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How Long Is the Flight from Los Angeles to Hawaii? [2026 Guide]
Nonstop flight time, airline options, cheapest months, and booking tips for Los Angeles (LAX) to Hawaii (HNL).
Where
A nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Hawaii takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes. One-stop flights can range from 9 to 16 hours depending on layover duration. The distance from LAX to Honolulu is about 2,556 miles (4,113 km).
How Long Is the Flight from Los Angeles to Hawaii?
How long is the flight from LA to Hawaii? The direct answer: a nonstop flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Honolulu (HNL) typically takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes. This popular transpacific route covers roughly 2,556 miles (4,113 kilometers) over the Pacific Ocean. Flying with one stop usually extends the total duration to anywhere from 9 to 16 hours, depending on connection times and layover cities such as San Francisco, Seattle, or Dallas. Major airlines operating this route nonstop include Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines, while carriers like Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines also serve the route with both direct and connecting options. Other international airlines such as ANA, Japan Airlines, and British Airways may offer connecting services via their U.S. partners. For those ready to compare fares or try crypto-powered bookings, you can search flights on Travorio for up-to-date schedules and prices.
Nonstop Flight Time: Los Angeles to Hawaii
The nonstop flight time from Los Angeles (LAX) to Honolulu (HNL) is approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes on major airlines. Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines all offer nonstop flights with durations ranging from 5 hours 25 minutes to 5 hours 50 minutes, depending on route and wind conditions.
Hawaiian Airlines typically completes the journey in about 5 hours 35 minutes, while United and Delta flights often range between 5 hours 30 minutes and 5 hours 50 minutes. American Airlines flights are usually scheduled for around 5 hours 35 minutes. Eastbound flights from Hawaii back to Los Angeles are sometimes about 20-30 minutes shorter, due to tailwinds from the jet stream assisting the return leg. Westbound flights from LA to Hawaii may take slightly longer against prevailing winds, but the difference is usually less than half an hour.
Flight Time with One Stop
A one-stop flight from Los Angeles to Hawaii generally takes between 9 and 16 hours, depending on layover length and routing. Common layover cities for this route include San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
Flight time is significantly affected by layover duration. For example, a short connection in San Francisco may keep total travel under 9 hours, while a lengthy overnight layover in Dallas or Seattle can push the journey above 15 hours. Airlines like Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines frequently operate one-stop itineraries, especially during peak travel periods when nonstop seats are limited. If you want to minimize total travel time, choose itineraries with layovers of under 2 hours in major hub airports.
Which Airlines Fly from Los Angeles to Hawaii?
Several major airlines operate flights from Los Angeles to Hawaii. The main carriers offering nonstop service are Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines. Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines also serve this route, with a mix of nonstop and one-stop options. International airlines like ANA, Japan Airlines, and British Airways may offer connecting flights via their U.S. partners.
Of these, Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines are often the most affordable, especially during sales or off-peak months. Delta and United are known for consistent service and schedule reliability, while American Airlines offers competitive fares with good onboard amenities. For detailed schedules and seat maps, see the Hawaiian Airlines Los Angeles-Hawaii schedule.
Best Time to Book Los Angeles to Hawaii Flights
The cheapest months to fly from Los Angeles to Hawaii are typically January, February, and September, with roundtrip fares often ranging from $250 to $400. Prices tend to increase during peak months such as June, July, and December, sometimes exceeding $700 roundtrip. Booking 2 to 4 months in advance usually secures the best deals.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays often yield lower fares compared to weekends, as demand is lower midweek. Flexibility with your travel dates and airports can save significant money. If you’re planning a holiday or spring break trip, reserve tickets at least 4 months in advance to lock in lower prices and better seat selection.
What to Expect on a 5-Hour Flight
On a 5-hour, 30-minute flight from Los Angeles to Hawaii, travelers can expect a comfortable experience aboard narrowbody or widebody jets from airlines like Hawaiian, United, or Delta. These flights typically include seatback entertainment, complimentary snacks or meals (especially on Hawaiian Airlines), and Wi-Fi on most carriers.
Since the time zone difference between Los Angeles and Honolulu is 3 hours during Standard Time (2 hours during Daylight Saving Time), you'll arrive with several hours left in the day. Bring a travel pillow, hydrate during the flight, and consider noise-canceling headphones for comfort. Most flights offer paid or complimentary movies, music, and live TV, so load your devices with content just in case.
Airport Tips: LAX and HNL
Departures for Hawaii from Los Angeles typically leave from Terminals 4 (American Airlines), 5 (Delta), 6 (Alaska Airlines), 7/8 (United), and the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Hawaiian Airlines). Arrive at LAX 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours for international departures to ensure enough time for security and check-in.
Upon arrival at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu, U.S. travelers do not clear immigration, but international arrivals do. The airport is about 6 miles (10 km) from Waikiki, with taxis and rideshares costing $30-$45. Public buses and shuttle vans are also available. Follow signs to baggage claim and ground transportation for a smooth exit.
Hawaii Travel Essentials
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to fly from Los Angeles to Hawaii, as it is a domestic route. The official currency is the U.S. dollar (USD) and tipping is customary, with 15-20% recommended for service. Airport shuttles to Waikiki cost about $18 per person, while city buses are $3 per ride.
Hawaii enjoys warm, tropical weather year-round, but winters (December to February) bring more rain, especially on the windward side. Summers (June to August) are drier and busier. Pack light clothing, sun protection, and plan for occasional showers. Renting a car is popular for exploring Oahu, but traffic in Honolulu can be heavy during rush hours.
Before you go, Explore Honolulu on the map to discover hidden gems, popular attractions, and local favorites near your destination.
How to Save on Los Angeles to Hawaii Flights
To save money on flights from Los Angeles to Hawaii, book in advance, travel during off-peak months, and compare fares across airlines. Use fare comparison tools like compare flights on Travorio to spot deals, and check for discounts when paying with cryptocurrencies to avoid credit card foreign transaction fees.
Consider splitting your payment into four interest-free installments with buy now, pay later providers such as split payments with Sezzle. Flying midweek and being flexible with travel dates can also reduce costs. Joining airline newsletters and setting price alerts for LAX to HNL routes may help you catch flash sales not advertised elsewhere.
Flight Time Summary
Airline Comparison
Monthly Price Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
A nonstop flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Honolulu (HNL) takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes. Major airlines such as Hawaiian Airlines, United, Delta, and American operate this route with consistent schedules year-round.
A one-stop flight from Los Angeles to Hawaii typically takes between 9 and 16 hours. The total duration depends on the length of the layover and the connecting airport, such as San Francisco, Seattle, or Dallas.
Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Southwest Airlines all offer nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Honolulu on select schedules. Check each airline’s site for current nonstop options.
The cheapest months to fly from Los Angeles to Hawaii are typically January, February, and September. Roundtrip fares in these months often range from $250 to $400, while summer and holidays are much more expensive.
Hawaii is 3 hours behind Los Angeles during Standard Time and 2 hours behind during Daylight Saving Time. Always check the current time difference before you travel, especially if you have connecting flights.
Booking 2 to 4 months in advance is recommended for the lowest fares from Los Angeles to Hawaii. For peak travel periods, such as summer and holidays, book at least 4 months ahead to secure your preferred flights.
Yes, you can pay for flights in installments using buy now, pay later providers like Sezzle, which allow you to split your fare into four interest-free payments. Crypto payments are also supported on some travel platforms to avoid foreign transaction fees.
No, U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel from Los Angeles to Hawaii. Hawaii is a U.S. state, so domestic travel requirements apply for all U.S. passport holders.
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