You stand on the warm sands of Waikiki. The sun kisses your face. However, your heart yearns for something different. You want the cobblestone streets of London. You want the art of Paris. You want the pasta of Rome. The only thing in your way is a massive ocean. Two oceans, actually. You start to wonder about the journey. How Long Is A Flight From Hawaii To Europe? This is a question that every traveler from the islands must face. It is not just a quick hop. It is a true marathon.
The Reality of the Distance
A flight from the middle of the Pacific to the heart of the European continent is one of the longest trips you can take on this planet. First of all, you must understand the sheer scale of this move. The average hawaii to europe flight time is about 24 hours and 8 minutes. That is a full day in the air. This trip covers a staggering distance of 7,434 miles. You will cross through 12 different time zones if you go all the way to places like Italy or Germany.
Though this sounds like a lot, you have options to make it better. The shortest possible route is actually from Honolulu (HNL) to Reykjavik (KEF) in Iceland. This flight takes about 16 hours and 25 minutes on average. However, most people do not stop in Iceland. They keep going to the big hubs. Therefore, you should prepare for a very long day of travel.
Are There Direct Flights?
You might hope for a simple path. You might want to get on a plane in Honolulu and get off in Madrid. Are there direct flights from europe to hawaii? The short answer is no. Currently, no airline offers a nonstop service that connects these two points. You will always have to stop at least once. Often, you will stop twice.
Most travelers find that they must connect through the US mainland or Canada. These stops add time. They also add a chance to stretch your legs. A typical journey involves a five or six-hour flight to the West Coast. After that, you face a ten-hour jump across the Atlantic. Finally, you might have one more short flight to your final city. Plus, you have to count the time you spend sitting in airport terminals.
The Most Popular Flight Paths
You have several ways to reach your destination. Your choice will change your total travel time.
- The West Coast Connection: Most people fly to Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO) first. These cities are massive gateways. They have nonstop flights to all the big European spots. You can easily find a flight from Honolulu to LAX, and then jump straight to London or Paris.
- The Seattle Route: You can also use Seattle (SEA) as your hub. This is a great choice if you are heading to Northern or Eastern Europe. Some airlines like Iceland Air even fly from Seattle to Reykjavik, which can be a beautiful way to break up the trip.
- The East Coast Slog: You could choose to fly all the way to New York (JFK) or Newark (EWR). This flight from Hawaii is about 11 hours long. After that, the flight to Europe is only about 7 or 8 hours. However, those shorter flights to Europe can be rough because you do not get enough time to sleep.
- The Canada Shortcut: Some savvy travelers fly through Vancouver or Calgary. Because of the way the Earth curves, flying through Canada can actually be faster for some European cities.
- The Asian Route: Some people even fly west through Tokyo (NRT) or Seoul (ICN). This is less common but can be very comfortable if you like Asian airlines.
How Long Is A Flight From Hawaii To London?
London is the most popular gateway for people from the islands. How long is a flight from hawaii to london? If you time it right and have a quick layover on the West Coast, you can make the trip in about 22 hours. Some routes through San Francisco with United Airlines are very common.
You will likely spend about 5 hours getting to California. Then, you will wait for a few hours in the terminal. The final leg to London Heathrow (LHR) takes about 10 or 11 hours. London is a huge hub. Six percent of all flights to Europe arrive at Heathrow. This makes it one of the easiest cities to reach from the Pacific.
The Magic of the Jet Stream
You might notice that the flight to Europe feels faster than the flight back. There is a scientific reason for this. It is called the jet stream. This is a high-altitude wind that blows from west to east.
When you fly toward Europe, you are riding this wind. It pushes your plane forward. Sometimes, these winds can reach speeds of 275 mph. In 2020, a plane flew from New York to London in less than five hours because the wind was so strong.
However, the opposite is true when you return. How long is a flight from europe to america? It is always longer. You are fighting those same winds. They are pushing against the nose of your plane. This can add an hour or more to your journey. Additionally, you should know that how long is a flight from us to hawaii can also vary based on these winds. In the winter, the winds are even stronger, which can lead to longer flights when you are heading west.
Is Hawaii Worth The Long Flight?
If you are coming from Europe, you might ask yourself: Is hawaii worth the long flight? The answer from most travelers is a loud yes. You are traveling to the other side of the world. You are finding a culture and a landscape that exists nowhere else.
The struggle of the hawaii to europe flight time is real. But the reward is great. You get to see the history of the Old World. You walk through buildings that are hundreds of years old. Similarly, Europeans who make the trip to the islands get to see volcanic wonders and perfect beaches. It is a fair trade for a day of travel.
When To Book Your Adventure
You want to save money. This trip is not cheap. The cost can change a lot depending on the month.
- Low Season: January and April are usually the cheapest months to fly. You might find round-trip tickets for as low as $739 on average.
