I know this question is probably asked over and over again, but I would be thankful for any help I can receive in my search for low summer fares to Honolulu. Priceline is "not" an option (I'm simply not that brave). Here's my story:

My family is planning on going to Oahu this July (leaving from the midwest). At the moment, I am spending every waking moment at our computer ready to pounce on the first low summer fare that pops up and meets our comfort zone. I have already signed up for Fare Alerts on Travelocity, Orbitz, Smarterliving.com and cheaptickets as well as various airline sites, including Hawaiian and Aloha in case we decide to fly to LAX via Southwest and hop on a plane from there. I did notice American Airlines has fares to Hawaii ending in May, so perhaps my Holy Grail fare is right around the corner.

I have tried a pricing package deals with Custom Classics and Pleasant Hawaiian, but frankly, I foundd them too high, especially when their hotel room prices were what's listed on different hotel's own websites for the same room class.

Anyway, am I doing anything wrong? Can Ido more? Is there another site I can visit, another alert to be send? Are summer airfares going into July just around the corner? Should I try the package thing later or should I just give it up? Being in the grip of Must.Find.Hawaii.Summer.Fare fever can be quite tiring LOL! I will be very happy for any and all advice given to me!
TIA!

My family finds great deals either in the Dallas Sunday paper or on www.bestfares.com or charter flights.

Well, here's a few things....

Summer is peak season for Hawaii so it gets tough to get a low fare. Classic and Pleasant are some of the highest rates going. I know everyone here is anti-travel agent, but if you found an agent that specializes in Hawaii and asked them to watch the fares for you, wouldn't that be better than spending every waking moment waiting to pounce?

Apple has charters to Hawaii, but it you didn't say from what city, so it's hard to say if they'd work for you or not.

Good Luck

one additional idea would be to check out the airlines' packages. Last May we got a good deal through American Airlines Vacations to O'ahu and Kaua'i, flying out of St Louis.

BobbiOh:

Apple was higher than both Pleasant and Classic. I called a travel agent who was of no help whatsoever (the woman just wrote me off rather than saying, come in and let's work together). Besides, as I stated in another thread, I've had bad luck with travel agents. I've also found the vacation packages include too much extra stuff I have no interest in. Airfares ARE creeping down; one airline was recently offering a fare that's only $180 different than airfare in the various packages. So at this point, yes, I rather pounce on my own: I've got the computer AND the time.

Thanks anyway.

Egads, BobbiOh, I hope I didn't sound too snippy. It's just when I think about that travel agent, it brings back BAD memories of Travel Agents From Times Gone By. As I said, IF only the woman had said to me "Oh, please come in Mrs. Cats Do Dance and we'll work together", things might have been different. SO different that this weekend when my husband said "Maybe we should just go for that package", I "might" have said okay. Instead I nixed it because I felt this was a agency I couldn't work with. My husband, upon further reflection, agreed.

Anyway, I do thank you for your advice. But, like my cat whom I honor with my screen name, I think I rather pounce for now.

Someone on the Europe board recommended airfare.com. I checked them out, and they seem to have pretty good prices. Just be forewarned that their prices do not include taxes. Otherwise, just continue what you are doing. Hopefully, there will be a sale in the next month or so.

I think you are doing the right things. I doubt that a travel agent would save you any money. My experience with TA's is that they will generally steer you toward packages (which may or may not be best for you) as these products still pay commissions. I tried using a TA for a trip to Maui a few years ago and she kept pushing us toward packages which were more expensive than what I would have paid by putting together the separate components (air, condo, car) on my own.

Yup, your doing it all right! Just wait, something may come up but as was stated before Hawaii is flooded in the summer with honeymooners and families so as you obviously already know the demand dicates the price. Resolve to set a date as to when you absolutely must purchase, find your best price and don't look at the prices again. (murphy's law ensuring you will always find something a little lower 3 weeks later)Have a great trip and enjoy Hawaii.

Patty - ITA about the package deals. Even counting the cheaper airfare the TA was offering, the same hotel and car was still more expensive than one would think. I have a feeling those "free" extras aren't so free after all.

Alohamom - Yes, we have set a date and price of what we're willing to pay for airline tickets. I try not to look back, but sometimes it's good to, because some airlines will give you a refund. I also know summer is high season for Hawaii for families - mine is one of them LOL. So I certainly don't expect of pay off season airfare prices. I'm simply waiting for the airlines to announce their first "real" summer sale (right now certain markets have summer fares, but mostly spring fares are still the norm), and then I'll pounce just like my cat!

Thanks everyone for the words of encourgement!

One place you can check that is awesome (not only good rates but also coupons for dinners, excursions, etc.) is www.alohadestinations.com These guys actually live in Hawaii and know their stuff. They were able to put togther a package that was right about what I was able to put together by myself - plus they have the knowledge and the great coupons too.