Getting to Hawaii via California
 

I am hoping to break up my trip from the southeast US to the Big Island next May. First I started looking at LAX and Oakland but those flights are already booked for FF miles. I can get to Orange County with my miles, but Aloha Airlines flights from there to Hawaii look more expensive than the ones from Oakland. Other midway cities for me to look at in California - or Phoenix, maybe? I am planning to spend the night and then use Aloha or Hawaiian on to Hawaii the next morning. My return trip would be from Kahului as we will island hop once.

If your not stuck on California you might look at Seattle.

Which airline's miles are you trying to use?

Just because you can't book a flight with your miles today, does not mean that you can't next week, next month, next year. The seats are NOT already booked. It just means there is no award inventory at this time, it does not mean that the airline will not release award inventory in the future.

It's Delta. They are the hardest I've ever worked with in trying to use my miles. Calling over and over - even trying to find someone who speaks English well - is such a challenge. There are two possibilities open right now: Going to Orange County and using Aloha OR going to San Diego and using Hawaiian. OR I can hold out and hope other cities - like Oakland - open up. Do either of these sound preferable. (Seattle didn't work out for me, but thank you for the suggestion.)

Try Vegas. Lots of flights from there since it's a popular vacation spot for Hawaiians.