Many people dream of visiting Hawaii. Stunning scenery, fascinating culture, beautiful beaches, and more. Who wouldn’t desire to go? Even Californians who seem to live in a sunny paradise want to travel to the island state. How far is Hawaii from California by plane? It takes 2,470 miles to fly from California to any major Hawaiian islands.
You cannot drive to Hawaii, the only practical way to get there is by plane.
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What Airports should you fly to in Hawaii?
Although there won’t be much difference in flight times because Hawaii is in the Pacific Ocean and California is on the West Coast, it is still essential to know about various airports. The state of Hawaii consists of several islands. So the island you’re visiting will largely determine which airport you fly into. These are some of the main airports below:
The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
It is Hawaii’s busiest international airport, where flights arrive from around the world daily. The island of Oahu is home to the bustling Waikiki beach, which attracts many tourists.
Hilo International Airport (ITO)
Hilo International Airport, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, serves tourists worldwide. It is located on the Big Island’s east side.
Kona International Airport (KNA)
Kona is on the west side of the Big Island, making it convenient to get to the airports. The two airports also split their business, preventing Hawaii’s main island from having a single overrun airport.
Maui’s Kahului Airport
The Kahului airport is located on the island of Maui. This airport only handles domestic flights, transporting people from Honolulu to international airports. However, direct flights from the United States, usually from LAX, to Kahului Airport are also available.
Lihue Airport
It is located on the island of Kauai and primarily serves interstate flights from one island to another. The airport is small but busy because it serves as the primary transportation hub for locals. They also have flights to the mainland and even Canada and interisland flights.
Molokai Airport
Molokai is a small, underdeveloped island that many people enjoy visiting because it allows them to truly escape the hustle and bustle of the more populated islands. The Molokai airport is small and only serves flights from Honolulu.
Lanai Airport
Like Molokai, its small size and rural setting allow visitors to experience local life. The airport only offers flights to and from Honolulu.
What Airports should you fly out of California?
California has the largest population of any state in the United States. It has a total of 23 major commercial airports. However, you only need to care about three major airports. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego are among the three departure cities. The airports at these locations are as follows:
- International Airport of Los Angeles (LAX)
- International Airport of San Francisco (SFO)
- International Airport of San Diego (SAN)
No matter where you are in the state, you should be able to estimate how long your flight will be because these airports are all fairly distant from one another. Because all the cities are on the West Coast and the Hawaiian Islands are so close together, there won’t be much of a difference in the flight times between the cities.
Airlines from LAX to Hawaii
Some small islands are difficult to reach, but Hawaii has made major airlines more accessible to them:
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Southwest
- American Airlines
- United
- Alaska Airlines
- JetBlue Delta
The most popular airline is Hawaiian airlines since they prioritize flying people to and from Hawaii.
From California to Hawaii: How long is the flight?
The flight from California to Hawaii is five and a half to six hours. Let’s delve a little deeper and determine the actual distance of each flight from California to Hawaii.
Los Angeles to Hawaii
Finding a flight from LAX to ITO airports is necessary if you’re flying from Los Angeles to Hawaii. Nonstop options on United Airlines are available, but most of these flights will require at least one connection. A typical flight with a layover will take between 8 and 10 hours, whereas a nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Hilo takes just over 6 hours. The flight has two thousand four hundred fifty-eight miles over the Pacific Ocean.
San Francisco to Hawaii
There are 2,319 miles between San Francisco and Hilo, Hawaii. Almost always, flights from SFO to ITO have stops along the way for connections or layovers. On average, these flights will take 10 to 14 hours to complete the journey.
San Diego to Hawaii
Flights from San Diego to Hilo, Hawaii, are somewhat limited, as are flights from San Francisco. You will always have a connecting flight or a layover during your 2,498-mile journey. Most flights will take between 12 and 14 hours to complete.
Los Angeles to Oahu
Since Honolulu (Oahu) is home to Hawaii’s busiest airport, your chances of finding a nonstop flight to get there are significantly better. Flights from LAX to HNL should take under 6 hours without a layover. You will spend 2,558 miles of the journey in the air.
San Francisco to Oahu
Due to the nonstop options and San Francisco’s location, flying from San Francisco to Honolulu is one of the quickest routes from California to Hawaii. Flights from SFO to HNL cover the 2,393 miles in about 5 hours and 30 minutes.
San Diego to Oahu
Oahu has a tonne of nonstop options that go from San Diego to Honolulu. A direct flight from SAN to HNL allows just under 6 hours and 30 minutes for inflight time. You’ll fly 2,607 miles during this trip, making it slightly longer than the others.
Los Angeles to Maui
Similar to flying from LA to Honolulu, many nonstop options are available when flying into Kahului, Maui. The distance from LAX to OGG in the air is approximately 2,495 miles, and it should take just under 6 hours to travel those distances.
San Francisco to Maui
The 2,339-mile nonstop flight from SFO to OGG will also be nonstop. The difference in time between this journey and flying from San Francisco to Honolulu is minimal. The travel time on these nonstop flights is approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes.
