While HNL is not international, this was a big deal to US because it was only competing with ATL and EWR for East-of-the-Mississippi direct service.
Hey, Chicago is East of the Mississippi, and AA and UA fly nonstop to Hawaii from ORD. US was really just competing with CO for East Coast (or practically East Coast) nonstop service.
Seriously, though, I agree with you about CLT. It's a great hub airport in a rather small metro area, and history hasn't been kind to great hubs in relatively small metro areas over the past decade or two. PIT, DAY, SJC, BNA, RDU and CVG come to mind. I'm certain there are others.