Headed for an extended stay in Australia. Want to stop somewhere between L.A. and Melbourne to break up the trip. Hawaii, Hong Kong, Fiji? Where have people gone for a couple of days on the way there or back?

Honolulu always works best for me

cheapoair.com kayak.com/buzz best fares

Even can pick up Oz econos there save aton

like JetStar think Hawaiian has a cheap flight also now

betterbidding.com cheap hotels bidding priceline for me

Otel.com cashback facebook discounts also working well now.

4 and 5 stars ar great prices.

On the return from Australia to LAX in January we stopped in Fiji for 5 days. Had a great time relaxing and snorkeling. We have been to Hawaii numerous times, but it is also a good choice.

Would you consider flying straight to Australia? We have a fairly new airline VAustralia who fly direct from LAX to Sydney for roughly $1200 AUD. The flight as you are probably aware is only 14 hours or so and a stop over would be more out of your way then anything. However each to their own, sounds like you have a lovely trip ahead of you! Enjoy!