Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve Getting a Makeover? Here’s What We Know
Is Chase Sapphire Reserve Getting a Makeover? Here’s What We Know?
Heads up, if you’ve got the Chase Sapphire Reserve or have been thinking about getting it—changes are on the way, and they’re kind of a mixed bag. If you're a Hawaii-based traveler, here’s what actually matters.
Rumors (which are looking pretty legit at this point) say Chase is planning to roll out some new benefits this summer—but also cut back on how much value you can squeeze from Pay Yourself Back.
💳 What’s Changing With Sapphire Reserve?
Here’s what’s likely coming (based on internal memos and leaks):
What’s Changing:
Annual fee jumps to $795 (that’s a $245 increase)
Chase Travel hotel and car rentals drop from 10x to 8x points
Flights booked through Chase Travel go up from 5x to 8x points
Direct bookings for flights and hotels increase from 3x to 4x points
Other travel purchases drop from 3x to just 1x point per dollar
Potential New Perks (a mix of travel, lifestyle, and weirdly specific stuff):
$500 “Edit Credit”: You’ll get $250 twice a year to use at a curated hotel collection in Chase’s new hotel portal.
$300 Dining credit: $150 every six months, tied to a new platform called Sapphire Reserve Tables.
$300 StubHub credit: Again, split into two $150 chunks per year.
$300 DoorDash credit: Comes as $25/month.
1-year DoorDash membership (valued at $120)
$250 Apple bundle: Toward Apple TV+ and Apple Music
$120 Lyft credit: 5% back in points, capped at $10/month
$120 Peloton credit: Earn 10x points on Peloton purchases, up to $10/month
High-Spend Perks (after $75,000 in annual spend… Can I pay my Hawaii mortgage with this??? geeez):
$500 Southwest Airlines credit
Southwest A-List status
IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite Status
$250 credit for The Shops at Columbus Circle (NYC)
🤙 What This Means for Hawaii Travelers
Let’s be real: Instacart and DoorDash aren’t super useful for most people in Hawaii. Some areas don’t even have reliable delivery, and $15/month for Instacart won’t go far if you’re buying local anyway.
The biggest bummer? Losing 1.5x value on Pay Yourself Back for travel purchases. That was huge if you used your points to cover Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska, or even Airbnb bookings not made through the Chase portal.
If this rumor is true, the card’s flexibility takes a hit—especially for people who prefer booking flights or vacation rentals directly (like many of us do).
🧠 Should You Keep or Ditch the Sapphire Reserve?
Let’s break it down real quick:
Still worth it if you...
Travel internationally and want lounge access (Priority Pass + Chase Sapphire Lounges)
Use the $300 travel credit each year
Book flights/hotels through the Chase Travel portal to get 1.5x value. I don’t use this as much because I mostly trasnfer to Chase’s partners.
Maybe time to downgrade if you...
Don’t use delivery services like Instacart or DoorDash
Preferred using Pay Yourself Back for Airbnb, dining, or travel not through Chase
Don’t fly mainland or international often
🤙 My Take (for Hawaii Travelers)
If you’re flying to Japan, the mainland, or doing international travel even once a year, the Sapphire Reserve might still be worth it, especially paired with the right transfer partners like Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic, or Singapore KrisFlyer.
But if you mainly fly interisland, book directly with Hawaiian Airlines, and don’t care about lounges or delivery apps, this card is starting to lose some of its shine.
One of the saddest downgraded perks was when the Reserve’s Priority Pass lost its restaurant credit. I recall getting $27 dining credit for myself and 2 guests at certain airport restaurants.. thats gone…
I had canceled my Chase Sapphire Reserve in order to reapply and qualify for the Sapphire preferred 100k bonus. I’m on the fence whether or not ill be upgrading to the Reserve.
Hope you do your research and decide if this card is beneficial to you. If perks is your main desire, there are some other high end travel cards I recommend for the Luxury Traveler!
Mahalo,
Scott Kobayashi | Hawaii Reward Travel
Is Priority Pass Worth It for Hawaii Travelers? Here's What You Need to Know
Is Priority Pass Worth It for Hawaii Travelers? Here's What You Need to Know
Power Lounge Premium at Tokyo Haneda joins Priority Pass, 2024
If you're flying out of Hawaii anytime soon and wondering if Priority Pass is worth it, here's the real talk: it’s not very helpful in Hawaii anymore.
