Big Island
Pacific · Hawaii, USA
Best Months
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Rec. Nights
6 nights
Airports
KOA (Kona), ITO (Hilo)
Avg. Cash
$561 - $600/night
Best Value
Overview
Big Island is the youngest and largest of the Hawaiian Islands -- a land of extraordinary contrasts where active volcanoes, snow-capped mountains, black sand beaches, and lush rainforests exist side by side. It's the only place on Earth where you can drive from tropical beach to volcanic tundra in under two hours.
For points travelers, Big Island offers excellent value through Hilton (Waikoloa Village), Marriott (Waikoloa Beach), and Accor (Fairmont Orchid). The Kohala Coast resorts deliver the best points redemptions, especially during peak winter months when cash rates climb.
Unlike Maui or Oahu, the Big Island feels spacious and uncrowded. From the active lava flows of Kilauea to the stargazing atop Mauna Kea and the manta ray night dives off Kona, it offers experiences you cannot find anywhere else in Hawaii.
Cash vs Points
Hotels in Big Island range from $561 to $600 per night. Points redemptions offer 1.2+ cents per point value.
Points Hotel Recommendations
8 properties in Big Island bookable with points, sorted by value
| Hotel | Program | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection | Marriott | 104,500 | $1,423 | 1.4¢ | 4.6/10 | |
Fairmont Orchid | Accor | 50,000 | $600 | 1.2¢ | 9.0/10 | |
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa | Marriott | 54,400 | $646 | 1.2¢ | 4.1/10 | |
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort | Marriott | 93,000 | $900.62 | 1.0¢ | 4.5/10 | |
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham | Wyndham | 30,000 | $232 | 0.8¢ | 0.0/10 | |
Hilton Waikoloa Village | Hilton | 75,000 | $573.4 | 0.8¢ | 0.0/10 | |
Hilton Waikoloa Village | Hilton | 77,500 | $561 | 0.7¢ | 8.8/10 | |
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton | Hilton | 50,000 | $282.46 | 0.6¢ | 0.0/10 |
Transfer Points Strategy
Find the best transfer path for your credit card points
If you have Marriott Bonvoy Points:
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection
If you have ALL Points:
Fairmont Orchid
If you have Points:
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
If you have Hilton Honors Points:
Hilton Waikoloa Village
How to Earn Points for This Trip
The best hotels in Big Island use Marriott Bonvoy, Accor Live Limitless (ALL), Wyndham Rewards, and Hilton Honors points. Here’s how to earn them:
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Hilton
$150
Annual Fee
130,000 Hilton Honors points — transfers earns Hilton Honors points directly
- Automatic Hilton Honors Gold status
- Earn 12x at Hilton properties, 6x at restaurants and supermarkets
- Free weekend night reward after $15K in calendar year spending
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Hilton
$550
Annual Fee
175,000 Hilton Honors points — transfers earns Hilton Honors points directly
- Automatic Hilton Honors Diamond status (top tier)
- Earn 14x at Hilton properties, 7x on travel and dining
- Free weekend night reward annually + one after $60K spend
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Amex MR
$695
Annual Fee
150,000 Membership Rewards points — transfers earns Marriott Bonvoy points directly, earns Hilton Honors points directly
- 150K MR signup bonus — one of the highest available
- Earn 5x on flights booked directly with airlines
- Transfer 1:1 to Marriott Bonvoy or 1:2 to Hilton Honors
Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you apply through our links. This does not affect our recommendations or the price you pay. We independently evaluate every card based on transfer value and earning potential.
Recommended Activities
Curated experiences in Big Island
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Explore active lava flows at Kilauea volcano. Drive the Chain of Craters Road for panoramic views, hike to volcanic craters, and witness the raw power of Earth's geology.
Mauna Kea Stargazing
Ascend to 13,796 feet on Earth's most massive mountain (by volume). Watch sunset, then stargaze with telescopes. The clearest skies in Hawaii due to elevation and minimal light pollution.
Punaluu Black Sand Beach
Relax on jet-black sand created by ancient lava flows. Sea turtles often bask here. The contrast between black sand and turquoise water creates stunning photos.
Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Night dive or snorkel with gentle manta rays off the Kona coast. They're attracted to light and can reach 18-foot wingspans. An unforgettable ocean encounter.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Getting There
KOA (Kona), ITO (Hilo)
Visa & Entry
Check your country's requirements
Budget
From $561/night
Packing Essentials
Pack for the climate
Cultural Tips
Respect local customs
You Might Also Like
Similar destinations you can book with points
Ask AI About Big Island
Have questions about traveling to Big Island with points? Our AI advisor can help you plan the perfect trip, compare hotels, and find the best value redemptions.
Ask Travy