One alternative to look at is a combination trip with one element out of pocket. Consider flying to HNL (out of pocket perhaps and coach), then spend a couple of days there. Then fly HA from HNL to AKL -- using AA miles.

I recently arranged something like that for next February from Phoenix. Phoenix to HNL using HA miles in coach (17.5K one way for my wife and myself). Then a couple of days in HNL -- in part to break up the travel and a quick look-see. Then for us, the outbound flight was to Cairns. Using 65K AA miles -- Business class on HA to Sydney business class on their reconfigured A330. Getting in at 7:30PM, overnight at an airport hotel. Then noon the following day Sydney to Cairns business class on Qantas.

Just a thought -- the thing is getting out to Australia or NZ takes some frequent checking at the options and a bit of schedule flexibility.