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SEA to HNL Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
SEA
→
HNL
Seattle · Honolulu · 5h 45m
40
Turb Score
5h 45m
Duration
2,677 nm
Distance
37,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for SEA–HNL

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h5h 45m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the SEA–HNL route

The Seattle to Honolulu route spans the Pacific Ocean — one of the longest commercial flight paths in the world at 3,082 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 Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines on Boeing 737 · Boeing 767 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 37,000 feet over a distance of 3,082 miles (2,677 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on SEA–HNL

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 SEA–HNL

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on SEA–HNL

Boeing 737

Front
Rows 1–11
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 12–22
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

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

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New York → Honolulu
Light
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Frequently asked questions

Is the Seattle to Honolulu flight turbulent?
The SEA–HNL route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 40/100.
When is turbulence worst on SEA to HNL?
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 SEA to HNL?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 12–22. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from SEA to HNL?
The SEA to HNL flight takes approximately 5h 45m, covering 3,082 miles (2,677 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly SEA to HNL?
The main airlines operating this route are Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Boeing 767 aircraft.