If you like snorkeling in warm warm water with hundreds of species of fish for less than half the cost of Hawaii, I recommend Fiji Airways to Nadi and a high speed catamaran to Barefoot Manta Fiji resort. It’s a favorite of young Australians. About $200 a day including meals for two on a charming tiny island with about 50 total guests. The reef starts right in front of your hut.

Until this year coach was 40k Alaska miles each way with excellent availability. Including a post-stopover flight to Christchurch or Sydney. It costs a bit more now but still a good value.

NZ South Island pre-Covid had ample cheap backpacker lodging. You can still find it if you book far enough ahead and don’t stay in queenstown. Car camping is essentially banned.

I have done a 3 week vacation with both stops for less than $3000 plus miles. Business class was 60k which required having a paid fare alert service and booking immediately. Business awards on AS are higher now, but if you get lucky you will get lucky.