I'm purchasing five tickets from the West Coast to Kona (three from LA area, two from Northern California); all are leaving on April 7, 2004, the middle of the week prior to Easter. Three of these will be returning eight days later (the week following Easter). Right now I've checked Hawaiian, Aloha and United and have the fares figured out, but do you think it's wise to purchase them so far out from the trip? Pro: It's Easter so flights will fill up quickly--better buy 'em now. Con: Fares aren't that cheap right now, wait and they'll drop after the Christmas holidays. In short, I'm looking to you experienced fliers: which of those views would you go with?

Or should I be chastised and post this in the Hawaiian trip section instead? If so, I'm sorry. Nothing there seemed to fit the air fare question...

What are the fares that you are getting now?

I have found the fares for Easter go down quite a bit right around Thanksgiving. I have found that for the past 3 years.

Fares for 4/7 departure and 4/15 return are currently:

LAX to Kona on Hawaiian: $520

Burbank (much more convenient) to Kona on Aloha: $601.

LAX to Kona on United: $633

You can wait till after New Year's when Aloha and Hawaiian will start to concentrate their 2004 fare sales.

Your prices are running a bit high -- I'm sure they'll drop off in a little bit. Good timing is key. Good luck!

Aloha