How Long Is the Flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Hawaii?

Dreaming of a Hawaiian escape from Los Angeles? You’re not alone—Hawaii is one of the top vacation picks for West Coast travelers, thanks to its year-round sunshine, stunning beaches, and laid-back island culture. But before you pack your bags and grab a lei, there’s one big question most first-time visitors ask: how long is the flight from Los Angeles to Hawaii?

The short answer: most nonstop flights take about 5 to 6 hours, but the exact time depends on which island you’re flying to, which airline you choose, and even the weather that day. Connecting flights can stretch the journey longer, especially if you’re stopping in places like San Francisco or Seattle.

In this guide, we’ll give you a clear breakdown of flight times by island, explain what factors can make your trip longer or shorter, review the best airlines for this route, and share practical tips to make the five-plus hours fly by. Whether you’re headed to Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island, you’ll know exactly what to expect before takeoff.

Quick Summary: Flight Time from Los Angeles to Hawaii (2025)

Most nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Hawaii cover about 2,500 miles across the Pacific Ocean, and the flight time remains fairly consistent across different islands. Honolulu (Oahu) tends to be the quickest at roughly 5 hours 30 minutes, while Maui (Kahului), Kona on the Big Island, and Kauai average closer to 5 hours 45 minutes to 6 hours.

Weather patterns, strong Pacific jet streams, and seasonal traffic can cause minor variations in duration, but travelers can generally expect their journey from LAX to Hawaii to fall within this 5–6 hour range. For connecting flights with stopovers in cities like San Francisco or Seattle, total travel time may extend to 7–10 hours.

👉 Bottom Line: Most nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Hawaii take 5–6 hours, while layovers can extend travel time significantly. For help booking affordable nonstop flights, call help center at +1-866-558-3017.

What are Flight Times by Island (Nonstop from LAX) ?

Flight times vary slightly depending on which Hawaiian island you’re visiting:

• Los Angeles to Honolulu (Oahu): ~5 hr 30 min
• Los Angeles to Kahului (Maui): ~5 hr 45 min
• Los Angeles to Lihue (Kauai): ~6 hr
• Los Angeles to Kona (Big Island): ~5 hr 45 min

📌 Tip: If time is a priority, Oahu usually has the shortest flights and the most nonstop options. Kauai tends to take the longest due to its more remote location.

Factors That Affect Flight Duration

Even with scheduled flight times, your journey length can vary:

• Jet Streams: Strong Pacific tailwinds can shorten flights, while headwinds may add 20–40 minutes.
• Weather Conditions: Tropical storms or turbulence may cause rerouting.
• Time of Year: Peak summer and holiday seasons may affect airline schedules.
• Type of Aircraft: Widebody planes often cruise faster and more efficiently than smaller aircraft.

What Time of Day Is Best to Fly from LA to Hawaii?

Choosing the right departure time can make a big difference in how enjoyable your trip feels once you land in Hawaii. From Los Angeles (LAX), airlines offer flights to Honolulu, Maui, Kona, and Kauai throughout the day, but your experience may vary depending on when you take off.

• Morning Flights: These are popular with families and vacationers who want to arrive in Hawaii by early afternoon. Leaving Los Angeles in the morning means you can check into your hotel, grab a meal, and still have daylight left to explore or relax at the beach. Morning flights also tend to have fewer delays compared to later departures.
• Afternoon Flights: A good middle ground if you don’t want to wake up early. Arriving in Hawaii in the evening allows you to settle in, have dinner, and rest up for a fresh start the next day.
• Evening and Red-Eye Flights: Some airlines offer late-night departures, arriving in Hawaii around midnight or early morning. These are often cheaper and work well if you’re comfortable sleeping on planes. The downside is you may arrive tired, and hotel check-in can be tricky if you get there too late or too early.

📌 Wrap-up: If you want to maximize your time in Hawaii, morning flights are usually the best bet. Red-eyes can save money but may leave you groggy on arrival, while afternoon flights offer a balanced option.

Best Airlines for LAX–Hawaii Routes

Several airlines operate daily nonstop flights between Los Angeles (LAX) and Hawaii, giving travelers multiple options for price, comfort, and service. Here’s a quick look at the most popular choices:

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaii’s flagship carrier, known for its island hospitality, complimentary meals on long-haul flights, and strong reliability. A top choice if you want an authentic Hawaiian experience before you even land.

American Airlines

Operates multiple nonstop flights daily from LAX to Honolulu, Maui, and Kona. Offers AAdvantage mileage earning, competitive fares, and strong upgrade options for frequent flyers.

Delta Air Lines

Offers consistent service and solid in-flight entertainment. Delta’s Comfort+ and Premium Select seating options make the 5–6 hour trip more comfortable for travelers who want extra legroom.

