The right side scores higher due to the St. Louis landing sequence, which features the visually striking Mississippi-Missouri River confluence and the iconic Gateway Arch—distinctive urban landmarks with strong visual impact. While Honolulu's volcanic departure is scenic, the 5+ hours of open Pacific Ocean on the left side during cruise severely limits that side's overall appeal. The right side's landing scenery outweighs the left side's takeoff advantage.
Flown HNL to STL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Honolulu to St. Louis is 4,123 miles (6,635 km), a flight of about 8 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the continental United States from west to east. Notable features along the typical route include the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains (visible during the first 2 hours), the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau, the Great Plains of Wyoming and Colorado, and the Mississippi River valley approaching St. Louis. The majority of cruise (3+ hours) occurs over relatively flat terrain—the Great Plains of Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri—with minimal dramatic scenery. No major mountain ranges or distinctive landmarks are visible during the middle cruise segment.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HNL
LEFTHonolulu departure offers dramatic volcanic terrain and coastal views. The left side captures the Ko'olau and Waianae mountain ranges framing the city, plus the Pacific coastline and reef systems visible during climb-out.
Landing at STL
RIGHTSt. Louis approach reveals the Mississippi River's dramatic confluence with the Missouri River, plus the city's downtown skyline and the Gateway Arch. The right side captures these urban and hydrological landmarks during descent and final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Honolulu International (HNL) to Lambert St Louis International (STL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Honolulu to St. Louis. The right side scores higher due to the St. Louis landing sequence, which features the visually striking Mississippi-Missouri River confluence and the iconic Gateway Arch—distinctive urban landmarks with strong visual impact. While Honolulu's volcanic departure is scenic, the 5+ hours of open Pacific Ocean on the left side during cruise severely limits that side's overall appeal. The right side's landing scenery outweighs the left side's takeoff advantage.
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. Honolulu departure offers dramatic volcanic terrain and coastal views. The left side captures the Ko'olau and Waianae mountain ranges framing the city, plus the Pacific coastline and reef systems visible during climb-out. Notable sights include: Ko'olau Mountains (northeast), Waianae Range (west), Honolulu Harbor and urban grid, Diamond Head crater.
What can I see when landing at Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
When landing at Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Right side for the best views. St. Louis approach reveals the Mississippi River's dramatic confluence with the Missouri River, plus the city's downtown skyline and the Gateway Arch. The right side captures these urban and hydrological landmarks during descent and final approach. Notable sights include: Mississippi River and Missouri River confluence, Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis skyline, Illinois bluffs across the river, Lambert Field runways.
How long is the flight from Honolulu to St. Louis?
The flight from Honolulu International (HNL) to Lambert St Louis International (STL) takes about 8 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,123 miles (6,635 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Honolulu to St. Louis flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the continental United States from west to east. Notable features along the typical route include the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains (visible during the first 2 hours), the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau, the Great Plains of Wyoming and Colorado, and the Mississippi River valley approaching St. Louis. The majority of cruise (3+ hours) occurs over relatively flat terrain—the Great Plains of Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri—with minimal dramatic scenery. No major mountain ranges or distinctive landmarks are visible during the middle cruise segment.