Weekend Getaways: Maui

If you’re wishing to escape the Lower 48, why not fly away to our 50th state? Hawaii offers a huge variety of things to do and see with several different islands to choose from. For travelers who enjoy a little bit of city life mixed with stunning volcanic landscapes and vast stretches of beachfront, we recommend a trip to Maui.

If a Maui getaway sounds like just what the doctor ordered, here are a few properties on Maui you can book with points that we think you should check out.

Hyatt

Hana-Maui Resort

Tucked into Maui’s east coast is the gorgeous Hana-Maui Resort, perfect for travelers looking for stunning ocean views. Each of its 75 rooms and suites has a private lanai, and most have either full or partial views of the Pacific.

Waking up at Hana-Maui is a little bit different than the majority of other Maui resorts because its east coast address provides its guests with unparalleled sunrise views. Head to Kaihalulu Beach to catch some rays, then come back to enjoy fresh, locally sourced flavors at Hana Ranch Restaurant.

A night at this Category 7 property is available from 30,000 World of Hyatt points.

Cards to Help You Earn World of Hyatt Points

If you’re looking to maximize your earning potential with World of Hyatt, the best way to do that is by opening a credit card. World of Hyatt Credit Card holders earn 4X points per dollar spent at Hyatt properties, 2X points on local transit, restaurants, flights purchased directly with airlines and fitness club memberships, and 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases.

Marriott

AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea

Equipped with everything you need for a vacation that is just as active as you want to be, the brand-new AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea is an ideal homebase. This property is situated just up the bank from the waterfront, within walking distance to The Shops at Wailea and the many beach parks that line the shore.

Venture out for a beach day or shopping spree, get active with a game of tennis or simply relax in the infinity pool with a refreshing cocktail. Don’t forget to explore the many local restaurants, including Wailea Kitchen and Monkeypod Kitchen.

A night at this new Category 6 property starts at 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott Maui

If you’d rather stay right on the shore, look no further than the Wailea Beach Resort. Just steps from the Wailea Beach Path, this property offers access to not only white sandy beaches, but also world-famous golf courses and a tantalizing spa treatment menu.

The Wailea Beach Resort is perfect for the whole family, offering plenty of space to play and even an adventure pool with a waterfall, a grotto and a 325-foot water slide. To be fair, the adults have their own playground at the Maluhia Serenity Pool where they can enjoy a tranquil, kid-free moment in a floating cabana.

A night at this Category 7 property starts at 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Cards to Help You Earn Marriott Points

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card

One of the quickest ways to earn Marriott points is to open the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ credit card from Chase. Not only can cardholders earn rewards on everyday spending, but they also earn automatic Silver Elite status simply for having the card. Card members earn 6X points per dollar spent on purchases at Marriott properties and 2X points per dollar spent on everything else.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card

If you want extra benefits without the annual fee, apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ credit card from Chase. You’ll still have access to complimentary Silver Elite status and earn 3X points per dollar at Marriott properties. You’ll also earn 2X points per dollar on travel purchases and 1X point on everything else.

If you want a quick path to Silver Elite and a decent earning potential without committing to an annual fee, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold could be the right pick for you.

Hilton

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Maui Bay Villas

The Maui Bay Villas by Hilton Grand Vacations offers travelers a wonderful residence option with one- or two-bedroom suites that each include a fully equipped kitchen. Located just off of the shores of Maalaea Bay, this property is great not only for a getaway but also for a workaway.

The Maui Bay Villas are perfect for travelers who need a comfortable place to settle and live while crafting their own adventure outside. Check out the local food scene, bum around the beaches or head out into the bay for a snorkeling or diving adventure.

A premium night at this property is available from 282,000 Hilton Honors points.

Cards to Help You Earn Hilton Points

Hilton has a long-standing partnership with American Express and offers four co-branded cards: three personal cards and one business card. Let’s take a look at our favorite personal card as well as the business card.

Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

Perfect for business owners on the go, the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a card with decent earning potential and plenty of travel benefits.

Although it comes with a $95 annual fee (see rates and fees), cardholders earn 12X points per dollar spent on Hilton purchases, 6X points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, on car rentals booked directly through select car rental agencies, at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations and U.S. shipping providers. You’ll earn 3X points on all other spending.

Additionally, this card is an excellent way to jump straight to Gold status.

