How I traveled to Hawaii using points

Our trip to Hawaii

This was our first trip paid for with points and miles. We certainly still have a lot to learn. We have earned all the points for this trip in one year.To celebrate 25 years of married life, my husband and I were lucky enough to take this wonderful pre-COVID-19 trip in February 2020.

At that time on Oahu, the temperature was cooler, occasionally below 20 degrees, with occasional rain and wind. On the other hand, the weather on Big Island was beautiful. Here is our detailed itinerary and budget, to make you dream until you can travel again.

How I traveled to Hawaii using points - Hawai Caroline

Visit Oahu

Day 1 – Departure to Oahu

7:00 am, departure from Montreal on a United Airlines flight with a stopover in Chicago. Scheduled arrival in Honolulu at 3:55 pm.

Because of the weather, our flight was delayed for over an hour. We had a short stopover, but the carrier was waiting for us in Chicago. We still arrived on time.

Upon arrival, we picked up our Avis rental car at the airport.

Afterwards, we checked into our hotel room at the Residence Inn Oahu Kapolei. Brand new hotel, which opened in October 2019. Quiet and well soundproofed place.

A bit far from the center, but we had breakfasts included and a kitchenette. This allowed us to make good savings on restaurants. The service was very good, we recommend it! We were able to book it with Marriott Bonvoy points.

Day 2 – Hanauma Bay

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay in the morning. Very beautiful place, but also very touristy. Arrive early so you don’t wait in line.

We brought a lunch bought in a local grocery store, we had planned an inflatable cooler in our luggage (bought at Decathlon). It was very useful during the trip.

In the afternoon, walk and sunbathing at Turtle canyon and Magic Island. Really nice and quiet place.

Dinner at Duke’s Waikiki (excellent meal and Mai thai … WOW…) I highly recommend this restaurant.

Day 3 – Diamond Head

Hike to Diamond Head, with a bonus view of Waikiki. At the exit, we tasted the famous Dole whip… pineapple sorbet… too good!!!

Then we hiked to Manoa Falls, a small trail of 1.29 km that we did in the mud. Unforgettable experience and breathtaking scenery.

However, the waterfall is tiny and there were too many people. It’s hard to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature at these times.

We ended the evening at Cuckoo coconuts in Waikiki. Food is pretty mediocre, but the atmosphere is really great. Perfect to spend a very nice evening with a local band and drink some Mai Thai… I recommend it to music and dance lovers.

Day 4 – Sandy Beach and Waimanalo Beach

We spent a wonderful day at the beach: Sandy beach and Waimanalo beach.

Then we had booked, through Groupon, a dinner at Ka Moana Luau. Great evening. Excellent traditional food buffet and a wonderful show on Hawaiian customs.

We made flower necklaces, played the Ukulele and learned a lot about the customs and habits of the place. I recommend all travelers to do a Luau during their stay, it is beautiful.

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Day 5 – Pearl Harbour and North Shore

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Then road trip to the North shore to see the huge waves hit the beach. Very impressive. Of course, we couldn’t swim or even go near the sea. It’s too dangerous at this time of year.

Day 6 – Big Island

9:21 am: Departure by plane to Big Island, arrival at 10:00 am.

Picked up of our rental car at the airport. We chose a Jeep, highly recommended on this island.

Check in at the Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Very well located hotel, excellent service and nice little beach. Breakfast was not included and quite expensive.

However, there are many restaurants and shops within walking distance. A hotel also booked with Marriott Bonvoy points.

We exploreed a bit and took the opportunity to buy some groceries for the next few days. Dinner at Kona Brewing Company. Great terrace and good food.

We had a wonderful time.

Day 7 – White Sand Beach

Day at White Sand Beach.

In the evening, we had booked an excursion to swim with the manta rays with My Kona Adventures.

Extraordinary experience. On the other hand, plan some Gravol, because the waves can stir you up quite a bit! Easy to get nauseous. But it’s really worth it. We booked the whole thing through Groupon.

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