Originally Posted by full of luv

Leine,
I live in Hawaii and have non-rev'd (with family of 5) throughout the islands via ZED multiple times with no issue. You are right, there is so much frequency that if you don't get your fist option, you'll get the second. There is also "go" airlines with some frequencey. I live on Oahu and I've done the LAX to OGG and then non-rev over to HNL to get the family home before.
BTW, you can buy zed fare's in HNL and OGG at the Delta desk, so I wouldn't go on a bender with too many before you even leave as they are sort of a pain to unravel (ie mail them in to save yourself an hour and several rolled eyes from the ticket agent who has to return them.) Also, HAL is now on ezed program so you can literally do it in 3 mins over a computer and returning them is much easier, albeit a small service charge.

Bottom line, very easy to buy / return zed's for HAL now that it is all electronic, but you will pay a small service fee if you don't use them.
Easy to get between the islands albeit you may wait a flight or two.
UAL/AAL/US AIR/ Alakskan all paper zed. If it's tight on DAL, it's usually tighter on UAL and American as well as they have a lot of non-revs in their system. I usually will go for HAL or Alaskan if DAL is too full, although with S2's you can usually make it, again flexibility is the key.
Last thing, I will usually buy ZED's for the family on HAL to go interisland and I just jumpseat for free yet they always find seats for us together.
Enjoy the islands! Feel free to PM if you have any other questions.
Aloha,
LUV