KOA to SFO Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Kona to San Francisco flight turbulent?

The KOA–SFO route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on KOA to SFO?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 767, that's rows 14–22. Avoid the rear of the aircraft.

Q: How long is the flight from KOA to SFO?

The KOA to SFO flight takes approximately 6h 20m.

Is the Kona to San Francisco flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

KOA

→

SFO

Kona · San Francisco · 6h 20m

Turb Score

6h 20m

Duration

2,352 nm

Distance

36,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

⚠️ Light turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for KOA–SFO

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h6h 20m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the KOA–SFO route

The Kona to San Francisco route spans the Pacific Ocean — one of the longest commercial flight paths in the world at 2,707 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, Alaska Airlines on Boeing 767 · Boeing 717 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 36,000 feet over a distance of 2,707 miles (2,352 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on KOA–SFO

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

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Best time to fly KOA–SFO

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on KOA–SFO

Boeing 767

Front

Rows 1–13

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 14–22

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 23+

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

Honolulu → San Francisco

Honolulu → Los Angeles

See all transpacific flights →

All KOA routes→ All SFO routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Kona to San Francisco flight turbulent?

The KOA–SFO route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 36/100.

When is turbulence worst on KOA to SFO?

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 KOA to SFO?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 767 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 14–22. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from KOA to SFO?

The KOA to SFO flight takes approximately 6h 20m, covering 2,707 miles (2,352 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly KOA to SFO?

The main airlines operating this route are Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, flying Boeing 767 · Boeing 717 aircraft.