About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Honolulu International (HNL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to Honolulu. Right side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Pacific mid-flight there is little to see regardless of side, but the right seat delivers Atlanta's skyline on departure and the iconic Diamond Head-Waikiki panorama on arrival — the two most visually rewarding moments of the journey.
What can I see during takeoff from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International in Atlanta?
During takeoff from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL), sit on the Right side for the best views. ATL departures on the primary westbound runways (28L/28R) head northwest initially before turning west-southwest. The right side gives you a clear view of downtown Atlanta's skyline as you climb out, with Midtown and Buckhead visible to the north. The left side faces south toward the suburbs with little of interest. Notable sights include: Downtown Atlanta skyline, Stone Mountain (visible to the northeast as a granite dome), Lake Allatoona to the northwest, Chattahoochee River corridor.
What can I see when landing at Honolulu International in Honolulu?
When landing at Honolulu International (HNL), sit on the Right side for the best views. HNL approaches typically come in from the east or northeast over the ocean, landing on runways 04L/04R or 08L/08R. On the standard approach from the mainland, the right side gives you the best view of Diamond Head crater, Waikiki Beach, and the Honolulu skyline as you descend over the south shore of Oahu. The left side faces north toward the Koolau Range interior. Notable sights include: Diamond Head crater, Waikiki Beach and Honolulu skyline, Pearl Harbor, Koolau Range ridge line.
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Honolulu?
The flight from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Honolulu International (HNL) takes Approximately 9 to 10 hours.
What does the Atlanta to Honolulu flight path pass over?
The flight tracks west-southwest across the Gulf Coast states, then out over the Gulf of Mexico near the Yucatan Peninsula before crossing open Pacific. The vast majority of the route — roughly 7 of 9 hours — is over featureless open ocean. The Hawaiian Islands chain becomes visible from the right side in the final 30 minutes as Maui and then Oahu appear on the horizon.