How Long Are Flights To Hawaii? A Look At The Timeline To Paradise

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Ever wondered, “How long are flights to Hawaii?” or “What does it take to book a flight and prepare for such a trip?” There’s a lot to think about when planning a journey, especially to a place as exciting as Hawaii.

Sometimes, the process of booking flights, packing suitcases, and arranging everything can seem more like a chore than an adventure. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, maybe even a bit anxious, about all the tasks that need to be checked off before you can sink your toes in the sandy beaches. But don’t worry,

Here is a list of some of the most popular flights, answering the question, “How long is a plane ride to Hawai’i?”.

View of Waikiki from an airplane. Many people who want to experience this will be asking, how long are flights to Hawaii? This article will answer this with in-depth detail.

How Long Are Flights From San Diego To Hawaii

A direct flight from San Diego (SAN) to Honolulu (HNL) is 6 hours and 25 minutes and 2624 miles long.

This is my favorite airport to fly out of to Hawai’i and try to make East Coast connections through this city if possible. Prevailing winds add some time going but heading home is a bit quicker.

How Long Are Flights From Hawaii To San Diego

A flight from Honolulu (HNL) to San Diego (SAN) is 5 hours and 42 minutes and 2624 miles long.

What Are The Best Airlines To Fly From San Diego To Hawaii

The best airlines to fly from San Diego to Honolulu are Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines.

What Is The Best Month To Fly From San Diego To Hawaii

The best month to fly from San Diego to Honolulu is April when prices average $267.

Use the Google Flights tool to look out 6 months and see what pricing is like with the calendar view, a wonderful tool.

How Far In Advance Should You Book Your Flight From San Diego To Hawaii

Book your flight from San Diego to Honolulu 4 weeks in advance to get the best deals on flights.

How Long Are Flights From San Francisco to Hawaii

The average direct flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Honolulu (HNL) is 5 hours and 30 minutes and 2409 miles long.

Here is a video review I did on a flight from SFO-HNL onboard Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 787.

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How Long Is A Flight From Hawaii To San Francisco

The flight from Honolulu (HNL) to San Francisco (SFO) is basically the same time at around 5 hours and 25 minutes and 2409 miles long.

I flew on Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 787 the second day it was online and got to experience the first class cabin, check out the video below or the written review here.

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What Are The Best Airlines To Fly From San Francisco To Hawaii

The best airlines to fly from San Francisco to Honolulu are Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and United Airlines.

What Is The Best Month To Fly From San Francisco To Hawaii

The best month to fly from San Francisco to Honolulu is September when prices average $232.

How Far In Advance Should You Book Your Flight From San Francisco To Hawaii

Book your flight from San Francisco to Honolulu 5 weeks in advance to get the best deals on flights.

How Long Are Flights From Seattle to Hawaii

A flight from Seattle (SEA) to Honolulu (HNL) is 6 hours and 42 minutes and 2691 miles long.

This is one of my favorite airports to fly out of because the views from the airport terminal are amazing and Alaska Airlines has quite a few deals throughout the year. The Alaska lounge options here are also nice, I did a video review of each lounge and shared my personal thoughts on each one, check it out.

Here is a video review of a flight on Alaska Airlines that I did from SEA-HNL in first class.

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How Long Is A Flight From Hawaii To Seattle

A flight from Honolulu (HNL) to Seattle (SEA) is 7 hours and 0 minutes and 2691 miles long.

I had a chance to fly on Delta from HNL to SEA and it was one of my better economy experiences, also a great lounge in Honolulu. The video shows just about everything.

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What Are The Best Airlines To Fly From Seattle To Hawaii

The best airlines to fly from Seattle to Honolulu are Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.

What Is The Best Month To Fly From Seattle To Hawaii

The best month to fly from Seattle to Honolulu is May when prices average $396.

How Far In Advance Should You Book Your Flight From Seattle To Hawaii

Book your flight from Seattle to Honolulu 5 weeks in advance to get the best deals on flights.

How Long Are Flights From Los Angeles to Hawaii

A flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Honolulu (HNL) is around 6 hours and 10 minutes and is 2566 miles long.

