We had been planning on going to the Big Island in Hawaii for a while. Back in 2018, we had a trip to the Big Island already booked but due to increasing volcanic activity we changed our trip and ended up in Oahu instead. When Hawaiian Airlines had a good airfare sale, I jumped on another chance to visit this island during the January long weekend (Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday). We ended up having a great time on the island along with once in a lifetime opportunity to view active volcanic activity from a distance.


Cost (Total for 2 travelers) :

Transportation:

  • $60 for 5 day parking at LAX International Airport
  • $227 for 4 day Rental at KOA International Airport

Airfare:

  • $535 for 2 round trip tickets on Hawaiian Airlines from Los Angeles to Kona International Airport
  • $140 total change fees for 2 travelers to travel a day before expected return date (emergency)

Hotel:

  • $160 for 1 night x 1 room at Ali Kaane Cottages, Volcano, Hawaii
  • $52 Resort fee + Parking Fee for 1 night at Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel

Miles/Points/Certificates Redeemed:

  • 42,000 Marriott Rewards points for 1 night x 1 room at Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
  • 50,000 Hilton HHonors points for 1 night x 1 room at Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – a DoubleTree by Hilton