The U.S. Postal Service has released Hawaii-specific mailing dates for the holiday season in 2012.

The first suggested mailing date is Dec. 10 for First-class and Priority mail headed to international and overseas military destinations.

Dec. 18 is the suggested mailing date for First-Class and Priority Mail headed to the mainland.  You will have until Dec. 20 to send your mail to the mainland via the expedited Express Mail service.

The dates apply to mail received by each Post Office's cutoff time.

*Express Mail military service available to selected military Post Offices. Some Express Mail destinations may have extended service commitments. Check with your local Post Office to determine availability.

**Express Mail international service is available to 190 countries, with delivery in an average of 3-5 business days.

***Africa and Central America: Send First Class/Priority Mail by Dec.1 and Express Mail by Dec. 10.

Postal customers are asked to keep in mind that the above suggested mailing dates are not deadlines, implying that packages or letters will not arrive at their destinations if mailed after the listed dates.

In fact, if normal holiday conditions prevail, chances are good that letters and packages sent shortly after the suggested dates will still make it to their destinations before Christmas.  Ultimately, uncontrollable factors such as mailing volumes and weather determine whether deliveries can be made early or on time.