What the Hawaiian Airlines credit card offers

Hawaiian Airlines issues one primary co-branded card through Bank of Hawaii. The card earns points on every purchase, with higher earning rates on Hawaiian Airlines tickets and certain categories. You pay an annual fee, and the card comes with perks like a free checked bag and priority boarding when you fly Hawaiian Airlines.

The card's value depends on how often you fly Hawaiian Airlines and whether you spend enough to offset the annual fee through rewards. If you live in Hawaii or regularly book Hawaiian Airlines flights, the checked bag benefit alone can save you $35 to $70 per round trip. For occasional flyers or those who rarely use Hawaiian Airlines, a general rewards card may deliver better returns.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hawaiian Airlines card earns bonus points on Hawaiian Airlines purchases and everyday spending, with a welcome bonus available to new cardholders.
  • You receive a free checked bag on Hawaiian Airlines flights, which saves $35 to $70 per round trip depending on your route.
  • The annual fee ranges based on the specific card tier, and you should calculate whether your flying frequency justifies the cost.
  • Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and you have account activity at least once per year.
  • You can transfer points to Hawaiian Airlines miles or use them for other redemptions, though Hawaiian Airlines miles typically offer the best value.

Earning rates and welcome bonus structure

The Hawaiian Airlines card earns points at different rates depending on where you spend. You earn the highest rate on Hawaiian Airlines tickets purchased directly from the airline. Everyday purchases—groceries, gas, dining—earn a lower base rate. Some cards offer bonus categories like dining or travel, though the specific categories vary by card tier.

New cardholders typically receive a welcome bonus after meeting a minimum spending threshold within the first few months. The bonus is usually stated in points rather than dollars, and its actual value depends on how you redeem. If you redeem for Hawaiian Airlines flights, the value per point is generally higher than if you use points for other rewards.

Points do not expire as long as you keep the account open and have at least one transaction per year—either a purchase or a point transfer. This means you can accumulate points over time without losing them, though the annual fee applies every year regardless of whether you use the card.

Annual fee and when it makes sense

The Hawaiian Airlines card charges an annual fee, typically between $75 and $99 depending on the card version. Bank of Hawaii may offer a waiver for the first year, though this varies. The fee posts on your anniversary date each year.

To determine whether the card pays for itself, calculate the value of the free checked bag benefit. If you take two round trips per year on Hawaiian Airlines, the checked bag benefit alone ($70 to $140 annually) can offset most or all of the annual fee. Add any points you earn on everyday spending, and the card may deliver positive value. If you fly Hawaiian Airlines fewer than twice per year or rarely check bags, the annual fee is harder to justify.

Some cardholders keep the card open specifically for the checked bag benefit on occasional trips, even if they do not use it for everyday spending. Others downgrade to a no-annual-fee version if one exists, or close the account after the welcome bonus if they do not fly frequently enough.

Checked bag benefit and other perks

The free checked bag applies to you and up to one companion on the same reservation when you pay with the Hawaiian Airlines card. This benefit works on all Hawaiian Airlines flights, including interisland routes. The bag must meet Hawaiian Airlines' size and weight limits, and the benefit does not extend to additional bags beyond the first checked bag per person.

Additional perks typically include priority boarding, which lets you board before general passengers and may give you access to better overhead bin space. Some versions of the card offer lounge access or other travel benefits, though these vary by card tier. Check your card's benefits guide or Bank of Hawaii's website for the complete list of perks attached to your specific card.

These perks explore only when you pay with the Hawaiian Airlines card. If you book a Hawaiian Airlines flight with a different payment method, you do not receive the checked bag benefit or priority boarding, even if you are a cardholder.

How to redeem points for flights and other rewards

Points can be redeemed directly for Hawaiian Airlines flights through your online account or by calling Hawaiian Airlines. You can also transfer points to Hawaiian Airlines miles, though this is typically the same as a direct redemption since the card already earns Hawaiian Airlines points. The number of points required for a flight varies by route, season, and how far in advance you book.

