Well I'm not sure if I had a mis-informed agent previously, or if the last few seats I was looking at got snagged up, but when I talked to an agent in ORD this evening, we could hardly find ANY availability in the month of October, so I am looking at September now. For the return segment, I have the option of taking the AKL-LAX return (NZ flight 2), or I noticed using the ANA availability tool that certain days have AKL-HNL-ORD available. The return itinerary would be:

Sept 18: Depart AKL at 11:00 am
Sept 17: Arrive HNL at 9:45 pm (-1 day)
Sept 18: Depart HNL at 4:45 pm
Sept 19: Arrive ORD at 5:13 am

So, I am thinking that if I could make a stop in HNL, that might make the trip even more fun. I asked the agent if these would be legal flights to take, and she said that they would (I'm a little hazy on rules for connection times vs. stopovers), so would this 19-hour stop in HNL even be allowed? If so, for those who know HNL, would it be worth it? I would be traveling solo, and being under 25, would probably not easily be able to rent a car, so I'm open to suggestions as to whether or not it be worthwhile to do this stop. Having never been to HNL, I'm not sure if it'd be possible to make it to a nearby beach or some exciting adventure, so I'd greatly appreciate input on the topic of stopping in HNL or just going straight AKL-LAX. FWIW, I'm now looking into booking this as a business award, so AKL-HNL would be in NZ C, while HNL-ORD would be UA F, but right now I'm more concerned with whether or not 19 hours in HNL at no extra cost would be worth it, or probably not.

I really do appreciate all the input I've gotten so far! ^ Please keep the advice coming on this new possible twist in my trip....