The right side captures Hawaii's volcanic coastline on departure and Sydney's harbour skyline on arrival, while the left side is dominated by featureless ocean during both takeoff and landing phases.
Flown HNL to BWU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Honolulu to Sydney is 5,084 miles (8,182 km), a flight of about 9 hours 55 minutes.
Open central Pacific Ocean with no landmasses; the route passes well east of Fiji and north of New Caledonia without direct overflight of any islands.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HNL
RIGHTDeparting HNL on the Reef Runway, the aircraft climbs out over Mamala Bay and typically banks south toward Australia, putting Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and the south shore reef directly in view on the right side. The left side only shows downtown Honolulu and Pearl Harbor briefly before the turn takes it out of view.
Landing at BWU
RIGHTArriving into Bankstown from the Pacific, the approach path passes near Botany Bay and the Sydney Harbour area before turning inland southwest, putting the Sydney CBD skyline and harbour on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly faces open water and less distinctive southern suburbs during this segment.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Honolulu International (HNL) to Sydney Bankstown (BWU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Honolulu to Sydney. The right side captures Hawaii's volcanic coastline on departure and Sydney's harbour skyline on arrival, while the left side is dominated by featureless ocean during both takeoff and landing phases.
What can I see during takeoff from Honolulu International in Honolulu?
During takeoff from Honolulu International (HNL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing HNL on the Reef Runway, the aircraft climbs out over Mamala Bay and typically banks south toward Australia, putting Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and the south shore reef directly in view on the right side. The left side only shows downtown Honolulu and Pearl Harbor briefly before the turn takes it out of view. Notable sights include: Diamond Head crater, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu south shore reef, Koko Head.
What can I see when landing at Sydney Bankstown in Sydney?
When landing at Sydney Bankstown (BWU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving into Bankstown from the Pacific, the approach path passes near Botany Bay and the Sydney Harbour area before turning inland southwest, putting the Sydney CBD skyline and harbour on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly faces open water and less distinctive southern suburbs during this segment. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney CBD skyline, Botany Bay, Georges River.
How long is the flight from Honolulu to Sydney?
The flight from Honolulu International (HNL) to Sydney Bankstown (BWU) takes about 9 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,084 miles (8,182 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Honolulu to Sydney flight path pass over?
Open central Pacific Ocean with no landmasses; the route passes well east of Fiji and north of New Caledonia without direct overflight of any islands.