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For our annual summer vacation, my family and I went to Hawaii. Hawaii is a bucket list destination for many people, myself included, but these aspirational trips usually aren’t cheap.
After spending a week in Hawaii, I can confirm: Hawaii is expensive. I spent over $5,000 for my family of three to vacation in Hawaii for a week — but that total would have been even higher if I didn't use the sign-up bonus on the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card to cover most of our hotel stay.
Here’s how I saved more than $1,500 on my family’s Hawaii vacation.
» LEARN: How much does a trip to Hawaii cost?
Strategic sign-up
Applying for the right credit card at the right time can help you get maximum value from that card. I waited to apply for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card in September 2024 when it was offering a massive sign-up bonus: 5 free nights after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening.
The welcome offer that’s currently available: Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
At the hotel where my family stayed in Hawaii, one night in a standard room with two queen beds costs 43,000 points, so that bonus can go pretty far. IHG has about 6,000 properties in over 100 countries, so you’ve got plenty of options for your next vacation.
Savings turned into experiences
After earning the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card’s sign-up bonus, I made a reservation at an IHG property — the Holiday Inn Express Waikiki — for a seven-night stay. Because I had five free nights thanks to the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, I only had to pay for two, which cost $378. Without those free nights, I would have paid $1,918. That’s a savings of $1,540.
The hotel wasn’t the most luxurious property, but it was family-friendly, which I needed with a 5-year-old in tow. My son enjoyed the hotel pool and mini-golf course, and we all took advantage of the daily buffet breakfast. Plus, the hotel was within walking distance of Waikiki Beach and a few minutes’ drive to the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium.
With that extra money, I was able to splurge on some incredible excursions like a tour through Kualoa Ranch that gave us gorgeous views of the island, and a luau my husband called the highlight of the trip. Three luau tickets cost $537, but I didn’t feel guilty about spending the money because we saved so much on the hotel.
More than just free nights
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card’s sign-up bonus was by far the most valuable perk for my family, but the card has more benefits that others may enjoy. For example, if you have the IHG Premier, you’re automatically elevated to Platinum Elite status within IHG’s loyalty program. Among other benefits, Platinum Elite members can get late checkouts, which my family needed to accommodate our evening departure from the Honolulu airport.
The IHG Premier also offers money-saving perks including a $120 credit every four years for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or Nexus; a free anniversary night; and the fourth night free when you redeem points for a stay of four or more nights.
Another trip, another credit card
Credit cards can make a vacation so much more affordable — and that's a lesson I won't forget.
As soon as my family started planning our next vacation to Italy, I started researching credit cards to determine which one would save us the most money. This time, my husband and I both applied for the card, and we both scored the sign-up bonus, doubling our savings.
I’ve got a lot of gelato to buy next summer.
(Top photo by Jae Bratton/NerdWallet)
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2026:
- Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
- Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Luxury perks: American Express Platinum Card®
- Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
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