As someone who regularly reviews airline loyalty programs and flies to the Hawaiian Islands for both work and leisure, I’ve kept a close eye on how airline co-branded cards evolve, especially ones tied to region-specific carriers like Hawaiian Airlines. While not as widely known as cards from Delta, United, or American, the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard offers a surprising amount of value, if you’re the right traveler.
This is a detailed, fact-based breakdown of the card’s perks, limitations, and best use cases, grounded in real travel behavior and redemption strategy, not marketing fluff.
What is the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard?
The Hawaiian Airlines credit card is issued by Barclays and co-branded directly with Hawaiian Airlines, the state’s flagship carrier. Unlike many airline cards that aim for broad appeal, this one is clearly built with a specific audience in mind: travelers who fly to, from, or within the Hawaiian islands frequently.
- Annual Fee: $99 (not waived in the first year)
- Credit Network: Mastercard (accepted globally)
- Issuer: Barclays Bank US
It’s a mid-tier travel credit card with airline-specific benefits, especially useful for West Coast-based flyers or Hawaii residents who use Hawaiian Airlines for inter-island and transpacific flights.
What are the current welcome bonus offers?
As of Q2 2025, the card is offering a 70,000 HawaiianMiles welcome bonus after spending $2,000 within the first 90 days. This is one of the highest public offers the card has historically issued.
Occasionally, targeted or referral offers may differ slightly, some direct booking channels or special promotions may increase or slightly lower the bonus. Always compare offers through the official site and airline loyalty portals before applying.
From a redemption standpoint, 70,000 miles can cover:
- A round-trip First Class flight from Honolulu to Los Angeles (~80K off-peak)
- Two round-trip economy flights from the mainland U.S. to Hawaii (~35K each)
- Multiple inter-island round-trips (7K–15K each)
How does the earning structure work?
The card earns HawaiianMiles across three categories:
| Purchase Category | Earning Rate |
| Hawaiian Airlines purchases | 3 miles per $1 spent |
| Gas stations, grocery stores, dining | 2 miles per $1 |
| All other purchases | 1 mile per $1 |
The 3x category is generous compared to many airline cards that only offer 2x on flights. The inclusion of dining and grocery categories at 2x adds year-round earning potential even for non-travel purchases.
Other important notes:
- No foreign transaction fees , making it safe to use on international Hawaiian Airlines routes (e.g. Tokyo, Sydney, Auckland)
- No earning caps , miles accumulate without monthly or annual limits.
From experience, using this card exclusively for Hawaiian spend and everyday essentials like fuel and groceries can generate thousands of redeemable miles per year with moderate spend.
What travel benefits are included?
This is where the card separates itself from generic travel cards. You’re not just earning miles, you’re also saving cash and accessing perks directly tied to Hawaiian Airlines flights.
Key Travel Benefits:
- One-time 50% Companion Fare Discount
You get this shortly after account approval. It can be applied to a round-trip fare from the mainland U.S. to Hawaii. It’s valid for 13 months and can easily save $200–$400 depending on route and timing. - Free First Checked Bag
For the primary cardholder and up to two travel companions on the same reservation. This benefit alone is worth $25–$30 per bag, per flight segment. - Priority Boarding
Zone 2 boarding, ahead of general economy passengers. - Cardmember-Exclusive Discounts on Award Flights
Hawaiian Airlines periodically releases discounted award space for cardholders only. These can be 10–20% less in mileage cost than standard award charts.
From my personal use, the checked bag savings alone have offset the annual fee after just two round-trips. The companion fare is even more impactful when traveling during peak periods.
How valuable are HawaiianMiles for redemptions?
HawaiianMiles are a fixed-value currency within the airline’s dynamic pricing structure. You won’t always get 1:1 redemption value, but here’s what the data shows:
| Redemption Type | Avg. Value per Mile |
| Economy U.S. – Hawaii | ~1.0 to 1.2 cents |
| First Class U.S. – Hawaii | ~1.4 to 1.8 cents |
| Partner Airlines (Japan/Korea) | ~1.3 cents |
Miles never expire, which is increasingly rare in airline loyalty programs.
