As some of us are still finishing up those Thanksgiving leftovers, the Postal Service is already advising people there's little time to get holiday packages in the mail, particularly to members of the military stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan.

In Hawai'i, the deadlines are even earlier than those listed on the U.S. Postal Service Web site. So be sure to know the key dates suggested by local officials for getting your letters and packages in the mail for arrival before Christmas.

GO ONLINE TO AVOID LONG LINES AT POST OFFICE

As always, postal officials recommend people send their mail as early as possible regardless of the suggested dates. "People can save a trip to the post office entirely by using our online services," said Duke Gonzales, the Postal Service's local public affairs and communications specialist.

Gonzales encourages residents to print out shipping labels online and even arrange for a free package pickup by your mail carrier. For those who paid for postage online, there will be dedicated windows at post offices where you can drop off your package.

There are 18 post offices across the state with automated postal centers, which take credit or debit cards. The self-service centers with touch screens allow customers to conduct transactions even after post offices are closed. The following branches have automated postal centers:

'Aina Haina

Airport

Ala Moana

Downtown

Hawai'i Kai

Hilo Main Office

Kailua

Kailua, Kona

Kane'ohe

Kihei

Lahaina

Makiki

Mililani

Mo'ili'ili

Wai'alae-Kahala

Waikiki

Wailuku

Waipahu

POST OFFICES OPEN LONGER