I have had to take flights to and from destinations on the same day more than a few times, it was never a problem.
In your situation, if the costs are comparable, I would have your partner fly to Honolulu. Should there be any delay (mechanical, weather, crew timing out, or whatever else), she would already be closer to her final destination AND there is more airport resources (alternate flights, entertainment/stores on site, etc.)
Book both legs together with the airline, if she unfortunately has to be put on a later flight, it is much, much, easier to deal with the airline, than with a third-party vendor.