Originally Posted by ContinentalFan
I think the sooner the better: I have notice that flights to Hawaii keep going up in price the closer one gets to departure. Sometimes, I have seen discounted prices right before departure, but you would have to be flexible, and lucky, to get such a price. I would book a ticket as soon as you can!
As for HA specifically, they load first fares 330 days in advance. These are usually considerably higher, designed for people who want to book specific dates way out, without regard to best price. They load seasonal fares at about 120 days out. That's when they have a feeling on the market factors, and when you can get their best pricing, if there is any to be had.
Award tickets are obviously different.
cblaisd's idea is a good one. I forgot that.
I'd also the HNL travel agency cites.