Taking a trip to Hawaii can be expensive. However, it is possible to save money by booking flights and lodging with points or award night certificates. This guide focuses on finding hotels and resorts on the Hawaiian island of Maui that can be booked with points across major hotel loyalty programs. While IHG One Rewards and Radisson Rewards Americas do not have properties on Maui, several other programs offer options for travelers.
World of Hyatt Properties
The World of Hyatt program features 16 properties on Maui where points can be redeemed. Most of these are Destination by Hyatt hotels or Hyatt Residence Club properties, which often provide amenities like full kitchens. For those prioritizing World of Hyatt elite benefits such as room upgrades and the Globalist breakfast, the and Resort are recommended. Both are oceanfront properties, with the Hyatt Regency located in Lahaina and the Andaz in Wailea. Resort fees are charged at these locations but are waived on free night awards and for Globalist elites on other eligible rates.
Marriott Bonvoy Options
Marriott Bonvoy offers 12 properties on Maui that are generally bookable with points. Some of these are vacation ownership resorts, which may include kitchenettes or full kitchens. With Marriott’s recent transition to dynamic pricing, award rates are expected to remain within previous bounds for stays through the end of 2022. Opportunities for cash or points upgrades may also be available to secure larger rooms or suites. When choosing a Marriott property, consider amenities like impressive pools and waterslides, such as those at the Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui, or the . It’s important to check for any resort fees, as these can add to the overall cost of an award stay.
Hilton Honors Resorts
Hilton Honors has three resorts on Maui where points can be used for a Hawaiian vacation. These include the Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea, , and Club Maui Bay Villas. The Waldorf Astoria and Hoolei often require a high number of points for standard or premium room awards. For instance, standard room awards at the Waldorf Astoria can cost 110,000 Hilton Honors points per night, while premium rooms at both properties can exceed 564,000 points per night. Availability for standard rooms at these Hilton properties can be sparse, and the high redemption rates for premium rooms make them a less practical option for most travelers without a substantial point balance.
I often find that when traveling with family, having a kitchen or kitchenette is incredibly helpful for preparing snacks or simple meals, especially when children are involved. Looking for properties that offer these amenities can really make a difference in managing trip costs and convenience.
Accor Live Limitless Resort
The Accor Live Limitless program has one resort on Maui: the , Maui, located in Wailea. This resort provides suites with private lanais and luxury beach villas. Accor’s fixed-value redemption formula means points can be redeemed in increments of 2,000 ALL Rewards points for a set value discount. While prices fluctuate, this option can be appealing for those with Accor points. It’s worth noting that this program uses a different redemption structure than many other hotel loyalty programs.
Choice Privileges Hotel
The Choice Privileges program offers one hotel on Maui, the , Ascend Hotel Collection. This smaller property, with 26 rooms and suites, is noted for its practical accommodations and a rooftop lounge with ocean views. It is also within walking distance of the beach. Reward nights can be booked for 30,000 Choice Privileges points for stays through September 15, and it’s possible to book a suite with a kitchen. However, award nights can only be booked up to 100 days in advance.
When I look for places to stay, especially if I’m not traveling alone, I always check if there’s a suite available with a kitchen. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about having that extra space and the flexibility to make breakfast before heading out for the day.
Wyndham Rewards Property
The Days Inn by Wyndham Maui Oceanfront is the sole hotel in Maui bookable with Wyndham Rewards points. Award nights typically cost 30,000 Wyndham Rewards points and can usually secure a queen room with either no view or a partial ocean view. While this hotel may not be considered luxurious, the partial ocean view is a nice bonus if available. For some travelers, 30,000 Wyndham points per night might still feel like a high redemption rate for this particular property.
Best Western Rewards Hotel
The Best Western Pioneer Inn is the only hotel in Maui associated with the Best Western Rewards program. Located on the edge of Lahaina Harbor, this historic 34-room hotel was constructed in 1901 and is a registered historic landmark. It claims to be the only harbor-view hotel on Maui and is within walking distance of Lahaina’s Historic District. Best Western Rewards uses dynamic pricing, with award availability often found around 40,000 points per night for a room with one queen bed or two single beds.
Which Maui Hotel Should I Choose?
The best hotel for your Maui trip depends on your priorities, whether it’s budget, loyalty program, or specific amenities. For value and practicality, the using Choice Privileges points stands out, especially with the potential to book a suite with a kitchen. If luxury is the goal, properties within the Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and Accor portfolios offer high-end experiences, though they may require saving up points or using free night certificates. Most award night bookings are cancelable, providing flexibility for trip planning.
Sometimes, you might see a hotel with amazing amenities, but if it’s a long walk to the beach or the main attractions, I find myself reconsidering. It’s always worth checking the map and thinking about how you’ll actually spend your time once you’re there. Walking distance to key spots can really enhance a visit.
What are common mistakes visitors make when booking award stays in Maui?
One common mistake is not factoring in resort fees or local taxes, which can significantly increase the final cost of an award stay. Some hotels, especially those offering extensive amenities, charge these fees daily, and they aren’t always clearly highlighted during the initial points booking process. It’s always a good idea to confirm the total expected cost, including any mandatory fees, before finalizing your reservation.
Another pitfall is overlooking the actual location of the hotel in relation to the activities you want to experience. Maui is a large island, and while a hotel might be bookable with points, its distance from popular beaches, hiking trails, or dining areas could mean a lot of extra driving or transportation costs. Checking a map and understanding the island’s layout is crucial.
How can I maximize the value of my hotel points in Maui?
To get the most value from your points, compare the cost of an award night in points versus the cash rate for the same room. If the cash rate is very high, using points can offer excellent value. Also, be aware of dynamic pricing, which means award costs can change based on demand or season. Sometimes, booking during a shoulder season or mid-week can yield lower point redemption rates.
Consider hotels that offer amenities that you would otherwise pay extra for, such as free breakfast (especially if you have elite status), kitchens or kitchenettes to save on dining, or on-site activities that are included in the resort fee. Looking for suites or rooms with better views that are available for the same point cost as a standard room can also be a smart way to enhance your stay without spending more points.
When you’re planning a trip, thinking about how you’ll get around the island is just as important as where you’ll stay. Many of the most scenic spots require a car, and parking can sometimes be challenging or add to your expenses, especially in popular tourist areas.
If you’re looking for an affordable way to experience Maui with the flexibility of points, it’s definitely achievable. Consider the different loyalty programs and their property offerings, and always read the fine print regarding fees and specific benefits.