I can't agree at all that there is not much difference between coach and First Class.

First of all, it is how you feel when you get there. There are no middle seats and even in the worst First Class configurations there is ample elbow room and your knees won't be against the seat ahead.

And understand even if you buy on board there is no real knife and fork meal service in coach anymore. It's just sandwiches and maybe salads on a 5-6 hour flight.

For maximum comfort go with American's 767 flight followed by either the 767 or A330 on Hawaiian. Hawaiian puts creativity into their meal service. AA and Continental (my CO experience was in Feb. of '11) have a more formal, upscale dinner service.

I agree that the "amp'd" feeling of going to Hawaii can help cover any problems or discomforts associated with getting there!