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If you’ve ever wondered exactly how far those lush, tropical Hawaiian islands are from the evergreen forests and waters of Seattle, you’re not alone. Lots of people are curious about the distance and travel time between these two iconic West Coast destinations.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Hawaii lies approximately 2,691 miles (4,333 km) southwest of Seattle as the crow flies. By air, it takes about 5 hours and 20 minutes to fly direct from Seattle to Honolulu.
Measuring the Distance Between Seattle and Hawaii
As the Crow Flies Distance
The straight line, as the crow flies distance between Seattle, WA and Honolulu, HI is approximately 2,736 miles (4,404 km). This direct route passes over land and sea and provides the minimum mileage between the two destinations.
Driving Distance
Since the driving route from Seattle to Hawaii involves crossing an ocean, the practical road trip driving distance does not apply. While scenic highways can take you down the West Coast all the way to southern California, you’ll need to take a boat or flight to traverse the 2,400+ miles of Pacific Ocean between the continental US and the Hawaiian islands.
Air Distance
A direct flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport covers approximately 2,697 miles (4,343 km). This air travel distance is the most efficient way for humans to journey between Seattle and Hawaii.
The total flight times average around 5 hours for nonstop routes on major airlines like Alaska, Delta and Hawaiian. With an average commercial plane speed of 500 mph, this roughly equates to the 2,700 air miles spanned between takeoff and touchdown.
| Seattle to Hawaii Distance | Miles | Kilometers |
| As the Crow Flies | 2,736 | 4,404 |
| Driving (Impractical) | N/A | N/A |
| Direct Flight | 2,697 | 4,343 |
While Hawaii’s beautiful islands seem a world away, quicker modern air travel makes it possible to bridge the nearly 3,000-mile divide. What once took early Polynesian voyagers months now takes mere hours for plane passengers! 🛫😊
Travel Time From Seattle to Hawaii
Flight Times
A nonstop flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Honolulu International Airport typically takes about 5 hours and 20 minutes according to major airlines like Alaska Airlines, Delta, and Hawaiian Airlines.
This makes Hawaii an easy weekend getaway or vacation option for Seattleites wanting some tropical sun.
There are multiple daily nonstop flights offered to Honolulu and other popular Hawaiian islands like Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. Most flights leave early in the morning and arrive in Hawaii mid-afternoon, just in time to catch the sunset on the beach!
Cruise Ship Travel Time
Taking a cruise ship from Seattle to Hawaii involves a much longer travel time, but allows vacationers to relax and enjoy amenities while getting to the islands. Most Hawaii cruises leaving from Seattle make multiple stops along the way as well.
According to cruise websites like CruiseMapper and CruiseCritic, a typical 15-day Seattle to Hawaii cruise itinerary includes:
- 4 sea days from Seattle to first port of call in Hawaii
- Stops at multiple Hawaiian islands like Maui, Kauai, Hilo
- Additional stops along West Coast like Victoria BC, San Francisco
- 4 sea days from last port back to Seattle
So while flight time is just over 5 hours, you should plan for about 2 weeks if you want to sail on a cruise ship from Seattle to paradise in Hawaii. But think of the fun you’ll have along the way with entertainment, fine dining, onboard activities and watching sunsets from your balcony.
The cruise may take longer, but for some is definitely the preferred way to travel.
Route Options for Getting to Hawaii from Seattle
Nonstop Flights
Several major airlines including Alaska, Delta, Hawaiian, and United offer nonstop flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Honolulu International Airport on Oahu. These flights take between 5-6 hours to complete the 2,697 mile journey and typically cost $300-800 roundtrip depending on the season.
Nonstop flights eliminate the need to connect through another airport, reducing total travel time. However, they tend to be more expensive than flights with layovers.
Flights with Layovers
Flights with layovers, often connecting through airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas or Phoenix, take a bit longer but can cost several hundred dollars less than nonstop options. The total travel time runs 7-11 hours depending on the length of the layover.
While the layover does add extra time, travelers can potentially save money and enjoy an extended trip visiting another destination along the way.
The Allure of Hawaii for Seattleites
Dramatically Different Landscapes
Going from the evergreen forests and mountains of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical paradises of Hawaii can feel like traveling to another world for Seattleites. The volcanic islands of Hawaii boast rugged black and red cliffs, winding hiking trails through bamboo jungles, and golden beaches with swaying palm trees.
The dramatic change of scenery from the familiar gray skies and green landscapes around Seattle holds an exotic appeal for Washingtonians looking to experience somewhere new and exciting.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor enthusiasts from the Seattle area flock to Hawaii to partake in activities not readily available back home. The islands offer world-class surfing, with waves rising over 20 feet on the North Shore of Oahu.
Adrenaline junkies can zipline through tree canopies, explore lava tubes and waterfalls on guided treks, or climb to the 13,000-foot summit of Mauna Kea. The consistently warm tropical climate also makes beach camping, snorkeling, and swimming appealing year-round activities.
Beaches and Water Sports
Miles of stunning beaches and calm turquoise waters beckon visitors to partake in ocean sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing and scuba diving. According to Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources, Waikiki Beach on Oahu sees around 5 million visitors per year.
Locals and tourists alike flock to popular spots like Waimea Bay, Lanikai Beach, and Kaanapali Beach to relax on the soft white and black sand shores. Those hoping to spot sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins and humpback whales find ample opportunities during daily snorkeling and whale watching excursions departing from ports all over Hawaii.
While Seattle dwellers can partake in some surfing and whale watching in their backyard, the scope and diversity of balmy outdoor recreation available in Hawaii entices Pacific Northwesterners to travel over 2,500 miles into the middle of the Pacific.
The ocean, mountains, and lush landscapes beckon visitors to leave behind their rainjackets and enjoy endless summer fun under the tropical sun.
Conclusion
As you can see, Hawaii lies nearly 2,700 miles southwest of Seattle, making for a sizable but very doable trip. By air, you can make the journey in around 5 and a half hours if you take a direct flight.
Or you can break up the trip into legs, catching glimpses of western coastal towns and landscapes along the way.
However you decide to embark on a Seattle to Hawaii getaway, the distance gives you the chance to experience everything from evergreen forests and snowcapped volcanoes to black sand beaches and crystal blue waters.
Get ready for an unforgettable trip spanning thousands of miles across the Pacific West!
