The right side wins overall. The Diamond Head and Honolulu coastline departure view is one of the most iconic airport departures in the world and hard to beat. The Toronto landing on the left is excellent but the takeoff spectacle tips the balance.
Flown HNL to YYZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Honolulu to Toronto is 4,642 miles (7,471 km), a flight of about 9 hours 30 minutes.
The flight tracks northeast over the open North Pacific, passing north of the Hawaiian island chain shortly after departure. The route crosses the Aleutian Island chain or passes south of it depending on the jet stream routing. Over the Canadian mainland the flight crosses British Columbia's Coast Mountains, then the Canadian Rockies appear as a broad corrugated ridgeline below, followed by the flat expanse of the Canadian Prairies in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The Great Lakes region appears in the final descent phase, with Lake Huron visible before the approach into Toronto.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HNL
RIGHTHNL's primary departure runway 08R sends aircraft eastward over the harbor and Diamond Head crater. The right side faces south toward Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and the full sweep of Honolulu's coastline as the aircraft climbs and turns northeast toward the mainland.
Landing at YYZ
LEFTAircraft approaching YYZ typically land on runways 05 or 06L/R from the southwest, tracking northeast over Lake Ontario and the Toronto waterfront. The left side gives a clear view of the Toronto skyline, the CN Tower, and Lake Ontario's north shore as the aircraft descends.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Honolulu International (HNL) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Honolulu to Toronto. The right side wins overall. The Diamond Head and Honolulu coastline departure view is one of the most iconic airport departures in the world and hard to beat. The Toronto landing on the left is excellent but the takeoff spectacle tips the balance.
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. HNL's primary departure runway 08R sends aircraft eastward over the harbor and Diamond Head crater. The right side faces south toward Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and the full sweep of Honolulu's coastline as the aircraft climbs and turns northeast toward the mainland. Notable sights include: Diamond Head crater, Waikiki Beach strip, Pearl Harbor, Ko'olau Range.
What can I see when landing at Lester B Pearson International in Toronto?
When landing at Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Aircraft approaching YYZ typically land on runways 05 or 06L/R from the southwest, tracking northeast over Lake Ontario and the Toronto waterfront. The left side gives a clear view of the Toronto skyline, the CN Tower, and Lake Ontario's north shore as the aircraft descends. Notable sights include: CN Tower and downtown Toronto skyline, Lake Ontario shoreline, Toronto Islands, Niagara Peninsula in the distance.
How long is the flight from Honolulu to Toronto?
The flight from Honolulu International (HNL) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes about 9 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,642 miles (7,471 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Honolulu to Toronto flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over the open North Pacific, passing north of the Hawaiian island chain shortly after departure. The route crosses the Aleutian Island chain or passes south of it depending on the jet stream routing. Over the Canadian mainland the flight crosses British Columbia's Coast Mountains, then the Canadian Rockies appear as a broad corrugated ridgeline below, followed by the flat expanse of the Canadian Prairies in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The Great Lakes region appears in the final descent phase, with Lake Huron visible before the approach into Toronto.