Originally Posted by
superflyguy
I think I'd rather overnight in L.A. & fly HNL the next morning. I've only been through immigration at LAX once & wouldn't want to do it again. Never mind collecting your bags & checking them back through on AA. Considering the same trip myself but I think I'd rather go through PHX and fly Hawaiian. A much more pleasant experience though I may have just been unlucky at LAX.
LAX immigration can be a breeze or a nightmare - totally depends on what flights just got in before you, though being in F or J definitely helps cut down the wait.
Haven't been to PHX, but smaller entry points like DEN or BWI seem guaranteed to work well every time. I generally manage plane door to taxi (with checked baggage) in under 20 minutes at DEN.