Award levels are so similar among the various U.S. airlines, that you should also focus on booking the best seat!
There is little difference in the miles the various airlines serving Hawaii require—5,000 to 10,000 miles—so it just doesn’t make sense to go for that award without comparing seats. In general, no airline servicing Hawaii offers flights using a three-cabin aircraft—meaning a bona fide First Class—but some airlines do offer their international Business Class seat (usually much more comfortable than domestic First) at a domestic First Class rate.
Here’s an overview of the lowest redemption rates and who offers the most comfortable seat.
Lowest redemption rate: All Nippon (both an Amex Rewards and Starwood transfer partner), at 63,000 miles (based on flight distances ranging from 4,001 to 7,000 flight miles for partner airlines), 7,000 fewer miles than its Star Alliance partner US Airways, and 17,000 miles fewer miles than Continental and United.
Lowest redemption rate on a U.S. program: US Airways (a Starwood transfer partner), at 70,000 miles. Its partners, Continental and United, charge 10,000 more miles. Miles can also be obtained through purchase (unlimited transactions allowed).
Lowest redemption rate for a better seat: British Airways (oneworld), at 70,000 miles, gets you American’s international Business Class seat: 171-degree recline, 20” wide upright and 23.6” wide reclined, 59” of pitch. Miles can be obtained via credit card transfer partners Amex Rewards, Starwood, and Diners Club or through purchase (up to 24,000).
Lowest redemption rate for a better seat through a U.S. program: American Airlines (both a Diners Club and Starwood transfer partner), at 75,000 miles, offered from Chicago to Honolulu and Dallas to Honolulu and Maui. (The same seat costs 25,000 miles more on international routes.) Miles can also be obtained through purchase (up to 40,000).
Best seat to Hawaii: It’s Delta’s international Business Class seat: 176-degree recline, 20” wide, 60” of pitch. But only from Atlanta to Honolulu, making award inventory scarce. The cost: 85,000 miles. A similar seat on DL for international travel costs 120,000 miles. Miles can be obtained through purchase (up to 60,000) and transfer partners Amex Rewards, Diners Club, and Starwood.