe with Air France/KLM Flying Blue

Transfer your points to Flying Blue, the loyalty program of Air France and KLM, to book flights from to various European destinations. Monthly "Promo Rewards" offer discounted award tickets, sometimes as low as 50,000 miles round-trip in economy class, or one way in business as low as 60,000 miles, making Europe more accessible than ever.​

New York to Paris on Business Class

7. Domestic U.S. Flights with United Airlines

Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to United MileagePlus for flights to numerous destinations across the continental U.S. Flights from Honolulu to cities like Chicago or Denver can be booked for as few as 22,500 miles one-way in economy class.​

8. Experience Japan with ANA via Virgin Atlantic

Transfer your points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club to book flights on All Nippon Airways (ANA). A round-trip ticket from Honolulu to Tokyo in economy class can be booked for 45,000 Virgin Atlantic miles or one way ticket on business class for 37,5000 miles, offering an excellent opportunity to explore Japan.​

9. Fly to Japan on JAL Business class through British Airways

Booking Japan Airlines (JAL) Business Class with British Airways Avios is one of the best-value redemptions in points and miles. JAL is known for its exceptional service, spacious lie-flat seats, and high-end dining—making your journey to Japan feel like part of the destination.

How to Book JAL Business Class Using British Airways Avios

  1. Search for Availability
    Start on AA.com to find Japan Airlines (JAL) award space, then confirm it on the British Airways site under "Book with Avios."

  2. Transfer Points
    Use points from Chase Ultimate Rewards (via Aer Lingus/British Airways) to top off your Avios balance if needed (1:1 transfer rate, sometimes with bonuses).

  3. Book on British Airways Website
    After confirming availability and transferring points, book directly on the British Airways site. Expect taxes and fees—e.g., HNL to Tokyo in JAL Business Class cost ~62,000 Avios + ~$150 in fees.

  4. Tips

    • Book early (up to 355 days out)

    • Be flexible with dates and airports

    • Cancellations are allowed for a small fee (~$50 USD)

JAL Business class for 62000 Avios + $ 154.80.

10. Redeem Through Chase Travel℠ Portal

If you prefer a straightforward approach, redeem your points directly through the Chase Travel℠ portal. With the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, points are worth 1.25 cents each, giving you $1,250 in travel credit. This option offers flexibility to book flights, hotels, car rentals, and more without worrying about award availability.​ Read our guide on how to use the Chase portal.

Note: Availability and point requirements are subject to change. It's advisable to check with the respective airlines and hotels for the most current information.

By strategically utilizing your 100,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points, you can embark on unforgettable journeys both near and far. Whether you're exploring the islands, venturing to the mainland, or discovering international destinations, these points offer a gateway to a multitude of travel experiences. Happy travels!

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Airport Lounges that are open at the Daniel Inouye International Airport HNL in Hawaii in 2021

Airport Lounges that are open at the Daniel Inouye International Airport HNL in Hawaii in 2021

It’s been almost a year since Covid-19 impacted travel to Hawaii, and many of the airport lounges are still closed.

Finding updated lounge info online has been inconsistent, so here is an updated status on lounges at HNL as of January 20, 2021

The New Ko Olina Lounge at the DAniel Inouye International Airport

The New Ko Olina Lounge at the DAniel Inouye International Airport

Open:
The Plumeria Lounge (Priority Pass)
✅ Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club
✅ United Airlines United Club
✅ Four Seasons Lanai Lounge
✅ Ko Olina Club Lounge
✅ USO Honolulu International Airport
✅ China Airlines Dynasty Lounge
✅ JAL Sakura Lounge / American Airlines Admirals Club

Closed:
🅾️ ANA Lounge & Suite Lounge
🅾️ Delta Sky Club
🅾️ Korean Air Lounge
🅾️ IASS Lounge
🅾️ Quanta Airways Lounge

The great thing is that the only lounge you have access to with Priority Pass is still open, which is the Plumeria Lounge. I hope you all have safe travels!

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Visiting the ANA Lounge at the Honolulu International Airport

ANA has two lounges at HNL international airport. The first is the ANA lounge & the second is the more prestigious ANA Suite lounge for their premiere International flyers. Located in Terminal 2 (on the 3rd floor above Gate c4) at the Honolulu International Airport, ANA lounges offer a luxurious and inviting atmosphere and provides various functions and facilities that fit the needs of each and every on of their valued customers. We recently got a chance to tour the new ANA Lounge at the Daniel Inouye International Airport. Here are our thoughts.

THE CREDIT HACKER LOUNGE REVIEW:

Lots of seating here at the ANA lounge at HNL

Lots of seating here at the ANA lounge at HNL

AMBIANCE: (5/5) By far the best lounge and atmosphere at the HNL Airport! Clean, big with privacy, this lounge surpasses all other lounges at HNL. We love that the large windows in the lounge allow you to see the tarmac and watch planes depart for takeoff. The lounge layout & design reminds us of the DELTA lounge in NARITA!



FOOD: (5/5)

Since its an ANA Lounge, Japanese food was the staple here with curry, ginger pork, musubis & Japanese tofu soup. We loved the options and open bar as well. We recommend the sparking Rosé for drinks.

Greeted by the wonderful ANA staff and the front desk.

Greeted by the wonderful ANA staff and the front desk.



SERVICE: (3/5)

Upon arrival, I was greeted by the wonderful ANA staff. They made us feel welcomed and very special, but it was a different story inside. Although this was an ANA Lounge, the service inside wasn’t up to par with ANA standards. It seemed like most (not all) of the workers were grumpy and eager for everyone to leave by 1:00 pm since this lounge does close after the last departing ANA flight which is around 2:00 pm. The staff inside were not ANA workers but outsourced locally by a company.

Uniquely designed children’s play area.

Uniquely designed children’s play area.

EXTRA AMENITIES: (4/5)

What stands out as an extra amenity here is the uniquely designed children’s area. It’s enclosed and creative design allows children to have fun while not interrupting other guests in the lounge. The self-serve ice cream station was definitely a PLUS for us. Of course, I had to get a vanilla swirl with oreo crumbs on top.



OVERALL SCORE: (4.25/5 0

This is by far the best and largest lounge at the Honolulu International airport. It’s a unique design, great selection of food and drinks make this lounge an outstanding lounge.


HOW TO ACCESS:
1. First Class customers on ANA and/or Star Alliance member carrier operated flights, and one accompanying guest on ANA and/or Star Alliance member carrier operated flights per customer.

2. Business Class customers on ANA and/or Star Alliance member carrier international flights.

3. ANA Diamond Service members, ANA Platinum Service members and ANA Super Flyers Card members on ANA and/or Star Alliance member carrier operated flights, and one accompanying guest on ANA and/or Star Alliance member carrier operated flights per customer.

4. Star Alliance Gold members on ANA and/or Star Alliance member carrier operated flights, and one accompanying guest on ANA and/or Star Alliance member carrier operated flights per customer.

5. Customers using Premium Economy Service. * Out of pocket: USD 40 / Narita/Haneda: JPY 4,000 on ANA website (application in advance)
* Sadly, Priority pass doesn’t grant access to this lounge. .

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