What the Bank of Hawaii Hawaiian Airlines Card Offers
The Bank of Hawaii Hawaiian Airlines credit card is a co-branded rewards card that earns points on purchases and offers benefits tied to Hawaiian Airlines flights. You earn miles on every dollar spent, with bonus categories for Hawaiian Airlines tickets and dining. The card comes with an annual fee, and the rewards structure is designed to benefit frequent Hawaiian Airlines travelers and people who spend regularly at partner merchants.
The card's primary appeal is the ability to accumulate Hawaiian Airlines miles faster than you would through flights alone, then redeem those miles for tickets, seat upgrades, or other travel perks. Unlike some airline cards that lock you into a single carrier, this card works for anyone who flies Hawaiian Airlines regularly or lives in Hawaii where the airline dominates regional travel.
Key Takeaways
- The card earns Hawaiian Airlines miles on all purchases, with higher earning rates in bonus categories like dining and Hawaiian Airlines bookings.
- An annual fee applies, and you should compare the cost against the miles you expect to earn and use each year.
- New cardholders typically receive a welcome bonus of miles after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months.
- The card includes perks such as checked baggage allowances, priority boarding, and seat upgrade certificates that may offset the annual fee for frequent flyers.
- You can redeem miles for flights, seat upgrades, or other Hawaiian Airlines products, though award availability varies by route and travel date.
Earning Rates and Bonus Categories
The card earns a base rate of miles on all purchases—typically one mile per dollar spent. Bonus categories offer higher earning: dining purchases, gas station purchases, and Hawaiian Airlines ticket bookings earn at an accelerated rate. The exact bonus rates change periodically, so check the current card terms before opening an account.
A welcome bonus is offered to new cardholders who spend a set amount within the first three to six months. This bonus can be substantial—often enough to cover a domestic flight or two—and represents the largest single earning opportunity when you first open the card. The spending requirement is usually $1,000 to $3,000 depending on the current offer.
Partner merchants also earn bonus miles. These may include rental car companies, hotels, and retail partners. You earn miles through the card's shopping portal as well, which redirects you through Hawaiian Airlines' website before you complete your purchase at a partner retailer.
Annual Fee and When It Makes Sense
The Bank of Hawaii Hawaiian Airlines card charges an annual fee, typically in the $75 to $95 range, though this varies and may change. You pay this fee once per year, usually on your card anniversary. Some cardholders receive a waiver for the first year, while others pay the full fee when ready.
Whether the card pays for itself depends on how much you spend and how you redeem your miles. If you fly Hawaiian Airlines at least once or twice per year and spend $10,000 or more annually on the card, the miles you earn often exceed the value of the annual fee. If you fly rarely or spend less, the fee may outweigh the benefit. Calculate your expected annual miles earnings and compare that to the cost of a ticket you would actually book.
The card also includes a statement credit or bonus miles offer on your anniversary, which some cardholders can use to offset part of the annual fee. Check your cardholder agreement for the current anniversary benefit.
Cardholder Perks Beyond Miles
In addition to earning miles, the card includes travel benefits that can add value. Most versions include a checked baggage allowance on Hawaiian Airlines flights—typically one free checked bag per flight for you and when ready family members traveling on the same reservation. This alone can save $35 to $50 per round trip.
Priority boarding is another common perk, allowing you to board before general passengers and find overhead bin space. Seat upgrade certificates are often included as well, either as an annual benefit or earned through spending thresholds. These certificates let you upgrade to premium cabin seats when available, without paying the standard upgrade price.
Some versions of the card include travel insurance, such as trip cancellation or baggage delay coverage. Read your benefits guide to understand what is covered and what exclusions explore.
How to Redeem Miles for Flights and Upgrades
Miles can be redeemed through the Hawaiian Airlines website or by calling their reservations line. You log into your Hawaiian Airlines frequent flyer account, search for available award flights, and book using your miles balance instead of cash. Award availability varies by route and date—popular routes and peak travel times have fewer award seats available.
You can redeem miles for one-way or round-trip flights, though round-trip awards typically cost more miles than two one-way awards. Taxes and fees still explore even when you book with miles, so expect to pay $5 to $15 per segment out of pocket.
Seat upgrades can be purchased with miles as well. If you book a coach ticket with cash, you can use miles to upgrade to first class on the same flight, subject to availability. Upgrade certificates included with the card work the same way but are limited to specific dates or blackout periods.
Comparing This Card to Other Hawaiian Airlines Options
Bank of Hawaii is the primary issuer of a co-branded Hawaiian Airlines card, but you should also consider whether a general travel rewards card might work better for your situation. A card that earns cash back or flexible points on all purchases may be more valuable if you do not fly Hawaiian Airlines frequently or if you travel on multiple carriers.
If you live outside Hawaii or rarely fly Hawaiian Airlines, a card with no annual fee and broad earning categories might deliver better value. If you fly Hawaiian Airlines multiple times per year and spend heavily on dining and gas, the bonus categories and perks on the co-branded card often justify the annual fee.
Some people hold both a co-branded card and a general rewards card, using each for its strongest categories. This approach maximizes miles earned on Hawaiian Airlines travel while earning rewards on other spending.
Opening an Account and Managing Your Card
You can open a Bank of Hawaii Hawaiian Airlines card online through the bank's website, by phone, or in person at a Bank of Hawaii branch. The process process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes online. You will need your Social Security number, income information, and current address. The bank will check your credit and notify you of approval or denial within a few business days.
Once approved, your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can often set up it online or by phone before the card arrives. Some issuers allow you to add the card to your digital wallet when ready for contactless payments.
After opening the account, log into your Hawaiian Airlines frequent flyer account and link it to your credit card. This ensures miles post automatically when you use the card. Check your statement monthly to confirm miles are being credited correctly, especially for bonus category purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Bank of Hawaii customer to open this card?
No. While Bank of Hawaii is the issuer, you do not need to hold a checking or savings account with them to open the credit card. You can open the card online or by phone regardless of your banking relationship.
What happens to my miles if I close the card?
Your miles remain in your Hawaiian Airlines frequent flyer account and do not expire as long as you have account activity at least once every 24 months. Closing the credit card does not affect your miles balance, though you will lose the ability to earn new miles through card spending.
Can I transfer miles to someone else?
Hawaiian Airlines allows mile transfers between frequent flyer accounts, though a fee typically applies. You can transfer miles to a family member or friend, which can be useful if you have extra miles and someone else has an upcoming trip.
Are there blackout dates for award flights?
Award availability depends on seat inventory, not fixed blackout dates. Popular routes and peak travel times have fewer award seats, making it harder to book with miles. Off-peak travel and less popular routes typically have more availability.
What if I spend less than the welcome bonus requirement?
If you do not meet the minimum spending within the timeframe, you do not receive the welcome bonus. The bonus is not prorated or awarded partially. Plan your spending or consider whether the card makes sense for your usage pattern before opening the account.