Who hasn’t dreamt of a Hawaiian holiday? From old-school TV sitcoms and movies showcasing the islands’ natural beauty with their ‘family holiday’ storylines, to the welcoming lure of the ‘Aloha spirit’, it is a destination holiday on many people’s bucket lists. Now, courtesy of Hawaiian Airlines and Qantas, it can also be on yours.
Hawaiian Airlines and Qantas have teamed up to offer Qantas Frequent Flyer members the ability to earn and redeem Qantas Points when booking on the QF codeshare flight operated by Hawaiian Airlines. This partnership marks the first phase of a deeper collaboration ahead of Hawaiian Airlines’ entry into the oneworld alliance in 2026.
I was fortunate to be invited by both Hawaiian Airlines and Qantas, in collaboration with Marriott, to test this partnership and experience a 5-day whirlwind trip to the beautiful Waikiki Beach.
Hawaiian Airlines Business Class offers unparalleled hospitality
The ‘Aloha Spirit’ is well and truly alive on Hawaiian Airlines. For those not in the know, the Aloha Spirit is a cultural phenomenon in Hawaii that emphasises the importance of embracing love, compassion, and respect for others and the natural environment. It is showcased the moment you step on board, with a welcome immediately offered, along with a detailed run-through of the dining menu. Throughout the flight, any request is delivered promptly and always with an engaging smile.
And it is not just the soft product that excels. The hard product, including the seat, food, and beverage, also excels, but the hospitality of the cabin crew does leave a lasting impression. So too do the interior cabins. Business Class is a very exclusive 18-seat cabin, with just 3 rows of suites, which naturally provides for excellent customer service. The current fleet flying to Australia is in an old 2-2-2 configuration; however, these cabins will be upgraded to the new Leihōkū Suites in due course. The Economy (including Economy Comfort seats) cabin is spacious for Economy, featuring a 2-4-2 configuration instead of the more cramped 3-4-3 layout.
Speaking of lasting impressions, it starts with my welcome drink. I order a guava juice. Not knowing what this is, I take a punt, but am not left disappointed. This juice is incredibly refreshing, and by the end of the flight, I have downed three of these drinks!
I settle into my seat and begin to familiarise myself with its features. The open footwell is a welcome feature of this seat. I hate those enclosed footwells that wake you up every time you change positions while sleeping. I am approximately 5’10” in height and fit comfortably in the seat. However, if you are much taller than this, you may struggle.
A Hawaiian Airlines dining feast
It’s not too long before we’re up in the air heading to Honolulu. I choose the Miso Baked Salmon for my main (or should I say entrée, being US-bound). It has to be one of the best salmon dishes I have ever had in my life, both on the ground and definitely in the air. I get mutual agreement from my fellow travel colleagues who also order this dish. The salmon is perfectly cooked, neither overcooked nor dry, and the miso flavour is delicious without being overpowering. The salmon is accompanied by broccolini and a salad.
With a sweet tooth, I am also impressed by the upside-down pineapple cake on offer for dessert. Another dish I’ve never had before, and it was magnificent, especially accompanied by a light serving of cream.
On approach into Honolulu, I am served a hot breakfast. I choose the Spinach and Mushroom Frittata, which goes down a treat. Served with a croissant and a fruit salad, I am not left hungry.
Overall, this is a great flight. It is well worth using Qantas Points if you’re looking for a great value, more comfortable way to travel to Honolulu.
The historic The Royal Hawaiian is a must-stay
Famously known as the Pink Palace of the Pacific, The Royal Hawaiian is a luxurious hotel steeped in history. One of the founding hotels of Waikiki Beach, built in 1927, is centrally located in Waikiki with direct access to the famous beach.
The hotel is part of Marriott’s The Luxury Collection suite of hotels, and as such, it offers a full range of amenities. The luxury begins the moment we enter the hotel’s driveway, which winds its way around a beautiful, several-hundred-year-old tree to the main rotunda, where hotel porters greet us and take our bags.
After a pleasant check-in, I make my way to my room. It is classified as a standard guest room; however, it is pretty spacious and includes everything I need, including a desk and a stunning view of Waikiki beach! And of course, a comfortable bed, which is a must.
The hotel is within walking distance to both Waikiki Beach and the main centre of town, including the Royal Hawaiian Center shopping precinct. Walking through the hotel is also a great experience. From the beautiful pink corridors to its picturesque gardens, it makes for a very relaxing stay.
The Royal Hawaiian can be booked using both Marriott Bonvoy points and through Qantas Hotels, where Qantas members can earn 3 Qantas Points per dollar spent as well as redeem their Qantas Points for the stay.
Savour the local tastes at MW Restaurant
The MW restaurant in Honolulu is a fantastic experience, especially if you’re into Lamborghinis. Bet you didn’t think that would be my opening line? This is a unique restaurant, situated above and beside a Lamborghini dealership. But enough about the cars, for now.