Some cards allow you to redeem points for other rewards—gift cards, merchandise, or travel with other airlines—but these redemptions typically offer lower value per point than Hawaiian Airlines flights. For example, a point might be worth 1 cent toward a gift card but 1.5 cents or more when used for a Hawaiian Airlines ticket. This is why most cardholders reserve their points for Hawaiian Airlines redemptions.

You can check point values and available flights in real time through your account. There is no blackout calendar for point redemptions on Hawaiian Airlines, though availability depends on seat inventory. Peak travel periods may have fewer award seats available, so booking in advance typically gives you more options.

Comparing the Hawaiian Airlines card to other airline cards

Other airline cards—from carriers like Southwest, United, or Alaska—offer similar structures: annual fees, free checked bags, and earning rates tied to the airline. The choice depends on which airline you fly most often and which perks matter most to you.

If you fly Hawaiian Airlines exclusively or live in Hawaii, the Hawaiian Airlines card is the natural choice. If you split your flying between Hawaiian Airlines and another carrier, you may benefit more from a general rewards card that earns points on all airlines, or from holding two airline cards to maximize benefits on each carrier. Some travelers hold both an airline card and a general rewards card to earn higher rates on everyday spending while keeping the airline card for flights and the checked bag benefit.

Consider also whether you value the specific perks. The free checked bag is valuable if you check bags regularly. Priority boarding matters less if you are willing to pay for it or do not mind boarding later. Lounge access is useful only if you spend enough time in airports to use it.

Annual fee waivers and card downgrades

Bank of Hawaii occasionally offers annual fee waivers for new cardholders, typically for the first year. After that, the full annual fee applies. Some cardholders call to request a waiver based on loyalty or spending, though approval is not may provide and depends on your account history.

If you want to keep the Hawaiian Airlines relationship without paying the annual fee, check whether Bank of Hawaii offers a no-annual-fee version of the card. If one exists, you can request a downgrade to that version. This keeps your account open and preserves your points balance, but you lose the premium perks like the checked bag benefit and priority boarding.

If you decide the card is not worth the annual fee, you can close the account. Your points will remain in your Hawaiian Airlines frequent flyer account (if you have linked them) or may be forfeited depending on your card's terms. Before closing, review your card's specific policy on point retention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I earn points on flights booked through a travel website or third-party site?

Points are typically earned only on flights booked directly through Hawaiian Airlines or through the airline's official booking partners. Flights booked through third-party travel sites like Expedia or Kayak usually do not earn points, even if you pay with the Hawaiian Airlines card. Always book directly with Hawaiian Airlines to may support you earn points.

Can I use the free checked bag benefit if someone else is paying for my ticket?

The benefit applies when you pay with the Hawaiian Airlines card, regardless of who is flying. If you purchase a ticket for a family member or friend and pay with your card, they receive the free checked bag benefit. If they purchase their own ticket with a different payment method, the benefit does not explore even if you are a cardholder.

What happens to my points if I close the card?

Points remain in your Hawaiian Airlines frequent flyer account as long as you have an active account with the airline. Closing the credit card does not automatically delete your points. However, if your Hawaiian Airlines frequent flyer account becomes inactive (no flights or account activity for a set period), Hawaiian Airlines may close it and forfeit your points. Check Hawaiian Airlines' policy on account inactivity before closing your card.

Can I earn points on purchases made outside Hawaii?

Yes. The Hawaiian Airlines card earns points on all purchases made anywhere, regardless of location. You do not need to be in Hawaii or flying to Hawaii to earn points. The card works like any other credit card for everyday spending.

Is there a limit to how many points I can earn or redeem?

There is no stated limit on points accumulation or redemption. You can earn and hold as many points as you want, and redeem them for flights whenever you choose. The only constraint is seat availability on the flights you want to book.