Get There On Miles and Points

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Kauai, Hawaii

Visiting Kauai on Miles and Points

Dreaming of visiting the lush Hawaiian island of Kauai? You can make that dream a reality for very little out-of-pocket cost by using credit card points and miles. In this guide, I’ll show you how to fly to Kauai using Southwest Rapid Rewards® points, stay at the beautiful Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa using World of Hyatt® points, and explore Kauai’s top attractions—all on a budget.

Flying to Kauai with Southwest Rapid Rewards® Points

Southwest Airlines® offers direct flights to Lihue Airport (LIH) on Kauai from several West Coast cities, making it a great option if you live in the Southwest. And because Southwest flights are booked with Rapid Rewards points, they stay flexible—points bookings can be changed or canceled with no fees, and even the taxes you pay in cash ($5.60 one-way) are refundable!

An Easy Shortcut: The Southwest Companion Pass®

If you plan strategically, you can bring a travel companion nearly free on every Southwest flight for up to two years by earning the Southwest Companion Pass®. The easiest way?

  • Open two Southwest credit cards (one personal and one business) to earn welcome bonuses that help you hit the required points threshold fast.

Flight Times from Southwestern Cities to Kauai

Departure CityTypical Flight Time (with connection if no nonstop)
Phoenix (PHX)~6.5 hours (1-stop via OAK or LAS)
San Diego (SAN)~6 hours nonstop or 7 hours with connection
Los Angeles (LAX)~6 hours nonstop
Las Vegas (LAS)~6.5–7 hours (usually 1-stop)
Denver (DEN)~8 hours (typically 1-stop in California)
Oakland (OAK)~5.5–6 hours nonstop

Top Credit Cards for Earning Points for Kauai Travel

For Southwest Flights

  1. Southwest Credit Cards – Southwest offers both personal and business credit card options with welcome bonuses ranging from 50,000–80,000 points. These points can help cover your flights, and they count toward earning the Companion Pass.
  2. Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Chase Sapphire Reserve® – These cards frequently offer 60,000–75,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® points as a welcome bonus. Ultimate Rewards® points transfer 1:1 to both Hyatt and Southwest Airlines to book your flights, making these cards a powerhouse.
  3. Chase Ink Business Preferred® – A fantastic option for business owners, this card often offers a huge welcome bonus (75,000–100,000 points) after meeting the minimum spend. Those points can transfer to Southwest or Hyatt, making it a versatile choice. Ultimate Rewards® points transfer 1:1 to both Hyatt and Southwest Airlines to book your flights

For Hyatt Stays

These cards earn World of Hyatt® points:

Personal Card:

Business Card:

Where to Stay: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa (Poipu)

An amazing Hyatt property that you can book entirely with points:

  • Category 8
  • Points needed:
    • 35,000 off-peak
    • 40,000 standard
    • 45,000 on-peak

Mini-review:
One of the most luxurious resorts on the island! The property features sprawling lagoon pools, a lazy river, saltwater pools, beach access, lush gardens, multiple restaurants, and a world-class spa. The beautiful grounds and wide range of activities make it a perfect base for both couples and families.

Pro Tip: Consider booking a room with Grand Club® access (or use a club lounge upgrade if you have Hyatt elite status or certificates). The club serves breakfast, midday snacks, and evening hors d’oeuvres that can easily replace a meal—saving your family a ton on food costs during your stay.

Must-See Attractions on Kauai

Once you’re there, it’s time to explore! Here are some can’t-miss sights and experiences:

🌿 Limahuli Garden & Preserve

  • Gorgeous botanical garden on the North Shore
  • Preserves native Hawaiian plants
  • Amazing backdrop of green cliffs

🌊 Nā Pali Coast

  • World-famous coastline of sheer cliffs
  • Best seen by boat or helicopter tour
  • Consider a catamaran sunset cruise or zodiac raft adventure

🎶 Smith Family Garden Luau

  • One of the best family-friendly luaus on the island
  • Includes boat ride through Fern Grotto (another must-see!)
  • Traditional Hawaiian food, music, and hula

🚤 Fern Grotto Boat Tour

  • Peaceful boat ride up the Wailua River
  • Ends at the famous Fern Grotto cave—magical setting

🏞️ Waimea Canyon (“Grand Canyon of the Pacific”)

  • Incredible lookout points and hiking trails
  • Drive up for sunset views over the canyon and ocean

🏝️ Hanalei Bay & Hanalei Town

  • Beautiful beach with epic mountain backdrop
  • Great local shops, casual eateries, and surf vibe

Final Tips for Booking Your Kauai Trip

✅ Start by opening a Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Chase Sapphire Reserve® to build up Ultimate Rewards® points, which you can transfer to both Southwest and Hyatt.
✅ Pair it with Southwest® credit cards to fly for nearly free AND earn the Companion Pass®.
✅ Add a Hyatt® credit card to build up even more Hyatt points for your stay.

Bottom line:
With smart use of credit card points and miles, you can fly to Kauai and stay in stunning resorts without paying full price—leaving more room in your budget to explore this natural paradise. 🌴🌊

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