How Long Is A Flight From Hawaii To Los Angeles

A flight from Honolulu (HNL) to Los Angeles (LAX) is around 6 hours and 40 minutes, also 2566 miles long. This time can vary depending on wind speeds and weather conditions.

What Are The Best Airlines To Fly From Los Angeles To Hawaii

American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Air Lines are the best airlines to fly from Los Angeles to Honolulu.

With all the Hawaiian Airlines flights into and out of LAX you may wonder why they are not listed as the best. The current setup with Hawaiian Airlines in LAX means you need to walk 20-40 minutes to baggage claim after the flight, not ideal.

What Is The Best Month To Fly From Los Angeles To Hawaii

The best month to fly from Los Angeles to Honolulu is April when prices average $233.

How Far In Advance Should You Book Your Flight From Los Angeles To Hawaii

Book your flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu 6 weeks in advance to get the best deals on flights.

How Long Are Flights From Las Vegas to Hawaii

The flight time from Las Vegas (LAS) to Honolulu (HNL) is 6 hours and 40 minutes and 2774 miles long.

How Long Is A Flight From Hawaii To Las Vegas

The flight time from Honolulu (HNL) to Las Vegas (LAS) is 5 hours and 55 minutes and 2774 miles long.

What Are The Best Airlines To Fly From Las Vegas To Hawaii

The best airlines to fly from Las Vegas to Honolulu are Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

What Is The Best Month To Fly From Las Vegas To Hawaii

The best month to fly from Las Vegas to Honolulu is April when prices average $417.

How Far In Advance Should You Book Your Flight From Las Vegas To Hawaii

Book your flight from Las Vegas to Honolulu 4 weeks in advance to get the best deals on flights.

How Long Are Flights From Phoenix to Hawaii

The flight time from Phoenix to Honolulu (HNL) is 6 hours and 40 minutes and 2917 miles long from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX).

How Long Is A Flight from Hawai’i to Phoenix

The flight time from Honolulu (HNL) to Phoenix is 5 hours and 35 minutes and 2,917 miles long to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX).

I was able to complete this flight review while flying with American Airlines from the Honolulu Airport to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport in main cabin extra.

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How Long Are Flights From New York to Hawaii

The flight time from New York to Honolulu (HNL) is 11 hours and 35 minutes and 5002 miles long from JFK Airport.

The flight time from New York to Honolulu (HNL) is 10 hours and 58 minutes and 4981 miles long from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

The flight time from New York to Honolulu (HNL) is 10 hours and 27 minutes and 4967 miles long from La Guardia Airport (LGA).

How Long Is A Flight From Hawaii To New York

The flight time from Honolulu (HNL) to New York is 11 hours and 1 minute and 5002 miles long from JFK Airport.

The flight time from Honolulu (HNL) to New York is 10 hours and 47 minutes and 4981 miles long from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

The flight time from Honolulu (HNL) to New York is 13 hours and 51 minutes and 4967 miles long from La Guardia Airport (LGA).

What Is The Best Airline To Fly From New York To Hawaii

The best airlines to fly from New York to Honolulu are Delta Air Lines and Hawaiian Airlines.

What Is The Best Month To Fly From New York To Hawaii

The best month to fly from New York to Honolulu is March when prices average $519.

How Far In Advance Should You Book Your Flight From New York To Hawaii

Book your flight from New York to Honolulu 3 weeks in advance to get the best deals on flights.

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Best Airlines to Fly to Hawaii

an airplane wing above the clouds

When planning a trip to Honolulu, choosing the right airline can significantly influence your overall travel experience. Hawaiian Airlines is arguably the top choice for flights to Hawaii due to its superior in-flight services and focus on embodying the Aloha spirit, even in the air. They offer direct flights from several U.S. cities, and their local expertise sets them apart.

Another popular airline is Alaska Airlines, which is known for its exceptional customer service and punctuality. They have an extensive route network, offering flights to Honolulu from many West Coast cities, making it an excellent choice for those located in that region.

