Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry: BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.601 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)
I'm not sure why you're focusing on AA rather than AS. AS offers nonstops between OAK/SJC and LIH/OGG. AA would require a connection via LAX, which will not only take longer, but also cost more Avios.
If you're going to buy any tickets, look into getting one or more AS credit cards: I believe that AS cardholders get a $99 companion certifcate good for roundtrip travel.