The right side delivers the only meaningful scenery on this route: Atlanta's skyline at departure, glimpses of the southern Rockies and desert Southwest during the long cruise, and a dramatic Diamond Head/Waikiki approach into Honolulu. The left side is dominated by featureless plains and then hours of open Pacific with nothing to see.
Flown ATL to HNL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Atlanta to Honolulu is 4,495 miles (7,234 km), a flight of about 9 hours 50 minutes.
The route crosses the southern Rockies near the Sangre de Cristo range and the Rio Grande valley in New Mexico, then the Sonoran Desert and lower Colorado River near Yuma, before transitioning into roughly five hours of open Pacific Ocean with no land visible until the Hawaiian Islands appear near the end of the flight.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATL
RIGHTDeparting Atlanta westbound, downtown's skyline and the Chattahoochee River lie north of the airport, putting them on the right side during the initial climb. The left side only shows suburban sprawl and the flat Piedmont plateau.
Landing at HNL
RIGHTArriving at HNL from the mainland, the aircraft approaches from over the open Pacific and lands heading east-northeast, putting Diamond Head, Waikiki, and downtown Honolulu on the right side of the cabin during final descent. The left side faces only open ocean and the airport's industrial reef runway area.
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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. The right side delivers the only meaningful scenery on this route: Atlanta's skyline at departure, glimpses of the southern Rockies and desert Southwest during the long cruise, and a dramatic Diamond Head/Waikiki approach into Honolulu. The left side is dominated by featureless plains and then hours of open Pacific with nothing to see.
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. Departing Atlanta westbound, downtown's skyline and the Chattahoochee River lie north of the airport, putting them on the right side during the initial climb. The left side only shows suburban sprawl and the flat Piedmont plateau. Notable sights include: Downtown Atlanta skyline, Chattahoochee River, Stone Mountain in the distance.
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. Arriving at HNL from the mainland, the aircraft approaches from over the open Pacific and lands heading east-northeast, putting Diamond Head, Waikiki, and downtown Honolulu on the right side of the cabin during final descent. The left side faces only open ocean and the airport's industrial reef runway area. Notable sights include: Diamond Head crater, Waikiki Beach, downtown Honolulu skyline, Pearl Harbor.
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Honolulu?
The flight from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Honolulu International (HNL) takes about 9 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,495 miles (7,234 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Atlanta to Honolulu flight path pass over?
The route crosses the southern Rockies near the Sangre de Cristo range and the Rio Grande valley in New Mexico, then the Sonoran Desert and lower Colorado River near Yuma, before transitioning into roughly five hours of open Pacific Ocean with no land visible until the Hawaiian Islands appear near the end of the flight.