Delta Air Lines and United Airlines also offer reliable services to Honolulu. Delta has a reputation for its high-quality amenities and comfortable seating, while United impresses passengers with its extensive route network and generous MileagePlus rewards program, especially beneficial for frequent flyers.

I recently reviewed a Delta flight in economy and was quite impressed with the lounge at the Honolulu Airport, check it out.

American Airlines shouldn’t be overlooked either, known for its vast network of flights and Admirals Club lounges available in various airports, offering an enhanced travel experience. Southwest Airlines is a budget-friendly alternative and has recently entered the Hawaii market, offering competitive prices with two free checked bags, a bonus for travelers.

Lastly, if you’re traveling from Japan, Japan Airlines is a top-notch choice. Known for its exceptional hospitality, comfortable seats, and delicious in-flight meals, the airline offers a direct route to Honolulu, allowing travelers to reach the island without the hassle of layovers. These airlines stand out because they offer a balance of comfort, reliability, and value, ensuring an enjoyable journey to the stunning shores of Honolulu.

Tips for Searching for Flights to Hawaii

Planning a trip to Hawaii, especially to Honolulu, can sometimes feel like a puzzle. High prices and many choices can make it confusing. But don’t worry! With some helpful tips, you can find a good deal and enjoy your journey to this beautiful island.

Book Ahead Of Time

Are you looking for a good deal on your flight to Honolulu? Many people have found great prices like these: a round-trip from San Diego for $275, from Phoenix Sky Harbor International for $398, and from Chicago O’Hare International for $690. To get these good prices, try to book your flight at least three weeks before you plan to leave. The busiest and most expensive months to fly are June and July, but January usually has the cheapest flights from the United States.

Regularly Check Prices

Secondly, I highly recommend that you use a flight comparison app or website. Google Flights is very helpful because you can simply enter your start and end destinations and it will tell you the best dates to book so you don’t have to go through the trouble of inputting multiple dates to find the best deal.

Use Incognito Mode

Incognito mode, a feature found in most web browsers, can be a secret weapon when it comes to finding cheaper flights. When you browse the internet normally, websites can track your activity using small files called cookies. These cookies remember what you’ve looked at, some people have found that this could possibly lead to prices going up if you repeatedly search for the same flight.

Before booking your flight, make sure to check in incognito mode to see if you’re really getting the best price. When you use incognito mode, your browsing history isn’t tracked, and cookies aren’t stored. This means that the website can’t remember you; however, some people have found that the prices on incognito mode, while cheaper, may not contain fees so keep that in mind when looking at prices..

To use incognito mode, you simply open a new incognito or private window in your browser (Command+Shift+N for Chrome) before you start searching for flights. Remember to close and reopen a new incognito window each time you search to ensure you’re starting fresh.

Take Advantage Of Your Miles

Another smart way to save on flights is by using your airline miles or points. If you’re part of an airline’s frequent flyer program, you can earn miles or points every time you fly with them or their partners. These miles or points can then be redeemed for free or discounted flights, making your trip to Honolulu or anywhere else more affordable.

Some credit cards also offer travel rewards, giving you points for every dollar you spend, which can also be used towards flights. It’s important to understand how your specific program works, as the value of miles or points, can vary between airlines and credit cards.

Some programs may also have blackout dates or restrictions on which flights you can use your miles or points for. However, with careful planning and smart use of your miles or points, you can significantly reduce the cost of your flights. Remember, every mile or point you earn is essentially money in your pocket for future travel, so don’t forget to use them!

How to Make Your Flight to Hawaii More Enjoyable

a group of people sitting in an airplane

Comfort

When preparing for a flight, especially a long one to a destination like Honolulu, comfort should be a top priority. Wearing breathable and comfortable clothes can significantly enhance your travel experience. Opt for loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibers like cotton or bamboo, which allow air to circulate and help regulate your body temperature. Layering is also a good idea, as it allows you to adjust to changing temperatures during the flight and upon arrival. Footwear should be easy to slip on and off for security checks and should provide good support for walking through large airports. Don’t forget to pack a light sweater or jacket, as airplanes can sometimes be chilly.

