Oakland to Honolulu is 2,407 miles (3,873 km), a flight of about 5 hours 20 minutes.
The right side captures both scenic bookends of the flight - the San Francisco Bay landmarks on departure and the Diamond Head/Waikiki approach into Honolulu - while the five-plus hours of open Pacific cruise offer identical, largely featureless views on either side.
Flight Path
Vast open Pacific Ocean with no land visible for most of the cruise; the Hawaiian island chain only comes into view during descent toward Oahu.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from OAK
RIGHTDeparting OAK on the west-facing runways, the aircraft climbs out over the bay and banks south toward the Pacific, putting San Francisco's skyline and bay landmarks on the north-facing right side of the plane. Left-side passengers mostly see the flatter East Bay hills and suburbs of Oakland and San Leandro.
Landing at HNL
RIGHTHNL's favored easterly arrival often follows the Diamond Head visual approach along Oahu's south shore, giving right-side passengers a close view of the crater, Waikiki's beachfront hotels, and downtown Honolulu just before touchdown. Left-side passengers instead see Pearl Harbor and open ocean approach with fewer distinct landmarks.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK) to Honolulu International (HNL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Oakland to Honolulu. The right side captures both scenic bookends of the flight - the San Francisco Bay landmarks on departure and the Diamond Head/Waikiki approach into Honolulu - while the five-plus hours of open Pacific cruise offer identical, largely featureless views on either side.
What can I see during takeoff from Metropolitan Oakland International in Oakland?
During takeoff from Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing OAK on the west-facing runways, the aircraft climbs out over the bay and banks south toward the Pacific, putting San Francisco's skyline and bay landmarks on the north-facing right side of the plane. Left-side passengers mostly see the flatter East Bay hills and suburbs of Oakland and San Leandro. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Bay Bridge.
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. HNL's favored easterly arrival often follows the Diamond Head visual approach along Oahu's south shore, giving right-side passengers a close view of the crater, Waikiki's beachfront hotels, and downtown Honolulu just before touchdown. Left-side passengers instead see Pearl Harbor and open ocean approach with fewer distinct landmarks. Notable sights include: Diamond Head crater, Waikiki Beach, downtown Honolulu skyline, Koolau Mountains.
How long is the flight from Oakland to Honolulu?
The flight from Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK) to Honolulu International (HNL) takes about 5 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,407 miles (3,873 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Oakland to Honolulu flight path pass over?
Vast open Pacific Ocean with no land visible for most of the cruise; the Hawaiian island chain only comes into view during descent toward Oahu.