Question for Travel gurus, How/where/when to find best airfare to Hawaii?

[scottmandue]

I have a family reunion coming July in Kauai so I was looking at air fares and I though I would check in here to see if anyone has some hot tips for getting a deal on air fares.

I have been to Hawaii too many times to count but buying airplane tickets is always a PITA. If you buy too far in advance they screw you... if you buy at the last minute they screw you... so I usually monitor the prices online and jump on them as soon as I see the prices dip. Problem with that is sometimes you have to wait until the last minute and that is a little stressful... or you buy in advance only to see them drop the price a few hundred bucks just before you leave.

I have done the red eye and the cattle call flights... not how I want to spend my vacation, don't mind spending a few bucks more for a comfortable flight just want to get a good deal.

Any suggestions?

TIA

[84porsche]

My philosophy with flying is to buy about a month before flying. I also prefer to rack up frequent flyer mileage and let those pay for my trips through my everyday purchases. I rarely use cash and through my normal spending rack up at least a round trip a year somewhere and adjust my schedule accordingly.

[scottmandue]

I know July sucks as it is peak travel time however being a family reunion that is the time frame I am stuck with.

[M.D. Holloway]

this will sound silly but in the past few days I have either attended or someone at work attended auctions that are fund raisers. The things I saw auctioned off at the Cub Scouts father/Son cake auction were:
1) four round trip couch tickets, unlimited timeframe - no black outs, in the 50, thats 50 states on either Southwest, Delta, Northwest or United = $1000. Thats pretty good.
2) a $3000 certificate for orthodonture (braces) for $1200
3) $4000 lasik eye surgury for $1100
4) 4 Lux Box Tix for the Cowboys - any game = $350

as a bonus, all 4 came with some crazy cake a Scout made.

The kicker, it is all a tax write off as well because the prizes are donated and the money goes to a charity. Bring your check book!

[M.D. Holloway]

I have had success with Orbitz and Priceline and you may also want to check your local Sunday paper. I have seen some pretty good deals.

[scottmandue]

Thanks Lube, I'll check Orbitz

[Joeaksa]

Also look on Ebay or the local newspaper for people selling tickets or vouchers.

JoeA