Thanks for all the feedback. Didn't realise that about HNL - I thought that it was only the return that you couldn't do (like a trans-con restriction). I guess the only way to include Hawaii now is to go on the QF flight from SYD? So I'll reconsider this.

The "part two" including ANC is planned for next June, so I assume the AA flights will be back on by then (assume they're summer schedule?).

Will go back now and look at the USA flights taking into account all your very helpful information (and I thought I knew everything about OWE planning )!