About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Honolulu International (HNL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Honolulu. The left side wins overall due to the spectacular Manhattan and Jamaica Bay departure views, which are among the most iconic urban aerial scenes in the world. The right side has a strong landing advantage over Oahu, but the departure spectacle tips the balance. Passengers who want the best of both should prioritize left for takeoff and consider switching for landing if seats allow.
What can I see during takeoff from John F Kennedy International in New York?
During takeoff from John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Left side for the best views. JFK departures heading west or northwest on runways 31L/31R give the left side a direct view over Jamaica Bay, the Manhattan skyline, and the Hudson River. The right side faces south over the Atlantic with little to see beyond open water and the Rockaways. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Hudson River.
What can I see when landing at Honolulu International in Honolulu?
When landing at Honolulu International (HNL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Honolulu arrivals typically come in from the northeast on runway 08R/08L, heading west. The right side faces north and gives a sustained view of the Ko'olau Range, Kaneohe Bay, and the windward coast of Oahu before turning final. The left side looks south over open ocean for most of the approach. Notable sights include: Ko'olau Range, Kaneohe Bay, Diamond Head crater, Pearl Harbor.
How long is the flight from New York to Honolulu?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Honolulu International (HNL) takes Approximately 10 to 11 hours westbound.
What does the New York to Honolulu flight path pass over?
The great circle route from JFK to HNL tracks northwest across Pennsylvania and Ohio, then curves southwest over the Great Lakes region, crosses the upper Midwest over Iowa and Nebraska, passes over the Rocky Mountains in Wyoming or Utah, then descends across Nevada and California before crossing the Pacific. The Sierra Nevada and the California coastline near Los Angeles or San Francisco are the last significant landmarks before roughly 2,400 miles of open Pacific Ocean. No land is visible from the midpoint until the Hawaiian Islands appear on the horizon.