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Just curious about when, on average, you start to garrison the Line Island / Phoenix Islands / Samoa Islands / Fiji / New Hebrides / New Caledonia line.

Once I have some troops available. And transports, of course.
You're really short on troop transports in the beginning of the game....GP

As immediately as possible. IMO, Fiji is the most important linchpin with two level 9 airfields side-by-side. In one PBEM I had to retake New Caledonia but USMC TBFs from Nadi helped win the carrier battle that preceded my landings at La Foa.

I have 11 infantry regiments (3 New Zealand with 1 at Fiji), 5 at Pearl Harbor and 3 more on the way to Pearl Harbor.

AS GP mentioned, I just don't have the transport ships where I need them to move everything yet. I have them on the way to Pearl Harbor but the ones from the West Coast I want to keep there to transport units to Pearl Harbor.

I'm only on the December 18, 1941 turn so I'm not too far behind (I hope)

Against the AI, there is little to worry about the AI attacking Hawaii but the submarines will be around Oahu.

Also, you can use xAKs to move troops as well but the heavier devices that load as cargo for large units should also have xAKs and not just xAPs to move them. There are some xAKs that can convert to xAPs. One type moves at 14 knots, check your cargo vessels.

Another thing about conversions, I suggest that you convert all C2 Lassen class vessels into AEs . . .

it really depends on how quickly and how aggressively Japanese player is going... the slower he goes, the more forward you're able to garrison... but the more forward you garrison the longer it takes to supply your troops and engineers

Against the AI or PBEM?

AI, you have plenty of time. Follow the rules below, but you don't have to rush it. You're gonna lose some places early, don't worry about it. You can take them back easily later.

PBEM, the worst thing you can do is over extend yourself. Starting with West Coast, make sure everything is well garrisoned and you have reaction forces ready. Then Pearl. Then Alaska. Then it depends. Basically, think through what would hurt you the most to lose, and make sure it is well garrisoned, and then onto the next. By well garrisoned, that means not only troops, but air as well and supply and maybe fuel.

Against the AI opponent, with enough learning through Kull's Allied Spreadsheet you discover just how bare the US cupboard in the Pacific really was. Particularly escorts and ASW capable ships. So back to the topic at hand: I think this weakness along with a few others to husband where you can and pick and choose where and how hard to defy the Japanese onslaught. Are there any right answers? Perhaps in a general way, but part of the fun intertwined with the hard work and heavy lifting in learning WITP:AE is figuring out what you would do as Nimitz and his staff. Who do you try and save and retreat to fight again, who gets left to hold the line?
It's why I am hooked on the game, even though I am waiting on the final version before diving in headfirst again.
Good luck!