When It Does Make Sense to Buy Points - November 2025 Promos
In the world of travel-hacking, one question always pops up: Should you buy points or miles? At Hawaii Reward Travel, we usually say no, unless you’ve got a specific award in mind. Buying points can feel like paying cash for something you could’ve earned for free. But, every now and then, there’s a promotion that actually makes sense, especially for us in Hawaiʻi.
This November 2025 there are some strong offers on the table. If you’re just shy of your target for that dream redemption from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) or another Hawaiʻi-origin trip, this could be your moment. Let’s walk through it.
What’s On Offer This Month (Nov 2025)
| Buy | Max Bonus / Discount Offered | Valid Till | ¢ / Point | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American AAdvantage Miles | 40% [Discount] | N/A | 2.26 | Buy Now |
| Air Canada Aeroplan Points | 30% [Discount] | Nov 19 2025 | 1.74 | Buy Now |
| Delta SkyMiles | 50% | Nov 12 2025 | 2.51 | Buy Now |
| Lufthansa Miles & More Miles | 60% | First Ever Transaction | 1.39 |
Buy Now |
| United Miles | 100% | Nov 25 2025 | 1.88 | Buy Now |
| Hilton Honors | 100% | Nov 21 2025 | 0.57 | Buy Now |
| Hyatt Points | 20% Disc | Dec 20 2025 | 2.08 | Buy Now |
| Marriott Bonvoy Points | 40% | Dec 7 2025 | 0.89 | Buy Now |
| Wyndham Points | 100% | Dec 31 2025 | 0.65 | Buy Now |
Here are some of the standout promotions:
American AAdvantage – Up to 40% discount on miles.
Air Canada Aeroplan – 30% discount, valid until 19 Nov.
United MileagePlus – 100% bonus on miles purchases (effectively buy one get one) until 25 Nov.
Miles & More (Lufthansa-group) – 60% bonus on miles in their “Bundle&Go” offer.
Hotel-points programs:
Hilton Honors – 100% bonus, up to 21 Nov.
Marriott Bonvoy – Up to 40% bonus, valid to 7 Dec.
World of Hyatt – 20% discount, valid until 20 Dec.
Why this matters for Hawaiʻi travelers:
When you’re flying from HNL (or any of our islands) and cash fares are high, especially during peak periods, having a few extra miles/points might be the key to locking in a great award instead of paying full freight. These promotions can help top off your balance at a reduced cost.
When It Actually Makes Sense to Buy Points
We still stick with the mantra: don’t buy without a plan. But here’s when it can make sense:
If You’re just a few thousand points/miles short of the award you want.
Award space is available now, for your route, dates, cabin.
The cash cost of buying the points + taxes/fees is less than or near what you’d pay in cash for the flight or hotel.
You understand the program’s redemption rules, routing/partner restrictions, and are comfortable with the risk of change.
Example Redemptions Out of HNL Worth Considering
Here are two real-world examples of how Hawaiʻi-based travelers might use these promotions to good effect:
Example 1: Mainland to Hawaii (West Coast to HNL)
Say you’re living on Oʻahu and you’re flying back home from the U.S. mainland. Suppose an economy award from LAX → HNL costs ~22,500 miles in a certain program. If you’re short by 5,000 miles, and there’s a 30–40% discount on miles buying, topping up might cost you far less than paying cash for the seat.
Example 2: Hawaiʻi to Asia / Premium Cabin
With the merger of Hawaiian Airlines + Alaska Airlines moving into the new Atmos Rewards program, there’s growing potential to redeem miles from HNL to Asia or the South Pacific via partner carriers. If you spot premium cabin award space and the cash fare is very high, buying a handful of miles to secure the award could deliver excellent value.
Step-by-Step Checklist for our HRT Readers:
Here’s a checklist you can include for your Hawaii Reward Travel community:
Pick your desired trip: origin (HNL or another island), destination, dates, cabin.
Search for award availability in the loyalty program you’re considering.
Check the cash fare vs. award cost (miles/points + taxes/fees).
Check the current point-/mile-buy promotion: cost per point, total cost including fees.
Estimate your “value per point” for the redemption: (cash fare – taxes/fees) ÷ points required.
Compare that estimated value per point to your cost per point from buying.
If cost is lower (or close) and you’ve confirmed award availability, go ahead. If not — wait.
Document your booking: screenshots, account balances, award terms.
Keep alert for program changes and cancellation policies.
To wrap it up: Buying points or miles is still not our default strategy at Hawaii Reward Travel. But when done carefully, with an actual award in mind, availability confirmed, and a solid promotion on the table, it can unlock value, especially for Hawaiʻi-based travellers dealing with high cash fares. Use the November 2025 promotions to your advantage, if you handle the math and timing right, you might score that dream flight or island-hop deal.
Scottie’s Take
As someone on Oahu, I’ve watched cash fares surge during holidays and inter-island high seasons. If you’re just a few thousand miles short of what you need and you spot a strong point-buy promo like the ones we listed, it could literally save you hundreds of dollars. But I’ll say this: only do it when you have the booking in hand (or nearly in hand). Buying large volumes of miles “just because” is a gamble Hawaiʻi travellers deserve smart strategies, not hype. Let’s keep making our miles work for us.
