While the left side wins the Seattle departure with Mount Rainier, the right side's Hawaii approach over Diamond Head, Waikiki, and Honolulu is the most memorable and visually striking part of the entire flight, making it the stronger overall choice despite similar hours of open-ocean cruise on both sides.
Flown SEA to HNL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Honolulu is 2,677 miles (4,308 km), a flight of about 5 hours 50 minutes.
The cruise phase is almost entirely over open Pacific Ocean with no land visible; the great-circle path passes well north of any islands until the descent toward Oahu begins.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
LEFTDeparting SEA to the south before banking toward Hawaii, left-side passengers get a strong, lingering view of Mount Rainier's glaciated cone rising over the Cascades, with Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline receding below. The right side mainly shows Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, which are scenic but less dramatic than Rainier's massive profile.
Landing at HNL
RIGHTArrivals into HNL from the mainland typically continue past the airport along Oahu's south shore before turning back to land into the trade winds, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of Diamond Head crater, Waikiki's hotel-lined beach, and the Honolulu skyline. This far outclasses the Pearl Harbor/Waianae Range view available on the left during the final turn.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Honolulu International (HNL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Honolulu. While the left side wins the Seattle departure with Mount Rainier, the right side's Hawaii approach over Diamond Head, Waikiki, and Honolulu is the most memorable and visually striking part of the entire flight, making it the stronger overall choice despite similar hours of open-ocean cruise on both sides.
What can I see during takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing SEA to the south before banking toward Hawaii, left-side passengers get a strong, lingering view of Mount Rainier's glaciated cone rising over the Cascades, with Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline receding below. The right side mainly shows Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, which are scenic but less dramatic than Rainier's massive profile. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade Range foothills, Lake Washington, Seattle downtown skyline.
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. Arrivals into HNL from the mainland typically continue past the airport along Oahu's south shore before turning back to land into the trade winds, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of Diamond Head crater, Waikiki's hotel-lined beach, and the Honolulu skyline. This far outclasses the Pearl Harbor/Waianae Range view available on the left during the final turn. Notable sights include: Diamond Head crater, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu skyline, Mamala Bay coastline.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Honolulu?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Honolulu International (HNL) takes about 5 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,677 miles (4,308 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Honolulu flight path pass over?
The cruise phase is almost entirely over open Pacific Ocean with no land visible; the great-circle path passes well north of any islands until the descent toward Oahu begins.