- High Season: June, August, and December are the most expensive times. Prices can jump to over $1,700 for a return ticket during these peak weeks.
Data suggests you should book your flight about two weeks before you want to leave to get a good price. If you want the absolute lowest price, try to book 25 weeks in advance.
Surviving the 24-Hour Day
You cannot just wing a trip this long. You need a plan. Use these tips to stay sane.
Before You Fly
- Shift your sleep: Start moving your bedtime an hour or two closer to European time a few days before you leave.
- Hydrate: Drink a lot of water 24 hours before your flight.
- Bank your rest: Do not start a long trip already tired. Get good sleep the night before.
During the Flight
- Skip the wine: Alcohol makes you feel worse later. It ruins the quality of your sleep.
- Move around: Walk the aisles every 90 minutes. This keeps your blood flowing and prevents stiffness.
- Compression socks: These are a life-saver for your legs on a 10-hour leg.
- Layers: Airplane cabins change temperature a lot. Wear a hoodie or a light sweater.
After You Land
- Find the sun: Sunlight tells your brain that it is time to be awake. This helps reset your internal clock.
- Power nap only: If you must sleep during the day, keep it to 20 minutes. A long nap will ruin your night.
- Eat at local times: Even if you are not hungry, try to eat breakfast when the locals do. This helps your body adjust.
The Battle of Jet Lag
You will feel the effects of crossing half the world. Jet lag is your body’s natural reaction to a major time zone change. You are dealing with a 12-hour difference. When it is noon in Hawaii, it is midnight in many parts of Europe.
Flying East (Hawaii to Europe) This is usually the harder direction. You are “losing” time. Your body wants to be awake when it is night in Europe. Experts suggest you should avoid bright light in the evening when you arrive. This helps you fall asleep earlier.
Flying West (Europe to Hawaii) You are “gaining” time. This is often easier for most people to handle. You just have to stay awake a little longer than usual. Try to get bright light in the late afternoon and evening to keep yourself up until a normal bedtime.
To Stop or Not To Stop?
You have a big choice to make. Should you power through the whole 24 hours? Or should you stay a night on the mainland?
The Case for Powering Through Many travelers prefer to just get it over with. You land in Europe sooner. You do not have to pay for an extra hotel on the mainland. You do not have to worry about your bags as much. If you book a single ticket, your bags will usually go all the way to your final city.
The Case for a Stopover If you are older or have health concerns, a night in a hotel can be a blessing. It breaks up the long sitting time. You arrive in Europe feeling more refreshed. This is especially true if you are coming from Europe back to Hawaii, as that return trip is often more draining.
Packing for the Long Haul
You might wonder if you can do this with just a carry-on. It is possible but tight. If you have a place to do laundry in Europe, a single bag is great. However, many people prefer to check one bag. Just remember that every layover is a chance for a bag to get lost.
A “plane pouch” is a great idea. Fill it with lip balm, moisturizer, earplugs, and an eye mask. Keep this at your seat so you do not have to dig through the overhead bin.
The Final Word on the Journey
You are about to embark on a massive adventure. Yes, the flight is long. Yes, you will be tired. But Europe is a treasure chest waiting to be opened. You will see things you have only seen in movies. You will taste food that has been perfected over centuries.
Gradually, the memory of the long flight will fade. Finally, you will find yourself standing in front of the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum. At that time, you will realize that every hour in that cramped airplane seat was worth it. Therefore, take the leap. Pack your bags. The world is much bigger than our beautiful islands. Go see it.
FAQ
How long does it take to fly from Europe to Hawaii?
The trip back is almost always longer due to the head-winds of the jet stream. You should expect the total travel time to be between 25 and 30 hours depending on your layovers. The actual flying time is usually an hour or more longer than the trip going east.
Can you fly direct to Hawaii from Europe?
No, there are no nonstop flights from any European city to the Hawaiian Islands. You will have to make at least one stop, usually in a major US or Canadian city like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Vancouver.
How long is a flight from Hawaii to Italy?
A trip to Italy is a long one. You will likely spend about 24 to 26 hours total on your journey. This usually involves a flight to a West Coast hub, a long flight to a major European city like Frankfurt or London, and then a short final hop to Rome or Milan.
How far is Hawaii to London by plane?
The distance is roughly 7,434 miles for an average flight to a European hub. The flying time itself, not counting your layover, is usually around 16 to 18 hours of total time in the air.
Concluding Words
Traveling from Hawaii to Europe is a massive undertaking that usually takes about 24 hours and covers over 7,400 miles. While there are no direct flights, connecting through West Coast hubs like LAX or SFO is the most efficient path. You must prepare for a significant 12-hour time difference and use strategies like hydration and sunlight exposure to beat jet lag. Though the journey is long, the chance to experience the history and culture of Europe makes every minute in the air a worthwhile investment for any dedicated traveler.
