It's the number one destination and the hardest to get.

I like going there even though I live in DC. But are there any "breaks" in any FF programs or any tips ? It seems like there are no off-peak awards and, for now Southwest doesn't go there. Hawaiian Airlines only flies from the west coast, and while Alaska flies there from my city, it's DCA flights are always booked. Is there an advantage to using BA miles on AA or do others allow west coast stop-overs? Are the awards about the same on all airlines? I have lots of miles on most programs.

Without doubt, Delll-lllta SssskyMiles. The unrivalled comfort of the Y cabins of their 753s is something to experience, and their awesome schedule esp. from the west coast connecting cities, where you can stopover to your heart's content. If you're lucky, you could ride the same 753 from E Coast to MSP to West Coast to HNL/OGG/KOA.

Plus, there is the SM program itself. It's :-: best in class :-: to HI and other places. What more to say?

I think the pros on the HI forum will you top notch advice.

AA has off-season awards for 35K r/t I believe.

If you are interested in flying coach, and depending on the time of year you are travelling, using BA miles on AA may have lower redemtpion costs than on AA. BA, assuming this has not changed since last year, is 35K RT from CONUS to HI in economy, while AA SAAver redemptions are 35K off peak and 45K peak.

DCA to Seattle to Hawaii is best with Alaska Airlines
Get their visa card and each year you will get a 99 dollar companion fare that is also valid for any fare including first class.

One thing I noticed is BA has very low fees using AA. For instance their re-deposit fee is only $70. 35K year round is as good as AA off-peak and I'd rather save my AA for international.

I didn't realize DL was so good to Hawaii, but their lowest coach is 40K up to 90K high. I've checked them for the rest of the year through January and their lowest available rewards are 77,500.

Every time I've tried to use Alaska miles out of DCA every seat is booked.

UA has the most flights to HI.. and always seems to get availability..

So my recommendation is *A (UA/CO, USAir, AC/AE).. been redeeming 8 years now to Hawaii..

i think from the west coast I would try and be apart of Hawaiian.

From east coast(EWR) on united.

Alaska has some nice options from upper west coast.

and US airways has from west coast/phx...

Unless you are planning to go in and out of HNL, I don't think HA is a very good choice either, even from the West Coast. HA only flies to HNL from most cities (there are three cities that fly direct to OGG). So if you prefer to visit Kauai or the Big Island, you're probably better off on one of the legacy carriers, which appear to have more direct flight options to both of these islands from the West Coast. Heck, even to HNL from LAX, DL, UA and AA all usually have greater frequency than HA.

I guess the flip side of that is that HA flies to more West Coast cities from HNL than any one legacy carrier.

HA used to be terrific for miles seats. Then they started only offering one seat per flight at the lowest mileage level, although they would eventually open them up within a few weeks of flight availability 9-10 months or so out, so they were OK. But, for at least southern California cities, HA hasn't opened up any seats at the lowest level (except one seat on a few flights) for any flight after Feb. 13, 2012. Very annoying. I am thinking of switching to Alaska after several years with HA.

Really? How far in advance do you have to plan? My experience is that it is much easier to use AA miles than UA, regardless of the destination unless you're using standard awards. I fly all over on AA using saver awards. My UA miles just sit.

Well, I've used UA miles to Hawaii about half a dozen times and I've never had a problem getting saver awards. Granted, I am usually booking six months or more out, but I'm usually also going in high demand times like summer or Thanksgiving.

For my trip to the islands next month, I booked saver awards for my family of five back in December, but I know I could have booked a similar itinerary easily through March. Also, I decided last week I wanted to extend the trip by a couple of days and was able to find availability for the flight I wanted the first day I looked, although I might have gotten extremely lucky there. I have no real experience with AA, so it could be even easier to use their miles for all I know, but I've always had great luck using my UA miles.

Typical 2 or 3 months.. seem to get flights to KOA all the time..

AC doesn't fly there..

OGG looks readily available too.. UA and AC..

8 years running.. pretty happy.. but you do have a point about your saver miles.. but I travel spring break nowadys to HI.

Is the companion fare of $99 good for mainland to Hawaii RT? What is the annual fee?

I agree completely. My frequent flyer preference to/from is AA for availability with BA a close second due to their constant award price and stopover option.

Sure UA including CO has the most flights (tho I'm not sure how far behind HA is) but AA has more options for award travel as AA miles can be used on AS and HA.