Update: As of November 17, 2015 the Hawaiin Airlines MileFinder’s search function has been discontinued.
Thank you to reader Deep, who sent the following question via email:
“Good information on Hawaiian Toolbar, however I cannot find any where in writing as to how many searches there will earn me miles. Also you mentioned that you had a list of unique search words, could you update in that regards”
I realize I wasn’t thorough enough in my original post about the  Hawaiian Airlines Toolbar, so I’ve decided to do a follow-up with a few clarifications:
1. The Hawaiian Airlines Toolbar FAQ page does not specify that you will earn 1 mile per 3 searches. However, I have been using it for a year and every time I perform 3 searches, a message pops up on the lower right side, letting me know I have earned a point. As you can see in this screenshot, so far this month I have performed 540 searches and earned 180 miles. It’s also important to note that 1 mile per 3 searches is the earning standard among all other airline toolbars.
2. Once you have performed 3,000 searches, the following will happen:
- The “You earned a reward” message will stop appearing
This does not mean you are no longer earning miles. You will continue to earn miles based on the number of searches you have performed through the end of the month.
3. Your miles will post every week.
4. I have written about this in the Beginner’s Guide, but left it out of my post about the toolbar: I do not recommend using the toolbar for purchases. I used it in the beginning and did not receive credit for several purchases. Despite sending them screenshots and email receipts. I use the Hawaiian Toolbar strictly for search purposes, and it has worked well for me.
5. While I do use the Hawaiian Airlines toolbar for regular searches, I also have a list of unique search terms I use when I have time on my hands to rack up some extra points. This list consists of all Hyatt Hotels, with the terms “Yelp” and “Tripadvisor” thrown in for some variety. If you would like a copy of this list, feel free to email me or leave a comment below.
If you have any questions about the Toolbar, please post them below.
My own experience is if you near the 3000 search/1000 point limit on consecutive months they will lower the cap on points you can earn. Have you experienced this?
@ Gary,once I reach 1000 miles, the counter stops showing additional miles earned. However, searches are still counted (see screenshot) and I always receive additional miles past this point.
This post really cleared up a lot things, thanks! I would really appreciate it if I could have a copy of your unique search terms.
@ Som, glad it was helpful. I will email you a copy shortly.
Hawaiian seems to cap the toolbar earnings at 1000 per week. I have never been able to get more than that no matter how many searches I run. And I have been doing it since November 2011. Is your experience consistent with it?
@ Eugene, I noticed when I earn more than 1000 miles per week, I see 2 separate credits: One for 1,000 and a second one for any residual amount. Has this happened to you consistently?
What I wrote in my message is consistent: I have never seen a single toolbar mile beyond 1000 per week. Looks like what you call a “residual amount” is being thrown away. I am wondering if there is a way to fix it. (Obviously calling them every single week is not an option.)
Please send your search terms.
Thanks for the helpful info. Please send me the search term list you reference in your post. Thanks again!!
I think I got everyone so far. If you haven’t received a list from me, please let me know.
May i have a copy of your unique search terms, Thank you.
I use the toolbar for Amazon purchases and it has always worked fine for me.
@ Josh, if its working for you by all means keep using it. There were just too many purchases I never received credit for, so I decided to stop using it.
I’d like your list please. Thanks!
Hi, could i get a copy of your unique search terms? Thank you!!!
On its way!
Would you mind if I can have the list of your unique term please?
Sure thing! Just drop me an email and I’ll pass it along.
Ariana, can you please resend ur copy of the list? I dont know what happened to the attachment, Thanx again.
Sure. You should get it shortly.
Looks like this is over. They “upgraded” to “MileFinder” which only awards 1,000 miles per month. It’s a shame, I’d been really enjoying it.
Yes, major downgrade. I just published a new post about it this morning. Did you ever hit the 5k mark?