That is quite correct. A class is also used by AA for mileage upgrades and systemwide upgrades as well as some paid offerings ( including OW ATW tickets )

Only real options for non stop DFW-HNL are to find a flight with
A availability or a flight with L availability ( if prepared to fly in economy ) and then watch out to see if A opens up closer to the time

Aternatively see if there is availability on a different routing to HNL ( such as DFW-LAX-HNL )