Loading map...

JFK destination photo
HNL destination photo

JFKHNL

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

While both sides offer spectacular views, the Left Side (Port) is generally superior for the arrival into Honolulu. It provides the iconic aerial perspective of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and the Honolulu skyline during the standard approach to Runway 8L. On departure from JFK, this side also frequently captures the Manhattan skyline and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🏙️

Manhattan Skyline

Upon departure from JFK, the left side often looks back toward the Financial District and the Statue of Liberty during the initial climb.

🏜️

Southwest Landscapes

On more southerly flight paths, you can spot the jagged terrain of the Grand Canyon and the arid beauty of the Mojave Desert.

🌊

California Coastline

A final look at the continental United States as the plane crosses the coast near Los Angeles or Santa Barbara before the long Pacific crossing.

⛰️

Diamond Head

The most famous landmark in Hawaii, visible as a massive volcanic tuff cone as you fly along the southern shore of Oahu.

🏖️

Waikiki Beach

A bird's-eye view of the turquoise waters and the dense hotel strip of Honolulu's primary tourist hub.

Book an 'A' seat for the best views. This flight is roughly 10-11 hours; because you are flying west, you are 'chasing the sun,' making for a long day of visibility. On the approach to HNL, the descent begins about 20 minutes before landing; have your camera ready as you pass the island of Molokai to your left before the Oahu shoreline comes into view.

Right Side Highlights
8.1
🌳

Central Park

Depending on the departure runway and turn, the right side may get a stunning view of all of Manhattan including Central Park.

🏔️

The Rocky Mountains

On a northern track, view the snow-capped peaks of the Colorado Rockies or the Grand Tetons in Wyoming.

🌉

San Francisco Bay

If the flight path trends north, you may see the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco peninsula before heading out to sea.

🚢

Pearl Harbor

Just before touchdown at HNL, the right side looks directly down onto the USS Arizona Memorial and the historic naval base.

🏄

North Shore Cliffs

If the aircraft approaches from the north, the right side sees the dramatic, lush cliffs and surf breaks of Oahu's North Shore.

Opt for a 'K' seat. On departure from JFK, if the plane heads north before turning west, the right side offers the most comprehensive view of the New York metropolitan area. During the arrival at HNL, while the left side sees the beach, the right side gets the best view of the historic Pearl Harbor site and the Ewa Plains during the final seconds of flight.

Top Activities in Honolulu
Route Information

Distance: 8,007 km (4,975 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 25 min

Departure: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)

Arrival: HNL (21.32062, -157.924228)

Route Type: Domestic

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.