Alright, I answered my own question. I called up CO with my known MSP-HNL flights available, and they were able to find PIT-MSP connections (not first, but that's OK with me for now). Seems like that's a good strategy, I've got a reservation on hold now and I have to think about whether I like it enough or to wait. It's for 10 nights, I'd prefer shorter but can live with that.

I just finished up booking my BF EWR-HNL reward last week for May 2008. I had the standard economy as of June but have been watching everyday for BF availablity to show up. So I would ocntinue to watch... although the summer months is the high season for HNL so it might be tight.

OK, I managed now to get a nice flight and book it. It's PIT-MSP-HNL, and HNL-MSP-PIT, all on NW. By changing dates I managed to get 1st class on all but the PIT-MSP segment, and a 9 night stay which is what I preferred. I'm quite pleased. Thanks for the help from various people.

One question. I was told by one rep that if first becomes available on the PIT-MSP leg that they would upgrade me without a $50 change fee as long as it's the same flight (i.e., no change in flight, just upgrade from coach to first on that leg). Another rep (the one I booked with) said that since it's a NW flight, they can't waitlist me for the upgrade and I would have to pay a $50 change fee to do it if it becomes available. It's not critical, because it's only a single 2 hour flight, but since it is a big present for a couple family members I would like to get the whole thing in 1st class. So I'll monitor Continental's website for availability of reward travel in 1st on that leg. But should I expect to have to pay a $50 fee or not? Of course I'll argue I shouldn't, but I'm wondering if someone has experience with this or knows the real policy, since I got conflicting answers.