Dear Joel,

I know you don't like to give specific information on airline rates, but how would you suggest finding the best rates from SFO to Kona or SFO to Hilo?

Like your column!

Dear Ruth,

Timing is the key. My trademark approach to traveling in luxury at a discount is to consider traveling when others are not. In this instance, I might suggest that you plan your trip for early fall. This will be the time that students return to school and workers are back at work. Consequently the flights to Hawaii will be less full, allowing for first class upgrades, and as an added bonus you will find some good discounts on hotels.

Joel