To get the best deal on your airfare to Hawaii there are a few things to keep in mind. The basic laws of supply and demand are in effect, and timing is everything.

When you're trying to book the lowest airfare keep this in mind. You are the one initially making choices that will largely determine what your fare to Hawaii will be.

Remember timing is everything when buying an airline ticket to Hawaii, but you decide when to book your seat. You choose when to start your vacation in Hawaii, and you're the one deciding how long you'll be in the islands.

Too often too many people split hairs on prices, or decide to "wait for rates to go down." Since you're the one on their way to Hawaii to enjoy a vacation, don't spend your time playing airfare roulette. Write down your round-trip dates, add a day on either end for adjustments, and stick to them.

It's your Hawaiian vacation so take control and go, when you want to go, and when your personal and professional calendar can best accomodate your week or two of sublime hedonism. Don't think you'll enjoy the beach at Kailua or the sunsets at Princeville more if your place ticket costs $30 less.

If your dates are flexible you'll have more options, and if not, you'll just have to work with a smaller amount of options.

Hawaiian airfare supply and demand.

Everyone comes to Hawaii for the weather, and though the weather is generally the same all year long, the tourists from the Mainland U.S., who generally have four seasons, create their own ebbs and flows in demand during the year.

• December 21 through March 21
  • The winter months are usually rainy on the islands' eastern (windward) sides, and high waves can close many beaches and cancel off shore excursions.
  • Christmas is Hawaii's most expensive time of year. After New Year's prices drop a little and then rise again from mid-February to the spring break vacation period.

• March 21 through June 21
  • Better weather. Less rainy and calmer breezes.
  • Airfares drop after Easter weekend, and the crowds clear out.

• June 21 through September 21
  • Warm, dry weather. Perfect for hiking and camping, and of course, the beach, boating, surfing and fishing.
  • This is the busiest time of the year, and prices move upward.

• September 21 through December 21
  • Perfect weather. Similar to the summer's.
  • Less crowded so prices are down.