Thanks guys for the comments so far I very much appreciate it!^

Regarding the price difference - I should have been more clear that the $5,500 was not all due to ticket cost (as you said that only accounts for $1,200). The rest of the difference I was figuring as a rough estimate of the cost increase of a week driving around Australia vs. cost of Korea, as well as a trip to Galapagos (minimum of about $2,000 each inclusive of airfare and fees, probably more). I don't intend to let price lord over our decisions but it's also not something for us to ignore and we wouldn't be disappointed to see Korea.

ORD-HNL on AA may very well be seasonal... I flew out there this past summer around 4th of July (on UTD but we had the option of AA). That said we'd be making the flight in early August so maybe it would be running. I realize we don't have to/can't make any decisions yet but good to know there are options.

We were originally looking at hitting HNL on the way back because she has grandparents on the island... but adding a trip to AKL (skiing!) or NOU then heading straight to JFK from SYD instead is a great idea - thanks!