Update: The ICC agent that created my res said "sure, i can book those segments separate for you." My res on .bomb shows "Equipment: Plane change | Duration: 8h 7m | 1-stop | Fare code: GEC73FS." Darn.
If it changes anything- the goal here is to have the best chance of clearing UDU with the Mrs. on the LAX-HNL leg. I imagine that a 1P and companion clearing the DEN-LAX leg would be nearly impossible - but i don't want it to keep us from clearing the HNL leg!
My next step is to see if the ticket agent at the airport can fix this for me... not sure what i'll do if they can't.