About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mc Carran International (LAS) to Honolulu International (HNL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Las Vegas to Honolulu. The right side delivers the most compelling views at both ends of the flight — the Strip and Red Rock on departure, and Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and Waikiki on arrival. The mid-flight Pacific crossing offers little to differentiate sides, so the bookend views on the right side make it the clear overall winner.
What can I see during takeoff from Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
During takeoff from Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Right side for the best views. McCarran typically departs southward on runway 26L/R or northward on 19L/R. On a westbound departure toward Hawaii, aircraft generally turn south then southwest, putting the Las Vegas Strip and downtown on the right side. The Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon escarpment are also visible to the right (west) during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Las Vegas Strip hotels and casinos, Red Rock Canyon escarpment, Spring Mountains (Charleston Peak at 11,918 ft), Lake Mead to the east fading behind.
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 International typically lands on runway 08R/L from the east or runway 26L/R from the west. Arriving from the northeast over the Pacific, aircraft on approach to runway 08 pass over Pearl Harbor and the south shore of Oahu on the right side, with Diamond Head crater and Waikiki visible further right. The left side faces inland mountains and less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Diamond Head crater, Waikiki Beach and Honolulu skyline, Pearl Harbor and Ford Island, Koolau Range.
How long is the flight from Las Vegas to Honolulu?
The flight from Mc Carran International (LAS) to Honolulu International (HNL) takes Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours.
What does the Las Vegas to Honolulu flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses over the Mojave Desert and briefly over the California coast near Los Angeles or Point Conception before heading out over open Pacific Ocean. The Channel Islands may be faintly visible early in the flight. The remainder is open Pacific with no land features until the Hawaiian Islands appear, with the Big Island of Hawaii sometimes visible to the south before Oahu comes into view on descent.