So, you're absolutely right that they see some sort of special award space compared to anything that I can find online. However, I was able to use HA miles to book VX JFK-SFO-OGG-LAX-JFK for 60k/person round-trip in Main Cabin Select. That's a much better deal than using HawaiianMiles to fly on HA!!

I was able to find space on HA that would cost 60k round trip, but that's in just coach. I got Main Cabin Select on VX for the same price. I consider that a much better use of miles.

That being said... calling and booking through the HA phone agents is certainly an experience that I'd prefer to avoid if at all possible. haha