Booking

Booking your flight well in advance can not only help you secure the best prices, but it can also ensure you get the dates you want, especially during peak travel times. Planning ahead takes the stress out of last-minute scrambles and gives you peace of mind. Once your flight is booked, you can focus on other aspects of your trip, like packing and planning activities. Remember, the early bird catches the worm, or in this case, the best flight!

Preparation

Arriving in Honolulu is exciting, but it’s important to have a plan in place for when you land. Whether you’ve arranged for a rental car or a shuttle to your hotel, having these details sorted out ahead of time will make your arrival smoother and less stressful. It’s also a good idea to have a rough itinerary of what you want to do while you’re on Oahu. This doesn’t mean you need to plan every minute, but having a list of must-see attractions or activities can help you make the most of your time.

If you need help finding the best things to do while on Oahu, then make sure to read my extensive list. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a memorable and hassle-free vacation. As you continue to prepare for your trip, make sure to check out my list of the best apps for traveling to Hawaii.

When Do I Have to Be at the Gate?

When planning your trip to the airport, it’s crucial to factor in enough time for all the pre-flight procedures. For most flights, especially those leaving the mainland, it’s recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight’s departure time. This allows ample time to check in, drop off any checked luggage, navigate through security checkpoints, and handle any unexpected delays or long lines.

TSA can sometimes take longer than anticipated, especially during peak travel times. For interisland travel within Hawaii, the recommendation is to arrive 90 minutes before your flight. This is slightly less time than for mainland departures, but still enough to ensure you’re not rushing to your gate. Remember, it’s always better to have a little extra time to relax before your flight than to be stressed about missing it.

However, if you’re embarking on an international journey, like Japan, it’s advised to arrive at least three hours prior to your flight. International flights often require additional steps, such as passport control and more extensive security procedures.

Dealing With Jet Lag in Hawaii

a woman sleeping on a bench

Jet lag can be a real downer when you’re excited about exploring a new place like Hawaii. However, there are several strategies you can use to minimize its effects and adjust more quickly to the new time zone. First, try to adjust your schedule to Hawaii’s time zone a few days before you leave. This means eating, sleeping, and waking up according to Hawaii’s local time. It might feel a bit strange at first, but it can help your body start adjusting to the new schedule.

Second, stay hydrated. Air travel can be dehydrating, and dehydration can exacerbate the symptoms of jet lag. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can disrupt your sleep patterns and lead to dehydration.

Third, try to get plenty of sleep during the flight. This can be especially helpful if you’re traveling overnight or if the flight aligns with your destination’s nighttime. An eye mask, earplugs, or a neck pillow can make sleeping on the plane more comfortable.

Fourth, once you arrive in Hawaii, try to get as much sunlight as you can. Sunlight can help reset your internal body clock and adjust to the new time zone. Spend time outside, go for a walk on the beach, or simply enjoy the sunshine.

Finally, try to stay active and avoid napping when you arrive. While it might be tempting to take a nap if you’re feeling tired, try to stay awake until it’s nighttime in Hawaii. This can help your body adjust to the new schedule more quickly. Remember, everyone’s body reacts differently to time changes, so listen to your body and do what feels best for you. With these strategies, you can help minimize jet lag and start enjoying your Hawaiian adventure as soon as possible.

Related

Brandon Hughes
Brandon Hugheshttp://www.suitesandlobbies.com/
Aloha, as the founder and chief editor of Suites & Lobbies, I enjoy offering unique perspectives on hotel accommodations, airline services, dining experiences, and the evolving travel landscape of Hawai'i. Raised in the town of Ka'alaea on O'ahu, a native Hawaiian, and a lifelong learner. My extensive travels across Hawai'i ensure that readers receive accurate and up-to-date information, from emerging hotel projects to the latest in restaurant openings and travel-related concerns. My commitment is to provide unbiased, thorough insights stemming from first-hand knowledge of current affairs here in Hawai’i. I further showcase this on my YouTube channel, where I present detailed visual reviews and updates.

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