The best value I’ve found is booking off-peak transpacific First Class or last-minute inter-island economy fares, where cash prices surge but award rates remain stable.
Hawaiian partners with select international airlines like Japan Airlines, Korean Air, and Virgin Australia, though availability can be limited and redemptions must be made by phone.
What elite status and transfer benefits exist?
The card doesn’t automatically provide elite status, but it does unlock opportunities to earn it via spend:
- Spend $50,000 in a calendar year to receive Pualani Gold status (entry-level elite tier).
- Status includes priority check-in, upgrades, and additional baggage allowances.
Other unique perks:
- Share Miles for Free: Cardholders can transfer miles to any HawaiianMiles member without the usual transfer fee.
- Transfer Partnerships:
- No direct transfer from Amex, Chase, or Citi points.
- You can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to HawaiianMiles at a 3:1 ratio (5,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 Bonvoy points).
This lack of major transferable partners is a disadvantage if you prefer ecosystem flexibility. You’re locked into HawaiianMiles value.
What are the card’s additional protections and features?
As a World Elite Mastercard, the card includes a suite of travel and lifestyle benefits:
- Cell Phone Protection
Covers up to $600 in damage or theft when you pay your wireless bill with the card. - Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
Up to $1,500 per trip for covered expenses (weather, illness, etc.). - Mastercard Concierge
24/7 service for travel bookings, dining reservations, and event access. - ID Theft Protection
Through Mastercard’s Identity Theft Resolution Services.
While not as comprehensive as premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, these perks add substantial value, especially for domestic leisure travelers.
Who is this card best suited for?
This card is ideal if:
- You fly Hawaiian Airlines at least 1–2 times per year.
- You’re a Hawaii resident or frequent inter-island traveler.
- You want airline-specific perks like free checked bags and priority boarding.
- You prefer a simple, fixed-mileage program without blackout dates or expiration risk.
It is not ideal if:
- You prioritize flexible points programs (e.g., Amex Membership Rewards).
- You want broad international route coverage.
- You don’t fly Hawaiian Airlines frequently.
How does it compare to other travel credit cards?
| Feature | Hawaiian Card | Delta Gold Amex | Alaska Airlines Visa |
| Airline Loyalty Program | HawaiianMiles | SkyMiles | Mileage Plan |
| Companion Ticket | 50% off (one-time) | None | $99 annual companion fare |
| Free Checked Bag | Yes (up to 2 pax) | Yes (1 pax) | Yes (up to 6 pax) |
| Annual Fee | $99 | $99 (waived Year 1) | $95 |
| Best For | Hawaii/West Coast | Domestic U.S. flyers | West Coast + Alaska |
Compared to these competitors, Hawaiian’s card holds its own on a value-per-dollar basis, but only if you primarily fly Hawaiian Airlines. Alaska’s card is more versatile; Delta’s card wins on route breadth and SkyTeam access.
Is the Hawaiian Airlines Credit Card worth it?
For the right traveler, yes, absolutely.
If you fly Hawaiian Airlines more than once a year, the card’s free checked bags, priority boarding, and the companion fare easily offset the $99 fee. The 3x earning rate on Hawaiian purchases and exclusive award discounts add even more value for those who actively redeem HawaiianMiles.
That said, it’s not a general-purpose travel card. Its value is tightly bound to how often you fly Hawaiian and how well you can use the miles. If your home base is the West Coast or Hawaii itself, this card deserves a place in your wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the card waive baggage fees for companions?
No, only the primary cardholder gets a free checked bag.
Can I earn miles on non-Hawaiian Airlines purchases?
Yes, 2x on gas, groceries, dining; 1x on all other spending.
Is there a foreign transaction fee?
No, the card has no foreign transaction fees.
How do I get the $100 companion discount?
It’s issued after account opening and applied during a qualifying round-trip booking between North America and Hawaii.
Can I use HawaiianMiles for partner flights?
Yes, Hawaiian partners with Japan Airlines, Korean Air, JetBlue, and others, but redemption options are limited and less flexible than major U.S. carriers.