San Diego to Maui
San Diego to Kahului, Maui nonstop flights take about 6 hours and 15 minutes, a little longer than the other two California departure airports. There are 2,540 miles between SAN and OGG on this flight.
Los Angeles to Kauai
You’ll have no trouble finding a nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Kauai. These flights from LAX to LIH take about 6 hours to complete and cover 2,622 miles. Kauai island is the farthest away from Los Angeles.
San Francisco to Kauai
While the other two California airports have numerous nonstop flights, flights from SFO to LIH almost always require a connection and take 8 to 12 hours. However, United Airlines offers a nonstop flight with a total flight time of 6 hours and 5 minutes. This flight covers a distance of 2,445 miles.
San Diego to Kauai
With a total distance of 2,674 miles, this is the longest journey on this list. You should be able to find a nonstop flight that takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes.
From Hawaii to California: How long is the flight?
The flight from Hawaii to LAX is closer to five hours, if not less. The time difference is because planes encounter less wind resistance when flying from West to East rather than East to West. When they are ready to get home, many people appreciate the shorter distance on the way back.
Should you Take a Boat from California to Hawaii?
From California to Hawaii, you can take a boat. A boat trip of approximately 2,225 nautical miles would take approximately 11 days with an experienced captain. Traveling by boat is not advised. Though some cruises indulge you throughout the journey.
Is Hawaii closer to Japan than California?
The distance between California and Hawaii is about 2,500 miles, whereas the distance between Japan and California is about 4000 miles.
What places can you visit in Hawaii?
Once in Hawaii, you can enjoy the numerous incredible places throughout the island. Here are some of them:
North Shore of Oahu
It is renowned for drawing surfers from all over the world to its breathtaking coastlines and extraordinarily large winter waves. The main attraction on the North Shore is the historic town of Haleiwa, which is one of Hawaii’s coolest places to visit with art galleries, authentic dining options, surf shops, a surf museum, gift shops, food trucks, yoga studios, and a great neighborhood. You must try the garlic shrimp plate at Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck in Kahuku on the North Shore. To see the Green Hawaiian Sea turtles in their natural environment, you should also visit Lani’s Beach and Waimea Bay and try the shaved ice from M. Matsumoto’s Grocery Store.
Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
This region was the home of Hawaiian Ali’i, and it is renowned for its gushing waterfalls and freshwater rivers, an abundance of Hawaiian flora, and a surplus of natural food sources from the valley to the sea, including taro, sweet potatoes, breadfruit, fresh fish, and more.
A great way to explore the coastline is by an ocean vessel. Go on snorkeling tours, sunset dinner cruises, and for longer Kauai ocean tours, to a remote beach called Nualolo Kai.
You can also explore the Na Pali coastline on foot via the Kalalau Trail, where you can see natural waterfalls and streams, rugged coastlines, and two beautiful beaches.
Haleakala National Park
Plan a trip to Haleakala for a sunrise or sunset, guided activities, hiking, and camping on the Valley Isle of Maui, and feel the power of the 10,023-foot dormant Mt. Haleakala all around you.
Road to Hana
By taking the Hana Highway to East Maui, you will have the opportunity to see one of Hawaii’s most beautiful landscapes. Visit Twin Hall for a short hike to a beautiful waterfall, Nahiku Marketplace for delicious treats and gifts, and Wai’anapanapa State Park for a black sand beach, stunning coastline, and a glance into Old Hawaii.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
There are many ways to explore the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, but the main attractions are going to the Hawaii Volcano Observatory and seeing the Halema’uma’u Crater, Kilauea’s Caldera, a 500-year-old lava cave, volcanic lava fields, and fiery infernos up close.
The Ending Note
Most people despise long flights, but if the destination is Hawaii, with its enticing stunning scenery and relaxing vibe, the hours in the air are well worth it. Go and get your ticket and spend a fantastic time in Hawaii. We hope that your query to find out “how far is Hawaii from California by plane?” must have been answered and you have the required information you were looking for.
FAQs
How long is a flight to Hawaii?
Flights from the west coast to Hawaii take about 5-6 hours, 8-9 hours from the middle of the country, and 11-12 hours from the east coast.
How far is Hawaii from California in hours?
It takes about 6 hours to fly from California to Hawaii if you are flying nonstop, whereas it takes about 8 to 10 hours if you have a layover.
How far is Hawaii from California in miles?
The distance between Hawaii and California is 2,470 miles.
How far is Hawaii from California by boat?
The fastest sailboats take about 3 days, while pleasure boats take 6 to 21 days. The route from the Pacific Ocean to Mexico takes about 11 to 16 days. It takes about 13 days if you are sailing from San Francisco Bay. The great circle route takes about 14 days.
How far is Hawaii from California by plane?
The airplane takes about 6 hours on a nonstop flight and 8 to 10 hours when your flight has a layover.
How far is Hawaii from California by car?
It is not possible to drive your car from the mainland United States to Hawaii.
How far is Hawaii from California by ship?
It takes about 2,500 nautical miles to go from California to Hawaii.