Award Waitlisting questions...

Hello,
I am trying to book my one back to MIA. None of the flights I am interested in have become available. sucks i know... =)

Do I have to reserve an award ticket to get waitlisted on another?

Can't I just call and get waitlisted from the beginning without redeeming miles?

I want to get on a flight from HNL -IAH-MIA ....How do I proceed by telling her i want to get waitlisted to this flight?

So confused about this waitlisted stuff...Thanks again ..

-Yoli