Home› Routes› Transpacific Flights› HNL → LAX

HNL to LAX Turbulence Forecast

Is the Honolulu to Los Angeles flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast
HNL
→
LAX
Honolulu · Los Angeles · 6h 40m
38
Turb Score
6h 40m
Duration
2,556 nm
Distance
36,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
Turbulence Forecast app — HNL to LAX
⚠️ Light turbulence today
Get exact timing, altitude & best seat — free
Download free on the App Store
★★★★★ 4.8 · Free · No sign-up
Scan to download Turbulence Forecast
Scan to get the full forecast ★★★★★ 4.8 · Free on the App Store · No sign-up

Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for HNL–LAX

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h6h 40m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the HNL–LAX route

The Honolulu to Los Angeles route spans the Pacific Ocean — one of the longest commercial flight paths in the world at 2,942 miles. The Pacific jet stream creates moderate turbulence, typically around 3–7 hours into the flight. The sheer length of the route means passengers experience varying conditions: calm stretches punctuated by bumpy patches.

The route is served by Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A330 · Boeing 767 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 36,000 feet over a distance of 2,942 miles (2,556 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Long flight — turbulence varies throughout. Wing seats significantly reduce motion.

Turbulence levels on HNL–LAX

What to expect at each phase of the flight

SmoothDeparture & arrival — climb and descent phases are generally calm
LightMinor bumps — drink stays in your cup, walking feels slightly unsteady
ModerateNoticeable bumps — stay seated with seatbelt on, service may pause
HeavyStrong jolts — unsecured items move, crew seated. Rare but possible

Get minute-by-minute timing for your specific flight

Download on the App Store — Free

Best time to fly HNL–LAX

Turbulence by month

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Rough

Best seat on HNL–LAX

Boeing 767

Front
Rows 1–17
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 18–28
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 29+
Rougher
Wing seats are over the center of gravity — least affected by turbulence.

What you'll see in the app

Full forecast, live map & seat recommendations

HNL to LAX turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

LAX → HNL
Los Angeles → Honolulu
Light
HNL → SFO
Honolulu → San Francisco
Light
NRT → LAX
Tokyo → Los Angeles
Moderate
SFO → LAX
San Francisco → Los Angeles
Light
LAX → JFK
Los Angeles → New York
Light
SYD → LAX
Sydney → Los Angeles
Light
See all transpacific flights →
All HNL routes→ All LAX routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Honolulu to Los Angeles flight turbulent?
The HNL–LAX route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 38/100.
When is turbulence worst on HNL to LAX?
Long flight — turbulence varies throughout. Wing seats significantly reduce motion. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.
Which seat is smoothest on HNL to LAX?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 767 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 18–28. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from HNL to LAX?
The HNL to LAX flight takes approximately 6h 40m, covering 2,942 miles (2,556 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly HNL to LAX?
The main airlines operating this route are Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A330 · Boeing 767 aircraft.