A $95 annual fee is a pretty small price to pay for the perk. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to upgrade to Hilton Diamond status depending on how much you’re planning on using the card, which is a bonus.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is one of our favorite co-branded credit cards, and it comes with a hefty $450 annual fee.

At first glance, it might not seem worth it to splurge on a premium card when the rewards earning potential is only marginally better than with the other three cards in the line-up.

However, when weighing the annual fee against the additional benefits, it might be a good deal if you’re looking to skyrocket your status.

Cardholders earn 14X points per dollar spent on Hilton purchases, 7X points spent on purchases at U.S. restaurants, flights booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel and cars booked directly through select car rental agencies. All other purchases earn 3X points.

Note that the value of the accompanying travel benefits surpasses the annual fee, so as long as you’re planning on using the benefits, this card is well worth it.

Chase Ultimate Rewards Travel Portal

The above properties are wonderful options for Maui, but they only work if you have the right hotel points. There may be a better option if you don’t have a stash of brand-specific points lying around.

Many credit cards offer their own rewards programs that earn flexible points that can be redeemed for travel. If you’ve been earning credit-card rewards instead of brand-specific hotel rewards, a trip to Maui could be a great way to redeem them.

For example, you could use your Chase Ultimate Rewards Points to book your hotel. When you redeem Chase points for travel purchases through the Ultimate Rewards portal, they’re worth 50% more compared to redeeming for cash back with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and 25% more with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

That bonus is a great incentive to use them on a trip to Maui. Here are a couple of examples of properties on Maui that can be booked using Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Lumeria Maui Retreat Center

For a unique getaway and the chance to immerse yourself in something a little bit different, check out the Lumeria Maui Retreat Center. At the Lumeria, guests have a welcome obligation to participate in the various daily programs, such as yoga, meditation, metaphysics, dance, horticulture and more.

Enjoy authentic accommodations at one of their 24 elegant rooms, slip into the rhythm of your own class schedule and reap the benefits of the farm-to-table dining options at The Wooden Crate restaurant. Indulge in deeper connectivity with your mind and body at the on-site spa and learn how to be more mindful and intentional about keeping those connections strong.

A night at this property is available from 30,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Welcome to Your Oceanfront Island Paradise

One of the neat things about using credit-card rewards is that you can use them to book private condos. One such condo is, as its name suggests, a true Oceanfront Island Paradise. This condo is perfect for friends or family traveling together, and it features two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a balcony and vibrant, sea-themed decor.

The condo association features an on-site swimming pool and access to a small, lovely beach. This property sleeps six guests, so round up the crew and enjoy a private accommodation right on the Pacific Ocean.

A night at this condo is available from 30,000 Ultimate Rewards points.

Napili Shores Maui by Outrigger

Another great option for residential vacation rentals, Napili Shores Maui offers an ideal location and all of the comforts of home right onsite. Guests have the opportunity to choose between studio and one-bedroom apartments that each include fully equipped kitchens and wonderful views of either the landscape or the ocean.

Enjoy dining al-fresco at The Gazebo and gaze out toward the islands of Lanai and Molokai on the horizon. Even if you’re not an early riser, the macadamia nut pancakes at The Gazebo make an early alarm worth it.

You can book a night at this property starting from 27,300 Ultimate Rewards points.

Cards to Help You Earn Ultimate Rewards Points

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

A consistent favorite of the Chase collection is the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, offering unparalleled opportunities to earn Ultimate Rewards points and benefit from travel perks. Its $550 annual fee is offset by an annual $300 travel credit, built-in insurance and protections for when you’re on the road.

Cardholders enjoy up to 10X points per dollar spent on car rentals purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal and Chase Dining purchases made through Ultimate Rewards, 5X points per dollar spent on flights booked through the Chase Travel portal, 3X points on other travel and dining, and 1X point on everything else.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

If a $550 annual fee is too much for you, apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card instead. With a $95 annual fee and an even more impressive bonus offer, this card is ideal for a first-time Chase Sapphire applicant.

You’ll still enjoy some travel benefits as well as the ability to earn 5X points per dollar spent on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3X points on dining, online grocery purchases and select streaming services, 2X points on other travel purchases and 1X point on all other purchases.

Bottom Line

With so many properties to choose from, it’s possible to save a boatload of money by redeeming hotel points for a stay in Maui. You can use hotel-specific points to redeem at many chain hotels on the island or you can consider cashing in your flexible points for a boutique experience.