HNL seems to always be available for 35k due to the number of flights, granted they involve the west coast or SLC stop - availability on the n/s MSP-HNL is much tighter (though I did just score two 75k F/WBC r/t awards on the A330 for next fall.) If you're going to make some Island hops anyway, why not start in HNL. I know that interisland awards are 10k miles r/t, but I've never tried to redeem for them.
Side note: If DL downgauges MSP-HNL to a domestic configured 767-300 I will be p!ssed (and I will cancel the award)!