Hawaiian Airlines’ reward program doesn’t get as much attention as some of the larger airlines, but it has some unique features that make it useful for many travelers, especially those planning a trip to Hawaii or between various Hawaiian Islands. Let’s take a look at Hawaiian’s award chart, award booking process and ways to rack up Hawaiian miles yo help you get familiar with the Hawaiian carrier.

If you’re amassing American Express Membership Rewards points, it’s because you know how valuable it is to have flexible points that can be transferred to a number of different airlines and hotel chains, or even used to pay down the cost of a trip booked through American Express’ travel portal. If you’ve got Membership Rewards points and you want to book a getaway to Hawaii, look no further than transferring those points to Hawaiian Airlines’ loyalty program: HawaiianMiles.

When it comes to stockpiles of frequent flyer miles, it’s safe to say that many of those miles are earmarked for a special trip to Hawaii. The Hawaiian Islands are one of the most popular destinations in the United States and it’s a no-brainer to use miles to get there. The flights are generally fairly expensive, and long—even if you’re departing from the West Coast—so you’ll be tempted to book into or upgrade to a premium cabin, if possible. 

Despite being a legacy carrier, Honolulu-based Hawaiian Airlines doesn’t have a huge footprint in North America. Nor is it a member of an airline alliance. However, if you fly Hawaiian Airlines on a regular basis, elite status might be worthwhile. 

Additionally, Hawaiian Airlines has several airline partners including Japan Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, China Airlines, jetBlue, Virgin Australia, and Korean Air that allow you to credit miles earned on their flights to Hawaiian. All of the above makes collecting Hawaiian miles relatively easy. Unfortunately, all elite benefits are limited to flights on Hawaiian Airlines, and it doesn’t appear that there are any reciprocal elite benefits between Hawaiian Airlines and its partners.

Earning Status

Hawaiian Airlines Pualani has two elite levels: Gold and Platinum.

Hawaiian Airlines Pualani Qualification Requirements

Qualification requirements are as follows:

• Pualani Gold: 20,000 miles or 30 segments
• Pualani Platinum: 40,000 miles or 60 segments

Upgrades

• Gold and Platinum: Upgrade to Extra Comfort or Preferred Seat
• Platinum:
  • Same day upgrade on a flight to the Neighbor Islands
  • Two first class domestic and business class international one-way upgrades
  • Six one-way systemwide upgrades upon reaching 75,000 miles
  • One additional upgrade for every 10,000 miles earned after that

Hawaiian Airlines Pualani Bonus Miles

• Gold: 50% bonus miles
• Platinum: 100% bonus miles

Fee Waivers

• Gold: First two bags
• Gold and Platinum: In-flight Unlimited TV & More Pack on A330 flights

• Platinum:
  • First three bags
  • Preferred Seat on Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights to the Neighbor Islands

Airport Services

• Gold and Platinum:
  • Access to the first class check-in line and express security line
  • More seats are available for selection at time of booking
  • Discounted E-Awards at HawaiianAirlines.com
  • Priority routing and handling when calling Exclusive Reservations Line
  • Hold a fare on a flight reservation for 1-2 days
  • Priority boarding
  • Neighbor Islands same-day standby
  • Priority security lines at select airports
  • Priority baggage handling
  • Priority pre-boarding

Complimentary Lounge Access

• Gold and Platinum:
  • Premier Club Access – Honolulu, Hilo, Kona, Kahului and Lihue

Notable Additional Rewards for Gold and Platinum Members

• Special invitations to events hosted by Hawaiian Airlines throughout

the U.S.

• $100 annual statement credit toward in-flight purchases for Hawaiian Airlines World Elite MasterCard cardholders ($10 maximum per day)

Premier Club Benefits

Some of the elite benefits are available to anyone willing to pay for them. The Premier Club membership costs $299 or 40,000 Hawaiian miles and covers many Gold and Platinum benefits except:

• Upgrades
• Hold a Fare
• Guaranteed seat
• Bonus miles
• Neighbor Islands standby
• Invitations to special events

Other Ways to Earn Status

• None

Status Match/Status Challenge

• Not official, but there are some reports of status-matching on a case-to-case basis.

Earning Elite Miles on Partner Airlines

• None

Who Is the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite MasterCard Good For?

If you want to go to Hawaii with miles, signing up for the Hawaiian Airlines World MasterCard is a good way to get yourself and a companion there quickly. The card not only automatically gives you enough miles for a round-trip flight, but it also includes a certificate and an automatic discount on Hawaiian Airlines award flights.

If you’re saving frequent flyer miles, there’s a good chance that you have plans to use them to get to and from Hawaii. Travel to these gorgeous islands is a rite of passage for nearly every loyalty program enthusiast.

Like the regional carrier for the other U.S. noncontiguous state–Alaska Airlines–Hawaiian Airlines and its frequent flyer program have made themselves valuable to travelers looking for more than just a vacation to Hawaii.