Planning a family getaway to Maui can seem like an expensive dream, but let me show you how my family of four, along with my mom and aunt, made it a reality using points and miles!

We had an unforgettable 5-day adventure, filled with epic hikes, snorkeling, incredible food, and luxury accommodations—all without breaking the bank.

How We Used Points and Miles to Get to Maui

Flights, rental cars, and hotels for our entire family were mostly covered by points and miles. Here’s how we did it:

• Flights: We flew to Maui with minimal out-of-pocket expenses. Thanks to Southwest’s Companion Pass, we were able to save a ton of miles, only needing to pay taxes and fees. For six of us, the total came out to just over $100! My husband and son even took a day trip to Honolulu to visit Pearl Harbor for just $22.40 round trip.
• Rental Car: The minivan rental for the whole trip would’ve been nearly $2,000, but I used Chase Ultimate Rewards points to book it through the Chase Travel Portal. Pro tip: Always use a credit card with primary collision coverage when booking rental cars, even with points. This saves you from having to buy extra insurance.

Where We Stayed in Maui: The Power of Points and Hotel Loyalty Programs

Staying at world-class resorts without paying a dime for the full price? Yes, please! Here’s how we made it happen:

• Hyatt Regency Maui: Using points from my Chase Sapphire Preferred card, I transferred them to Hyatt for a stay at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa. We even got upgraded to an oceanfront balcony room! On top of that, we had access to the Regency Club, which provided free meals, snacks, and beverages throughout the day. Read Hyatt Stays on Points for all the details on how you can do this too.
• Pro Tip: When booking with points at Hyatt Regency Maui, you can avoid paying the daily resort fee of $45 + tax (a huge bonus!).

Our Maui Adventure: Snorkeling, Hikes, and Local Eats

Maui is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. We spent our 5 days exploring breathtaking hikes, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and enjoying some delicious, local eats. Here’s a breakdown of the best spots and activities that made our trip unforgettable.

Best Maui Hikes: Explore Nature Like Never Before

Haleakala National Park:
A must-see! Hike the Pipi and Halemau’u Trails for breathtaking views. Pro Tip: Don’t miss the sunrise at Haleakala Summit—be sure to make reservations early!

Road to Hana:
This full-day adventure offers stunning views, waterfalls, and beaches. Pro Tip: Start early to avoid crowds!

Wai`ānapanapa Black Sand Beach:
A highlight on the Road to Hana, this black sand beach is perfect for taking in stunning views and enjoying nature.

Pali Pali Trail (West Maui):
This intermediate hike offers panoramic views of the ocean and West Maui mountains. The trailhead is near Kapalu Park, leading you through lush forests and rocky cliffs with views of Napili Bay, Kapalua Bay, and Moloka’i Island.

Pro Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and bring water for this rocky trail—perfect for photos!

Twin Falls (Road to Hana):
A short (0.5-1 mile) and easy hike for families. Walk through a tropical rainforest to two beautiful waterfalls with natural pools for a refreshing dip.

Pro Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds and watch out for slippery rocks near the falls.

Maui Snorkeling: Get Up Close with Turtles and Coral Gardens

Maui’s clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, and we were lucky enough to experience some incredible spots. Here are the top snorkel tours we highly recommend—and they’re available through my affiliate links!

• Coral Garden’s Turtle Town – Maalaea Harbor: Swim with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles in one of the most beautiful coral gardens in Maui. This tour is perfect for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike!

• South Maui Kayak and Snorkel Tour with Turtles: Paddle through the waters of South Maui, where you’ll see not only turtles but an incredible variety of marine life. This tour is a fantastic way to experience Maui’s underwater world.

• Original Sunset Cruise with Open Bar from Ka’anapali Beach: Enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the Pacific while sipping on your favorite drink. This cruise is a relaxing way to end your day after snorkeling and hiking.

Maui Eats: Affordable and Delicious Local Flavors

We made sure to dive into the local food scene while keeping things affordable.

Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice:
A must-try! Some of the best shave ice I’ve had, with tons of flavors to choose from. It’s the perfect treat after a day at the beach or hiking.

Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop (Upcountry Maui):
Don’t miss this charming spot! Known for its savory pies (try the roast chicken) and irresistible desserts like banana cream and loco moco pies. It’s a great stop after exploring Upcountry Maui.

Pro Tip: Grab a pie to-go for a picnic or hike!

Coconut’s Fish Cafe (Kihei):
For fresh, affordable seafood, this is the place to go. The fish tacos are a crowd favorite, with lightly battered fish, cabbage, and creamy sauce. The casual vibe makes it perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.

Pro Tip: Pair your fish tacos with sweet potato fries for the ultimate budget-friendly meal.

Whaler’s Village: A Short Walk from Hyatt Regency Maui:

One of the best things about staying at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa is the proximity to Whaler’s Village, located just a short walk down the beachwalk. This charming outdoor shopping center offers a range of boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring.

You’ll find a variety of high-end shops, including Lululemon, Tory Burch, and ABC Stores for souvenirs and essentials. For food, you can grab a bite at Monkeypod Kitchen or Leilani’s on the Beach, where you can enjoy a meal with an ocean view.

Pro Tip: While Whaler’s Village is a great place to shop and dine, don’t forget to stroll around the Whale Statue and enjoy the scenic beachfront views! It’s a perfect way to spend a couple of hours after a day of hiking or beach lounging.

Using Points and Miles to Travel Like a Pro

The best part of our Maui adventure? We were able to experience luxury travel on a teacher’s salary! Points and miles made this trip not only affordable but also incredibly rewarding.

If you’re looking to plan your next adventure, I highly recommend getting started with a few key credit cards. Check out my best offers page at the top of my website for my favorite cards to help you earn more points and miles faster. Your next adventure could be just around the corner!

Let’s Make Your Dream Trip Happen

Ready to unlock the power of points and miles? Here’s how you can start today:

1. Open the right credit cards: I recommend using the links on my site to get started with cards that offer the best travel rewards. Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Freedom Flex, and Hyatt Business Ink Cash were all key to our success.
2. Book your next trip through my affiliate links: When you book activities like those I’ve mentioned, I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!), which helps me continue sharing these travel tips with you.
3. Message me for personalized tips: Have questions? Send me a DM on Instagram @pointsandmilesteachers, and I’ll help you plan your dream trip, just like I did with my family.

Your support helps me keep these valuable tips and resources coming your way. Thank you for making affordable travel possible!

Quick Recap: Here’s how you can make the most of points and miles:

• Use credit cards that offer strong travel rewards
• Transfer points to hotel and rental car partners for maximum savings
• Enjoy activities and experiences in Maui like snorkeling, sunset cruises, and scenic hikes (all available through my affiliate links!)
• Take advantage of free resources and tips on my site to help you travel smarter