How We Hacked Our Kauai Trip: A Travel Hacker's Guide


Dreaming of paradise without breaking the bank? Here’s how we spent 11 luxurious nights at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, flying to the island with our family and exploring it in style—all while leveraging points and perks.

The Grand Hyatt Kauai

Stay: 11 Nights in a Standard Suite
Cost in Points: 350,000 Hyatt Points

  • 35,000 Hyatt Points per night for 10 nights

  • 1 Free Night Certificate

  • 2 Suite Upgrade Certificates used for the standard suite

Retail Value: $11,000+

  • Average nightly cost of a standard suite is $1,000, plus taxes and fees, which would have added another $1,500 to the total bill. Thanks to points, our out-of-pocket cost for the suite was $0.

How We Did It: Transferred Chase Ultimate Rewards to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio.

Standard Suite at Grand Hyatt Kauai:



Globalist Perks

As Globalists, we received free Club Lounge access—a game-changer. The lounge offered:

  • Breakfast: Fresh fruit, pastries, eggs, and more.

  • Snacks: Grab-and-go treats throughout the day.

  • Light Dinner/Appetizers: Delicious options that could suffice as dinner for light eaters.

  • Drinks: Honor bar with beer, wine, and cocktails priced at $5-$7.

  • Spa Access: Complimentary access to the resort’s luxurious spa facilities, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.

This amenity saved us at least $100 per day on food, making the experience even more rewarding.



Flights to Kauai

Airline: Southwest Airlines
Points Used: 96,000 Southwest Points + 2 Companion Passes
Routes: Round-trip flights from MCI (Kansas City) to LIH (Lihue) for 4 people

Retail Value: $2,400+

  • Average cost of round-trip tickets per person was $600. With points and companion passes, we paid only taxes and fees (~$22 per person).

Ground Transportation

Rental Car: 11 Days via Turo
Vehicle: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Cost: $843

Compared to traditional rental companies, Turo provided a better deal with a seamless pickup and drop-off process.

Total Value Breakdown



Final Thoughts

This trip is proof that strategic use of points, certificates, and perks can turn a dream vacation into an affordable reality. From luxurious accommodations to seamless travel, Kauai offered us an unforgettable experience without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re a seasoned travel hacker or just getting started, these strategies can unlock your next adventure. 

Sea Turtles near Grand Hyatt

Ready to plan your own trip? Share your travel hacking wins or questions below!



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