Loading map...
PEK → HNL
Which side of the plane to sit from Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing) to Daniel K Inouye International Airport (Honolulu)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular and iconic arrival into Honolulu, including aerial views of Pearl Harbor, the downtown skyline, and the world-famous Diamond Head crater during the final descent.
Search flights from PEK to HNL
Bohai Gulf
The busy shipping lanes and industrial coastline of Tianjin visible during the initial climb.
Mid-Pacific Sunrise
Stunning colors over the ocean horizon as the flight nears the Hawaiian Islands in the morning.
Pearl Harbor
Clear views of the USS Arizona Memorial and Ford Island during the descent into HNL.
Honolulu Skyline
The high-rise hotels of Waikiki and the downtown financial district set against the Pacific.
Diamond Head
The iconic volcanic tuff cone and its crater, providing the quintessential 'welcome to Hawaii' view.
The right side is the clear winner for the arrival phase. Most flights land from the west using the Reef Runway; sit on the right to see Pearl Harbor and the entire Honolulu coastline. Note that because you are flying east-southeast, the sun will be on the right side of the plane for much of the trip. Close your window shade during the mid-flight sleep period to avoid the intense morning sun.
Book Hotels in Honolulu
Yanshan Mountains
Dramatic mountain ranges north of Beijing visible shortly after takeoff if departing to the north.
Sea of Japan
Deep blue waters as the aircraft exits the Asian continent near the Korean Peninsula.
Hokkaido Coast
Views of northern Japan's rugged, often snow-capped volcanic peaks and jagged coastline.
International Date Line
While invisible, the clouds often change character as you cross this meteorological boundary.
Oahu North Shore
Aerial perspective of the famous big-wave surfing beaches and the lush Koolau mountain range.
The left side is superior for the first third of the flight, offering views of the mountains near Beijing and the wilderness of Northern Japan. As you approach Hawaii, you'll see the lush, green windward side of Oahu. Since this is an eastbound trans-Pacific flight, the left side faces north, avoiding direct harsh sunlight for most of the journey, which is better for photography.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 8,132 km (5,053 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 34 min
Departure: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Arrival: HNL (21.32062, -157.924228)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.