A traveler with enough credit card points to cover two weeks in Hawaii asks if they should go there or Bali, revealing how eliminating flight and accommodation costs completely changes destination decision-making. The overwhelming consensus: Hawaii delivers better beaches when money isn't the issue.
Posting to r/travel, they explained: "I have all the credit card points to cover flight and stays for 2 weeks, so essentially free. I am not really craving an exotic across-the-world travel destination either, I just came back from a 3 week trip to Japan. What I really want is the best most beautiful beaches, sunsets, and tropical vibe."
How points change destination priorities
The traveler had been considering Bali based on a friend's recommendation, but "not for very convincing reasons." Everyone told them Hawaii is "too expensive"—the standard reason budget travelers skip it.
But with flights and hotels covered by points, the cost equation shifts dramatically. What matters becomes quality of beaches, ease of access, and actual experience—not cost-per-day calculations.
"Everyone is telling me Hawaii is too expensive and thats all I can find online," they wrote. The automatic assumption that Hawaii isn't worth it because of cost evaporates when cost is removed from the equation.
The beach quality verdict
Commenters were nearly unanimous: for pure beach quality, Hawaii wins.
"Hawaii has objectively better beaches," one experienced traveler wrote. "Bali's beaches are fine, but the main draws are rice terraces, temples, and culture. The beaches themselves aren't world-class except in a few specific spots."
Another pointed out: "Bali's best beaches require going to the Gili Islands or Nusa islands, which adds logistics. Hawaii's best beaches are easily accessible."
Several travelers noted that Bali's beach reputation often disappoints visitors expecting Caribbean or Hawaiian-quality sand and water. Popular areas like Seminyak and Canggu have beaches more suited to surfing than swimming, with dark sand and rougher conditions.
Beyond beaches: culture vs convenience
The traveler specified they're "not really craving an exotic across-the-world travel destination"—they just want beaches and relaxation. This tilts heavily toward Hawaii.
Commenters noted Bali's strengths lie in cultural immersion, temples, rice terraces, yoga retreats, and cheap massages. But these weren't the stated priorities.
"If you want the best beaches and you're not excited about the cultural stuff, Hawaii makes way more sense," one traveler summarized. "Especially since you just did three weeks in Japan so you got your Asia fix."
The flight time factor
Several responses highlighted the practical difference: getting to Bali from the U.S. requires 20+ hours of flying with connections. Hawaii is a direct 5-6 hour flight from the West Coast.
For a two-week trip, spending two days traveling to Bali (outbound and return) eats into beach time. Hawaii delivers more usable vacation days.
"You're spending 40 hours in transit for Bali versus maybe 12 for Hawaii," one commenter calculated. "That's two full beach days you're losing."
Which island recommendations
Once Hawaii emerged as the winner, the thread shifted to specific islands:
Maui: Most recommended for beaches. Wailea and Kaanapali offer postcard-perfect conditions.
Kauai: Best for dramatic scenery and less development. Hanalei Bay consistently ranks among the world's best beaches.
Big Island: Most variety, but beaches are more scattered. Hapuna Beach is exceptional.
Oahu: More crowded but good beaches. Skip if avoiding tourist density.
Several travelers suggested splitting time between two islands if the two-week timeframe allows.
The points lesson
The thread reveals how budget-focused travel advice can become reflexive. "Hawaii is too expensive" becomes accepted wisdom even for travelers who aren't paying for flights or hotels.
When optimizing for cost, Bali wins easily. When optimizing for beach quality with cost removed, Hawaii wins easily. The traveler's mistake was initially considering cost-based advice when cost wasn't their constraint.
The best travel isn't about the destination—it's about what you learn along the way. What this traveler learned: when your constraints change, your destination should too.