As of 2024, the Plumeria Lounge in HNL (Honolulu)—which used to be the main Priority Pass lounge for travelers in Hawaii—was removed from the program. That was pretty much our only “decent” Priority Pass option here. So if you're flying interisland or to the mainland, don’t expect much lounge love from Priority Pass.
But that doesn’t mean Priority Pass is trash. It actually shines in other parts of the world—especially internationally.
✅ When Priority Pass Is Worth It
If you travel internationally, even just once or twice a year, Priority Pass can be super clutch. Here’s where it really adds value:
Asia – Lounge game in Japan, Korea, Thailand = 🔥. You’ll find clean, quiet lounges with real food and drinks.
Europe – Most major airports have solid lounges, and Priority Pass gives you access without needing to fly business.
South America & Australia – Surprisingly good coverage with lounges that serve hot meals and drinks (sometimes even alcohol included).
U.S. airports with Priority Pass restaurants – Some spots still let you use your membership for $28-$30 food credits.
So yeah, outside of Hawaii, it’s a different story.
🚫 Where Priority Pass Falls Flat
Let’s be honest—Priority Pass in the U.S. can be hit or miss. And for Hawaii travelers, it's mostly a miss. Here’s why:
No lounges in LIH (Kauai), KOA (Kona), or ITO (Hilo)
No more access to Plumeria Lounge at HNL
Long wait times at U.S. lounges even when available
Some cards don’t include restaurant access anymore, most notably the cards with Chase, AMEX, & Capital one.
Unless you're traveling through mainland hubs like LAX, SFO, or JFK regularly, you might not get your money's worth just flying domestic.
💳 Which Cards Include Priority Pass?
Here are a few cards that include Priority Pass access:
Chase Sapphire Reserve – Includes Priority Pass lounges, but no restaurants
Capital One Venture X – Includes Priority Pass lounges, but no restaurants
Amex Platinum – Includes Priority Pass lounges, but no restaurants
If you already have one of these cards for the points and perks, the lounge access is a nice add-on. But if you're thinking of getting a card just for Priority Pass and you don’t travel internationally, it might not be worth it.
🤙 My Take (for Hawaii Travelers)🤙
If you're flying from Hawaii to Japan, Australia, or even Southeast Asia—Priority Pass is a win. But if most of your travel is interisland or to the mainland U.S., I’d say skip it. Lounge access in Hawaii just isn’t what it used to be.
If you do want lounge perks when flying from HNL or the neighbor islands, you're better off focusing on:
Hawaiian Airlines first class (they offer their own lounges)
Amex Centurion Lounges on the mainland (only with Amex Platinum)
Chase Sapphire Lounges in select U.S. cities
The Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club at San Diego International, Chase
Have questions about which card is best for you based on how often and where you travel? I got you. Book a free consult and I’ll help you choose the right setup for your travel goals. If you do decide to get one of these card, please consult with us, as we make a small commission per credit card sale.
STILL GET CHANCE. Just need the right game plan.
Mahalo,
Scott Kobayashi | Hawaii Reward Travel
Parking at HNL Is About to Get More Expensive — Here’s What You Need to Know (and How to Save)
Parking at HNL Is About to Get More Expensive — Here’s What You Need to Know (and How to Save)
Hey friends — just a quick heads-up for all my fellow Hawaii travelers. If you’ve got a trip planned this summer (or even just dropping off family at the airport), get ready: parking at Honolulu Airport (HNL) is going up starting July 1, 2025.
Let’s break it down and talk story about what’s changing, how it affects you, and a few travel hacker tips to help you avoid those rising costs.
What’s Changing at HNL?
The State Department of Transportation just announced that daily parking rates at HNL will increase for the first time in over 10 years. Here's the breakdown:
Current max daily rate: $25
New max daily rate (starting July 1): $27
Short-term hourly rates: Also going up, see chart below.
Khon2.com
So if you’re used to parking at the airport for your weekend getaways or longer interisland trips, it’s going to cost you a bit more.
Why the Increase?
Honestly, this hike has been a long time coming. The state says it’s needed to fund ongoing maintenance and upgrades to parking and airport infrastructure. Think lighting, elevators, signage, and security — all stuff we kinda take for granted until it breaks.
