Thanks for the great responses.

clacko, the goal is least money and effort for greatest reward.

unicon, I was also thinking the timeline was tight. I did not know about Sept 30th deadline.

MDtR-Chicago, OK, here is the detailed travel plan:

2 adults, 1 two year old boy

November 30th - December 31

Start and end in Beijing, China PEK

Dec 21st - 29th will be spent in Kansas City, with family. The rest of the time can be spent anywhere outside of China. I am from San Francisco, and also figured why not spend the rest of the time in a warm place, so Hawaii seemed like a good idea. If someone wants to suggest something else, go ahead.

For all 3 passengers:

Nov 30 - Dec 31 PEK <> SFO Air China - $2,505.50
Dec 5 - Dec 19 SFO <> HNL Continental - $1,788.03
Dec 21 - Dec 29 SFO <> MCI Continental - $1,552.20

Wish list: No flights leave before noon or arrive after 10pm. Fewest layovers possible. I know I might save money by taking 9am flights or red-eye flights, though the savings would probably have to be 25% or more to convince us it is worth the hassle, especially traveling with our son.

I am an SPG platinum member and have some points, so the hotel situation is planned as follows:

Nov 30 - Dec 31 - Westin SF Market 40,000 SPG points (5th night free)
Dec 5 - Dec 19 - Sheraton Waikiki - 35% off + 5th night free $2013.45
Dec 19 - Dec 21 - Westin SF Airport 5,600 pts + $102.85
Dec 29 - Dec 31 - Westin SF Airport 5,600 pts + $102.85

So the total spend is:

$8064.88 + 51,200 SPG points

Sure would be nice to reduce that first number.