Home› Routes› Transpacific Flights› LAX → KOA

LAX to KOA Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
LAX
→
KOA
Los Angeles · Kona · 5h 35m
37
Turb Score
5h 35m
Duration
2,488 nm
Distance
36,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
Turbulence Forecast app — LAX to KOA
⚠️ 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 LAX–KOA

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h5h 35m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the LAX–KOA route

The Los Angeles to Kona route spans the Pacific Ocean — one of the longest commercial flight paths in the world at 2,864 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 2,864 miles (2,488 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on LAX–KOA

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 LAX–KOA

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on LAX–KOA

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

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

LAX → HNL
Los Angeles → Honolulu
Light
LAX → OGG
Los Angeles → Maui
Light
SFO → KOA
San Francisco → Kona
Light
SEA → HNL
Seattle → Honolulu
Light
SFO → HNL
San Francisco → Honolulu
Light
DFW → HNL
Dallas → Honolulu
Light
See all transpacific flights →
All LAX routes→ All KOA routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Los Angeles to Kona flight turbulent?
The LAX–KOA route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 37/100.
When is turbulence worst on LAX to KOA?
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 LAX to KOA?
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 LAX to KOA?
The LAX to KOA flight takes approximately 5h 35m, covering 2,864 miles (2,488 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly LAX to KOA?
The main airlines operating this route are Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, flying Boeing 767 · Boeing 717 aircraft.