When is the Portland to Kona route most turbulent?

See the monthly chart above for exact patterns. Transatlantic and mountain routes are typically roughest in winter (Dec–Mar). Tropical and Caribbean routes peak during monsoon season (Jul–Sep).

What aircraft operates the PDX to KOA route?

The PDX–KOA route is typically operated by Boeing 737 · Airbus A321. Airlines include Hawaiian Airlines, United, American, Alaska.

Is turbulence on PDX to KOA dangerous?

No — turbulence on the PDX–KOA route is not dangerous to the aircraft. Modern commercial aircraft are built to withstand far more stress than any turbulence encountered. The main risk is to unbelted passengers. Always keep your seatbelt fastened when seated.

How can I check turbulence before my PDX to KOA flight?

Use the Turbulence Forecast app (iOS & Android) for real-time PIREPs, SIGMET alerts, and AI-powered forecasts for the PDX–KOA route. The app shows minute-by-minute turbulence timing for your specific flight date.

PDX to KOA Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Portland to Kona flight turbulent?

The PDX–KOA route typically experiences light turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on PDX to KOA?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 737 · Airbus A321, that's rows 10-20. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

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

Live forecast

PDX

→

KOA

Portland · Kona · 5h

Turb Score

Duration

2,266 nm

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

⚠️ Light turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for PDX–KOA

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h5h

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the PDX–KOA route

The Portland to Kona domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 2,608 miles at around 35,000 feet. Turbulence is most common when weather systems cross the Midwest or when the flight path skirts the Rocky Mountains. Short duration means any rough patches pass quickly.

The route is served by Hawaiian Airlines, United, American, Alaska on Boeing 737 · Airbus A321 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 2,608 miles (2,266 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Domestic routes are generally smoother. Mountain crossings are the main turbulence source.

Portland to Kona Flight Time

How long is the flight from PDX to KOA?

Flight Time

2,608 mi

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 737

Aircraft

The Portland (PDX) to Kona (KOA) flight takes approximately 5h, covering 2,608 miles (2,266 nautical miles) at 35,000 feet. The route is operated by Hawaiian Airlines, United, American, Alaska. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on PDX–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

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Best time to fly PDX–KOA

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on PDX–KOA

Boeing 737

Front

Rows 1–9

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 10-20

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 21+

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

See all us domestic flights →

Related guides

Learn more about flight turbulence

Turbulence Tracker

Track any flight in real time

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Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

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When Does Turbulence Happen?

Phases of flight explained

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Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

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Passenger Reports

Kids barely noticed the turbulence — just some mild bumps over the Midwest. Seatbelt sign was on and off a couple times. Nothing dramatic.

Parent traveling with kids · January

Some light chop over the Midwest — seatbelt sign came on for maybe 20 minutes but nothing to worry about. Typical for this route in April.

Regular traveler · April

A few bumpy patches on descent, lasted maybe half an hour total. Drink service was paused briefly. Not unusual for this time of year.

Frequent flyer · January

All PDX routes→ All KOA routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Portland to Kona flight turbulent?

The PDX–KOA route typically experiences light turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected. The turbulence score for this route is 2/100.

When is turbulence worst on PDX to KOA?

Domestic routes are generally smoother. Mountain crossings are the main turbulence source. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.

Which seat is smoothest on PDX to KOA?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 10-20. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from PDX to KOA?

The PDX to KOA flight takes approximately 5h, covering 2,608 miles (2,266 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly PDX to KOA?

The main airlines operating this route are Hawaiian Airlines, United, American, Alaska, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A321 aircraft.

Data Sources

PIREP — Pilot reports (PIREPs) submitted via FAA/ICAO systems, aggregated over 12+ months of historical data
SIGMET / AIRMET — Significant Meteorological Information bulletins from NOAA Aviation Weather Center
EDR data — Eddy Dissipation Rate measurements from commercial aircraft (ADS-B derived turbulence intensity)
Seasonal patterns — 5-year rolling averages of turbulence frequency and intensity by month for this route

Scores represent typical conditions. Actual turbulence varies daily. For real-time forecasts, use the Turbulence Forecast app. · About our data