Right-side seats offer the most compelling scenery bookends: dramatic Hawaiian volcanic mountains and windward coastline during departure, and the Hudson River approach into New York during landing. The westbound routing also favors right-side views of major geographic features.
Flown HNL to LGA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Honolulu to New York is 4,968 miles (7,996 km), a flight of about 10 hours 30 minutes.
This transpacific flight crosses the North Pacific Ocean with no significant landmasses visible for roughly 8 hours of flight time. The aircraft typically follows a great-circle route that passes north of the Hawaiian Islands, then crosses open ocean. Depending on routing, the flight may pass within viewing distance of the Aleutian Islands (Alaska) in the far north, though these are rarely visible due to altitude and distance. The majority of the flight crosses featureless ocean; passengers should not expect scenic views during the midpoint hours. The flight enters North American airspace over Canada or the northern United States, eventually descending toward the New York area.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HNL
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Ko'olau and Waianae mountain ranges that frame Honolulu, plus the dramatic windward coastline and offshore islands as the aircraft climbs northeast over the Pacific.
Landing at LGA
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach into La Guardia, including the Hudson River, Manhattan's skyline, and the East River as the aircraft makes its final approach from the west.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Honolulu International (HNL) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Honolulu to New York. Right-side seats offer the most compelling scenery bookends: dramatic Hawaiian volcanic mountains and windward coastline during departure, and the Hudson River approach into New York during landing. The westbound routing also favors right-side views of major geographic features.
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. Right-side seats offer views of the Ko'olau and Waianae mountain ranges that frame Honolulu, plus the dramatic windward coastline and offshore islands as the aircraft climbs northeast over the Pacific. Notable sights include: Ko'olau Range (northeast), Waianae Range (west), Kailua Bay and windward coast (right side during climb), offshore islands including Mokulua Islands.
What can I see when landing at La Guardia in New York?
When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach into La Guardia, including the Hudson River, Manhattan's skyline, and the East River as the aircraft makes its final approach from the west. Notable sights include: Hudson River (left side), Manhattan skyline and East River (center-left), Bronx and Queens urban sprawl (right), Long Island Sound (distant right).
How long is the flight from Honolulu to New York?
The flight from Honolulu International (HNL) to La Guardia (LGA) takes about 10 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,968 miles (7,996 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Honolulu to New York flight path pass over?
This transpacific flight crosses the North Pacific Ocean with no significant landmasses visible for roughly 8 hours of flight time. The aircraft typically follows a great-circle route that passes north of the Hawaiian Islands, then crosses open ocean. Depending on routing, the flight may pass within viewing distance of the Aleutian Islands (Alaska) in the far north, though these are rarely visible due to altitude and distance. The majority of the flight crosses featureless ocean; passengers should not expect scenic views during the midpoint hours. The flight enters North American airspace over Canada or the northern United States, eventually descending toward the New York area.