Wonder if anyone can answer a fare question:

Dec 27 -Jan 6

BUF-DTW-SFO-HNL
HNL-LAX-DTW-BUF
Total Price: $760

DTW-SFO-HNL
HNL-LAX-DTW
Total Price $973.72

We're talking about the exact same flights, minus the BUF connection, and the second itin costs more! Why might this be? Any suggestions on a workaround, other than traveling through BUF?

Many thanks,