Still, for us locals who travel often (or fly interisland regularly), every dollar counts.
Scott’s Travel Tips: How to Save on HNL Parking
1. Get Dropped Off (if you can)
Yeah, I know this one’s obvious. But if you’ve got ʻohana or a friend willing to drop you off and pick you up, that’s a quick $40+ saved on a weekend trip.
2. Use Credit Cards With Parking Perks
Some travel credit cards (especially premium ones) come with annual travel credits that include airport parking. Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Amex Platinum are a few examples.
3. Park at Nearby Offsite Lots
There are a few offsite lots near HNL that offer cheaper daily rates than the airport — especially for longer trips. Some even offer shuttle service. See options here.
What This Means for Hawaii-Based Travelers
For those of us flying often — whether it’s for work, family visits, or mainland trips — this is a reminder that even the “small stuff” like parking can add up. It's more important than ever to maximize points, use travel rewards smartly, and stack every savings opportunity.
If you need help building your points game, that's what I'm here for. Let's get you flying for less — and spending less before you even step on the plane.
Let’s Chat 👇
Got questions about using points for flights, hotels, or even airport parking perks? Leave a comment or reach out! And if you haven’t already, join my free Hawaii Reward Travel consultation to start stacking points smarter.
Capital One Venture X Lounge Access Changes on February 1, 2026
Capital One Venture X Lounge Access Changes on February 1, 2026
Aloha, Hawaii Travelers!
Big changes are on the horizon for Capital One Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders. Effective February 1, 2026, Capital One is implementing new policies that will impact lounge access benefits—a significant consideration for frequent travelers from Hawaii.
✈️ Key Changes to Lounge Access
1. Authorized User Access Fee
Previously, authorized users enjoyed complimentary lounge access. Starting February 1, 2026, each authorized user will need to pay a $125 annual fee to access:
Capital One Lounges
Capital One Landings
Priority Pass lounges
This applies to both personal and business Venture X cards. You can still add up to four authorized users for free, but lounge access will require the additional fee.
2. Guest Access Restrictions
For personal Venture X cardholders:
Complimentary guest access to Capital One Lounges and Landings will be eliminated.
To regain this benefit, you must spend $75,000 annually on your card.
Without meeting the spending threshold, guest access will cost $45 per adult and $25 per child aged 2-17; children under 2 remain free.
For Venture X Business cardholders:
The $75,000 annual spending requirement also applies to regain complimentary guest access.
However, even without meeting this threshold, you can still bring two guests for free into Priority Pass lounges.
3. Priority Pass Guest Access
Personal Venture X cardholders will no longer have complimentary guest access to Priority Pass lounges. Each guest will incur a $35 fee per visit. Venture X Business cardholders retain the benefit of two complimentary guests at Priority Pass lounges.
🌺 Implications for Hawaii Travelers
For travelers from Hawaii, these changes could significantly impact the value derived from the Venture X cards:
Family Travel: If you frequently travel with family, the additional costs for guest access can add up quickly.
Inter-Island and Mainland Trips: Given Hawaii's geographic location, lounge access during layovers on mainland trips is a valuable perk that will now come at an extra cost.
Alternative Options: Depending on your travel habits, it may be worth exploring other premium travel cards that offer more favorable lounge access policies.
💳 Considering Alternatives
If lounge access is a priority for your travel experience, here are some alternatives to consider:
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Offers Priority Pass Select membership with complimentary guest access.
The Platinum Card® from American Express: Provides access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and Priority Pass lounges, though guest policies vary.
Each card has its own set of benefits and fees, so it's essential to assess which aligns best with your travel needs.
Need Personalized Advice?
At Hawaii Reward Travel, we're dedicated to helping you navigate these changes and make the most of your travel rewards. Whether you're considering a new card or need strategies to maximize your current benefits, we're here to assist.
Contact Us for a personalized consultation.
Airport Lounges that are open at the Daniel Inouye International Airport HNL in Hawaii in 2021
Airport Lounges that are open at the Daniel Inouye International Airport HNL in Hawaii in 2021
It’s been almost a year since Covid-19 impacted travel to Hawaii, and many of the airport lounges are still closed.