United Airlines

A major player on West Coast–Hawaii routes, United provides numerous nonstop options. Travelers benefit from MileagePlus perks, plus Wi-Fi and meal service on long-haul flights.

Alaska Airlines

Known for excellent customer service and competitive fares, Alaska runs multiple nonstop flights to Hawaii from Los Angeles. Its Mileage Plan loyalty program is a strong value for frequent West Coast travelers.

📌 Wrap-up: All five airlines offer reliable nonstop service from Los Angeles to Hawaii. Your best choice may depend on fare price, loyalty program benefits, or comfort level. Hawaiian Airlines stands out for cultural experience, while U.S. majors (American, Delta, United, Alaska) deliver strong network and loyalty perks.

Layovers & Connecting Flights

Not every flight from Los Angeles to Hawaii is nonstop. Some itineraries include connections in:

• San Francisco (SFO)
• Seattle (SEA)
• Phoenix (PHX)

These add 2–4 extra hours to your trip, making total travel time 7–10+ hours. Layovers can sometimes mean cheaper fares or better schedules, but if time is important, always choose nonstop.

Which Los Angeles Airports Fly to Hawaii?

Most travelers heading to Hawaii from Southern California fly out of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the region’s busiest hub. LAX offers the widest selection of nonstop flights to Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, and Kona, operated daily by airlines such as Hawaiian, American, Delta, United, and Alaska.

Other Los Angeles–area airports, like Burbank (BUR), Long Beach (LGB), and Ontario (ONT), occasionally have connecting flights to Hawaii. These routes often require a stop in cities like Phoenix, San Francisco, or Seattle before continuing to the islands.

📌 Wrap-up: If you want a nonstop flight and the most schedule flexibility, LAX is your best option. Secondary airports can work if you prefer a smaller terminal or find a cheaper deal, but expect at least one layover.

Cost of Flights from Los Angeles to Hawaii in 2025

Flight prices between Los Angeles and Hawaii depend on the season, demand, and how far in advance you book. In 2025, here’s what travelers can generally expect:

• Economy Class: Round-trip fares average $250–$500, with the lowest prices typically in the fall and shoulder seasons.
• Premium Economy: Usually costs $600–$900, but includes more comfort and sometimes extra baggage.
• Business & First Class: Expect to pay $1,000+, though reward miles can reduce costs.

Seasonal Pricing:

• Summer and winter holidays: Highest fares due to demand.
• Spring and fall: More affordable, with midweek departures often cheapest.

Money-Saving Tips:

• Book at least 2–3 months in advance.
• Fly midweek instead of weekends.
• Use AAdvantage or other frequent flyer miles.

📌 Wrap-up: Most travelers from LA to Hawaii pay around $350–$500 round trip for Economy. Flexibility with dates can easily shave off $100 or more.

How to Choose the Right Hawaiian Island from LA

Los Angeles travelers have nonstop options to several Hawaiian islands, but which one you choose depends on the kind of trip you’re looking for.

• Oahu (Honolulu): Best for first-time visitors. It combines beaches, nightlife, shopping, and history (Pearl Harbor). Flight time: ~5 hr 30 min.
• Maui (Kahului): Popular with couples and families. Known for luxury resorts, whale watching, and the scenic Road to Hana. Flight time: ~5 hr 45 min.
• Kauai (Lihue): A nature lover’s dream. Lush rainforests, waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs like the Nā Pali Coast. Flight time: ~6 hr.
• Big Island (Kona): Best for adventure seekers. Active volcanoes, black-sand beaches, and stargazing at Mauna Kea. Flight time: ~5 hr 45 min.

📌 Wrap-up: All islands are within a similar flight range from Los Angeles, so your choice should come down to activities and atmosphere. First-timers often pick Oahu, while repeat visitors branch out to Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island.

Conclusion

So, how long is the flight from Los Angeles to Hawaii? The answer is reassuringly simple: most nonstop flights take between 5 and 6 hours, whether you’re heading to Honolulu, Maui, Kona, or Kauai. With so many daily departures from LAX and several major airlines competing on the route, travelers have plenty of choices for schedules, fares, and comfort levels.

Of course, your exact journey time can shift based on the island you choose, the time of day you fly, and even seasonal jet streams. Costs also vary, with most round-trip Economy fares ranging from $250 to $500 in 2025, and premium cabins priced higher for added comfort. And while layovers in cities like San Francisco or Seattle can extend your trip to 7–10 hours, nonstop flights remain the fastest and most convenient option.

📌 Whether you’re planning your first Hawaiian getaway or returning for another island adventure, knowing your flight time, costs, and airline options makes the process smoother. With a little planning, you can step off your flight refreshed and ready to enjoy the beaches, culture, and aloha spirit.

👉 Ready to book your Los Angeles to Hawaii flight? Call +1-866-558-3017 for expert help finding the best nonstop deals and schedules.