This restaurant is magnificent, especially if you’re looking to sample local cuisine. I especially love the Mochiu Crusted Kona Kampachi, which was full of flavour. Kapmachi is a premium yellowtail fish found in the deep waters off Hawaii’s Kona coast. For seafood lovers like myself, the sea taste shines through, with hints of buttery flavour. It is perfectly cooked, offering a flaky texture and a beautifully crumbed exterior.
The chicken breast and braised veal shanks were equally divine. I manage to sneak in one quick wagyu beef slider before I am well and truly full. Well, at least for my non-dessert stomach. My sweet tooth is raring to go, and I’m not left wanting. The ice cream with strawberries bookends the meal perfectly.
And on my way out, I couldn’t help but scope out the range of Lamborghinis for sale next door. The dealership was open, even at 10 pm!
Kuaola Ranch, Hollywood in Hawaii
The next day, I make my way to Kuaola Ranch. It is more than just a ranch or a place to experience Hawaii’s extraordinary natural beauty. It is also where Hollywood meets Hawaii, and where I take a stroll down memory lane and reminisce about all the old movies and TV shows that I have watched, which were filmed right here. There are many, but the most famous of these is Jurassic Park.
The tour begins in a World War II-era war bunker, an area that played a significant role during the war. Some old relics, such as an ambulance at the entrance, are now display items for guests.
There are many tours to choose from, in fact, 16 of them. We take the Movie Sites and Ranch tour, which is excellent. We visit filming sites from movies such as Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, and Jumanji. If you’re holidaying in Honolulu, make sure to put this place in your itinerary.
It’s not Hawaii without a luau
I’m not sure if it’s just me, but when I think of Hawaii, I think of luaus. Luaus by the beach, at Waikiki Beach. And that is just what I got to experience on this trip. I attend Ahaaina, A Royal Hawaiian Luau, which is held every Monday and Thursday evening from 5:30 to 8 pm.
The experience is not just a show, but also an incredible dining feast. Take a look at the menu to explore all the dining options.
The show tells the story of Hawaiian culture, through music and dance, from Waikiki’s early beginnings to the modern day, since The Royal Hawaiian has sat majestically over Waikiki’s glittering beach.
Moana Surfrider, the first Waikiki hotel
The Royal Hawaiian is not the only historic Marriott-branded hotel in Waikiki. There is a hotel even older, also within the Marriott portfolio. Moana Surfrider is known for being the very first hotel to grace Waikiki’s shores. Built in 1901, the hotel proudly stands today, with very few changes made to it since that time. In fact, the hotel still boasts the original flooring and architecture, with only subtle changes to carpets and wall colours, as well as room modernisations, having been made.
The Beachhouse at the Moana is the perfect place to dine in style with a view. Overlooking Waikiki Beach and located in the centre courtyard of the hotel, around the beautiful banyon tree, it is a place to relax, unwind, and enjoy some fantastic food and drinks.
Guests can choose from a four or five-course tasting menu. I choose the 4-course option and select the Lobster Chowder, the Ginger-poached Shrimp, the Big Island Kampachi and the Chocolate Crunch Mousse. Read the full menu for all your options.
Roadtrip, Hawaii Style
I have two things on my Hawaii bucket list. The first is to watch a luau. Check. The second is to hire a convertible and do a quick road trip around the island. It is a last-minute trip planned with my fellow media travel colleagues, who, coincidentally, also share my bucket list item. Given the lateness of our decision, I am quite pessimistic about our chances of finding a convertible.
After searching Avis and Hertz to no avail, I find one with National Car Rental. And I just don’t find the car; I find a fantastic deal. Just AUD174 for the day, including all insurances and taxes! I’d suspect that availability and prices may differ based on the time of year, but I thought it is worth mentioning in case you get the urge for such a road trip. And by the way, you should.
There is nothing like the feeling of the calm wind flowing through your hair while driving through some of the most pristine and awe-inspiring environments on this planet. From lush green mountain ranges to crystal-clear waters, it is a truly remarkable journey. We stop for some traditional American burgers before driving a bit further and stopping for a quick swim in the Pacific Ocean. The water temperature is just perfect. If you have the time to do this, do!
Summing Up
Honolulu is a popular destination for many Australians. It is a great mix of Oceania, Japanese and American influences and cultures, making it a unique travel destination. From natural beauty to the fantastic hospitality of the locals, it is a place you should visit at least once.
Qantas has expedited the ability for its frequent flyer members to earn and redeem Qantas Points on QF-coded Hawaiian Airlines flights. Don’t forget that this is just the first phase of the partnership between Hawaiian Airlines and Qantas. In 2026, Hawaiian Airlines will become a fully-fledged member of the oneworld alliance, meaning that there will be reciprocal benefits for both Hawaiian Airlines (and Alaska Airlines) and Qantas Frequent Flyers.
But Qantas Points aren’t just earned or redeemed on flights. You can earn and redeem them for hotels as well, and can book The Royal Hawaiian or Moana Surfrider hotels through Qantas Hotels.
So there is no better time to start dreaming, start planning, and of course, start booking.
Daniel Sciberras travelled as a guest of Qantas, Hawaiian Airlines and Marriott.