Finding updated lounge info online has been inconsistent, so here is an updated status on lounges at HNL as of January 20, 2021
The New Ko Olina Lounge at the DAniel Inouye International Airport
Open:
✅ The Plumeria Lounge (Priority Pass)
✅ Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club
✅ United Airlines United Club
✅ Four Seasons Lanai Lounge
✅ Ko Olina Club Lounge
✅ USO Honolulu International Airport
✅ China Airlines Dynasty Lounge
✅ JAL Sakura Lounge / American Airlines Admirals Club
Closed:
🅾️ ANA Lounge & Suite Lounge
🅾️ Delta Sky Club
🅾️ Korean Air Lounge
🅾️ IASS Lounge
🅾️ Quanta Airways Lounge
The great thing is that the only lounge you have access to with Priority Pass is still open, which is the Plumeria Lounge. I hope you all have safe travels!
Visiting the ANA Lounge at the Honolulu International Airport
ANA has two lounges at HNL international airport. The first is the ANA lounge & the second is the more prestigious ANA Suite lounge for their premiere International flyers. Located in Terminal 2 (on the 3rd floor above Gate c4) at the Honolulu International Airport, ANA lounges offer a luxurious and inviting atmosphere and provides various functions and facilities that fit the needs of each and every on of their valued customers. We recently got a chance to tour the new ANA Lounge at the Daniel Inouye International Airport. Here are our thoughts.
THE CREDIT HACKER LOUNGE REVIEW:
Lots of seating here at the ANA lounge at HNL
AMBIANCE: (5/5) By far the best lounge and atmosphere at the HNL Airport! Clean, big with privacy, this lounge surpasses all other lounges at HNL. We love that the large windows in the lounge allow you to see the tarmac and watch planes depart for takeoff. The lounge layout & design reminds us of the DELTA lounge in NARITA!
FOOD: (5/5)
Since its an ANA Lounge, Japanese food was the staple here with curry, ginger pork, musubis & Japanese tofu soup. We loved the options and open bar as well. We recommend the sparking Rosé for drinks.
Greeted by the wonderful ANA staff and the front desk.
SERVICE: (3/5)
Upon arrival, I was greeted by the wonderful ANA staff. They made us feel welcomed and very special, but it was a different story inside. Although this was an ANA Lounge, the service inside wasn’t up to par with ANA standards. It seemed like most (not all) of the workers were grumpy and eager for everyone to leave by 1:00 pm since this lounge does close after the last departing ANA flight which is around 2:00 pm. The staff inside were not ANA workers but outsourced locally by a company.
Uniquely designed children’s play area.
EXTRA AMENITIES: (4/5)
What stands out as an extra amenity here is the uniquely designed children’s area. It’s enclosed and creative design allows children to have fun while not interrupting other guests in the lounge. The self-serve ice cream station was definitely a PLUS for us. Of course, I had to get a vanilla swirl with oreo crumbs on top.
OVERALL SCORE: (4.25/5 0
This is by far the best and largest lounge at the Honolulu International airport. It’s a unique design, great selection of food and drinks make this lounge an outstanding lounge.
HOW TO ACCESS:
1. First Class customers on ANA and/or Star Alliance member carrier operated flights, and one accompanying guest on ANA and/or Star Alliance member carrier operated flights per customer.
2. Business Class customers on ANA and/or Star Alliance member carrier international flights.
3. ANA Diamond Service members, ANA Platinum Service members and ANA Super Flyers Card members on ANA and/or Star Alliance member carrier operated flights, and one accompanying guest on ANA and/or Star Alliance member carrier operated flights per customer.
4. Star Alliance Gold members on ANA and/or Star Alliance member carrier operated flights, and one accompanying guest on ANA and/or Star Alliance member carrier operated flights per customer.
5. Customers using Premium Economy Service. * Out of pocket: USD 40 / Narita/Haneda: JPY 4,000 on ANA website (application in advance)
* Sadly, Priority pass doesn’t grant access to this lounge. .
Stopping by the American Express Centurion Lounge in SFO
Stopping by the American Express Centurion Lounge in SFO
On our most recent trip to Gilroy, California, my wife and I stopped by the American Express Centurion Lounge in SFO before our departing flight to Honolulu, HI.
Having an American Express Platinum card grants myself and 2 other guests complimentary access to the Centurion Lounge. This is a mid-tier lounge with a beautiful design, high-quality food, and great amenities. This was not my first Centurion Lounge experience, but I wanted to visit and dine at this one specifically at SFO. Here is our review.
