Time to trade in the cowboy boots for a pair of sandals.

To the great pleasure of America West FlightFund members, the Tempe-based carrier has announced that it will begin daily non-stop service to Honolulu and Maui on Dec. 16.

On March 1, America West will add a second daily round trip between Phoenix and Honolulu as well as four new weekly round trips from Phoenix to Kauai and a daily nonstop between Las Vegas and Honolulu.

The next day, it will begin three-times-a-week service from Phoenix to Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Hawaii remains the number one frequent flyer award destination in the world. While America West did provide service to the islands nearly a decade ago, that route was scrapped when the carrier filed bankruptcy. While FlightFund has provided awards to Hawaii through its partners, the level has been unusually high, and the pool of seats available small.

According to the program, the new mileage requirement for Hawaii awards will be 35,000 miles roundtrip.

Not surprisingly, demand is expected to be high. Travis Christ, America West vice president for marketing, suggested members book at least a year in advance, and prepare themselves for blackout dates.