The left side wins both the Honolulu departure, with Diamond Head and Waikiki in view, and the Long Beach arrival, with Catalina Island and the harbor visible, while the right side offers little more than open ocean and inland haze.
Flown HNL to LGB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Honolulu to Long Beach is 2,566 miles (4,130 km), a flight of about 5 hours 35 minutes.
Open Pacific Ocean with no islands or landmarks along the mid-ocean cruise track between Hawaii and the California coast
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HNL
LEFTDeparting HNL to the east-northeast over the Reef Runway, the aircraft banks along Oahu's south shore. Passengers on the left have a clear view of Waikiki, Diamond Head crater, and the Koolau mountain ridge before the island falls away, while the right side faces only open ocean.
Landing at LGB
LEFTOn approach to LGB's runway 30 from the southeast, the flight path passes near the Long Beach and San Pedro harbor area before turning northwest to land. The left side gives views of the coastline, harbor breakwaters, and Catalina Island offshore, while the right side mostly shows inland LA basin sprawl and haze.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Honolulu International (HNL) to Long Beach (LGB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Honolulu to Long Beach. The left side wins both the Honolulu departure, with Diamond Head and Waikiki in view, and the Long Beach arrival, with Catalina Island and the harbor visible, while the right side offers little more than open ocean and inland haze.
What can I see during takeoff from Honolulu International in Honolulu?
During takeoff from Honolulu International (HNL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing HNL to the east-northeast over the Reef Runway, the aircraft banks along Oahu's south shore. Passengers on the left have a clear view of Waikiki, Diamond Head crater, and the Koolau mountain ridge before the island falls away, while the right side faces only open ocean. Notable sights include: Diamond Head crater, Waikiki Beach, Koolau Range, Honolulu Harbor.
What can I see when landing at Long Beach in Long Beach?
When landing at Long Beach (LGB), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to LGB's runway 30 from the southeast, the flight path passes near the Long Beach and San Pedro harbor area before turning northwest to land. The left side gives views of the coastline, harbor breakwaters, and Catalina Island offshore, while the right side mostly shows inland LA basin sprawl and haze. Notable sights include: Catalina Island, Port of Long Beach, San Pedro Bay breakwater, Long Beach coastline.
How long is the flight from Honolulu to Long Beach?
The flight from Honolulu International (HNL) to Long Beach (LGB) takes about 5 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,566 miles (4,130 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Honolulu to Long Beach flight path pass over?
Open Pacific Ocean with no islands or landmarks along the mid-ocean cruise track between Hawaii and the California coast