THE CREDIT HACKER LOUNGE REVIEW:
AMBIANCE: (5/5) Centurion Lounges have to be one of my most favorite designed lounges. The modern architecture, chic furniture, and bold colors make this lounge stand out amongst the rest here at SFO. At the entrance stands a two-story glass wall with blue glass doors which then lead you with the option of a glass staircase or elevator to get to the 2nd floor, where the lounge is at.
There are different areas of the lounge created for different uses. A dining area for those just wanted a meal, a lounging area for traveling that wants to eat and rest, and a business area for travelers that are growing their hustle while drinking a glass of wine.
FOOD: (5/5) The food at the Centurion Lounge is always excellent. This one, in particular, had an open kitchen, a lunch buffet, and an open bar.
Open kitchen concept at the Centurion Lounge, SFO
Lunch and dinner are served from 11 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. and include items like tomato bisque, salads, grilled chicken, and herb-roasted potatoes. The menu is from the brilliant mind of Chef Daniel Patterson, a James Beard Award winner.
What’s so special about Daniel Patterson you might ask? He is the Oakland-based restaurateur/chef who started Alta Group, which includes the wildly popular San Francisco hotspot, Besharam, located in the Minnesota Street Project of Dogpatch. Besharam offers the global flavors of India just as nicely as his other restaurant, Kaya, does Jamaican. - Upgraded Points
At the bar, I got one of their dignature drinks called the Gin Basil Fizz which was made with St. George Botanivore gin, lime juice, Aqua Perfecta Basil Eau de Vie, sparkling wine. It was delicious and refreshing to say the least!
SERVICE: (4/5) The American Express staff is normally very professional and accommodating. The standards are high at these lounges, so you expect all staff to be friendly as well. Everyone was for the most part except the bartender who was a bit rude. Not sure if she was having a bad day.
I read that this lounge has complaints of being always busy with no open seats. That was surely the case when we arrived. I was hoping some of the servers would help us find seats, but instead, we waited around 10 minutes aside until a table was open.
Complimentary Wine Tasting at the centurion Lounge, SFO
EXTRA AMENITIES: (5/5)
A special amenity at the SFO lounge is its complimentary wine tasting. To get started, go up to the bartender and ask for a tasting card, a receipt that gives you five free pours from the automatic wine machine. Talk about a great deal! We sadly didn’t get to try this but I definitely wanted to include in this review. This lounge also comes standard with showers, so if you are a bit sweaty from traveling to the airport, you have the option of a nice warm shower!
OVERALL SCORE: 4.75/5
The Centurion lounge is one of the main reasons why I still have my American Express Platinum card. We often visit relatives and travel to San Francisco & Las Vegas, both airports have Centurion Lounges. American Express has an excellent product in their lounges, and I’m hoping they expand and have more around the World. Maybe one in HNL??? lol probably not…
How do I access The Centurion Lounge?
Access to The Centurion Lounge is complimentary for global Platinum Card®, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card and Centurion® Members.
Platinum® Card members who receive complimentary access may enter with up to two guests at no additional charge.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card Members may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location.
Centurion members may enter with up to two guests or immediate family (spouse or domestic partner, and children under 18) at no additional charge.
To access The Centurion Lounge, the Card Member must present The Centurion Lounge agent with the following upon each visit: his or her valid Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier and a government-issued I.D- name on card must match government-issued I.D. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card Members are only eligible to visit The Centurion Lounge when flying on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.
Important Centurion Lounge Access Rules
There are 2 very important rules to remember regarding access to the Centurion Lounge and these rules apply to cardholders and guests:
Rule #1 – The Three Hour Rule:
According to American Express, “depending on capacity, we may limit lounge access to within 3 hours of boarding pass departure time to ensure that all guests have an exceptional experience”.
This means that you can be denied access to the lounge until it’s within 3 hours of your departure time. While the policy seems to indicate that it’s based on capacity, it appears to be enforced more times than not especially given how busy SFO is all times of the day. For this reason, don’t plan on getting to the lounge more than 3 hours prior to your flight.
Rule #2 – Departure & Connecting Flights Only Rule:
You must have a departing flight or connecting flight out of SFO to access the lounge. Unfortunately, this means that if you are arriving into SFO without an outbound flight that day, you will not be granted access.