Los Angeles LAX to Honolulu HNL Flights: Nonstop Guide

Yes, Los Angeles to Honolulu has more nonstop choice than almost any Hawaii route. As of November 2026, Alaska Airlines (which now runs Hawaiian Airlines flights under the Alaska code), American, Delta, Southwest and United all sell nonstop flights from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu (HNL). The flight covers about 2,550 miles and takes about 5.5 to 6 hours westbound, a little less on the way home. Honolulu is 2 hours behind Los Angeles in winter and 3 hours behind in summer, because Hawaii does not use daylight saving time. Schedules change by season, so check the airline's timetable for your dates.

Who flies LAX to Honolulu nonstop

• Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are now one company. Since April 22, 2026, Hawaiian flights are sold with Alaska's AS code, but many still fly as "operated by Alaska as Hawaiian Airlines", with Hawaiian's cabins and service. At LAX, Alaska and Hawaiian use Terminal 6 (Hawaiian moved there in April 2025).
• American flies from LAX Terminal 4.
• Delta flies from LAX Terminals 2 and 3.
• United flies from its LAX terminal; check your boarding pass.
• Southwest flies LAX to Honolulu; check southwest.com for its current terminal.

Because the market is crowded, the airlines compete on schedule, seats and bag rules. See our American, Delta and United pages.

Other Southern California airports

You do not have to start at LAX. Airports such as Burbank (BUR), Long Beach (LGB), Orange County (SNA) and Ontario (ONT) have had Hawaii service on some airlines. Many of those flights go to Maui or Kona rather than Honolulu, so check the arrival airport. If your trip is to Maui (OGG), Kauai (LIH) or the Big Island (KOA, ITO), a nonstop to that island usually beats connecting in Honolulu. Our flights from LAX page shows the other options, and flights from Honolulu the reverse.

Leaving from LAX

LAX is in the middle of a long rebuild. Terminal 5 closed in October 2025 for a rebuild planned to finish in 2028, and the Automated People Mover train was still not carrying passengers as of fall 2026, with opening expected in early 2027 at the earliest. Traffic on the terminal loop is often slow, so allow extra time and consider being dropped at the LAX-it lot or the LAX/Metro Transit Center and taking the free shuttle in. Arrive about two hours before departure, more in summer and over the holidays. Our LAX airport guide has the terminal map.

ID at the airport: REAL ID

This is a domestic flight, so you do not need a passport, and there is no customs or immigration at either end. You do need an acceptable ID at the TSA checkpoint. Since May 7, 2025, a state driver's license or ID card only works for flying if it is REAL ID compliant, marked with a star in the top corner. A US passport, passport card or trusted traveler card such as Global Entry also works. Our REAL ID guide lists what to bring if your license does not have the star.

Hawaii is a US state, so there is no passport control. Arriving passengers do fill in Hawaii's plant and animal declaration, because the state restricts plants, fruit and animals to protect its farms and wildlife.

Basic Economy and carry-on rules

The cheapest fare on this route is usually a basic fare, and the rules differ more than people expect. On Delta and American, a basic fare still includes a full-size carry-on plus a personal item, but you board last and seats are assigned at check-in. If you fly United, its domestic Basic Economy allows only a personal item that fits under the seat. Southwest's bag and seating rules changed in 2025 and 2026, so read its current rules before you compare. Alaska's Saver fare has its own limits on seats and changes. Checked bags are extra on basic and standard economy domestic fares on most airlines. Before you pick the lowest fare in the grid, read our explainers on what Basic Economy takes away and airline baggage rules, and check the TSA liquids rule if you are packing carry-on only.

Arriving at HNL and getting to Waikiki

Honolulu's airport has separate areas for inter-island flights and flights from the mainland; check the arrivals screen for baggage claim. Waikiki is about 9 miles away, usually 25 to 40 minutes by road depending on traffic.

• Taxis and rideshare pick up at the signed areas outside baggage claim. This is the simplest option with luggage.
• Shuttle vans run shared rides to Waikiki hotels.
• TheBus runs from the airport to Waikiki and downtown, but bags must fit on your lap or under your seat, so it suits carry-on-only travellers.
• Rental cars are at the consolidated rental car facility next to the terminals. You do not need a car for a Waikiki-only stay; you do for the North Shore and the windward coast.

When to go

Honolulu is warm all year. The busiest travel times from Los Angeles are late December, spring break and June to August. Winter brings big surf to the North Shore and the humpback whale season; summer is drier and calmer on the north side. April, May, September and October are often quieter. For long-weekend trips, remember the time change works in your favor going out and against you coming back: the red-eye home lands in Los Angeles early the next morning.

Best time to book

Holiday and summer dates fill early, so book those well ahead. For other months, a few weeks to a couple of months ahead usually gives a good choice. You can cancel most tickets within 24 hours of booking; see our 24-hour rule explainer. The fare grid on this page shows live prices.

Flying home from Honolulu

Before security for a mainland flight, your checked and carry-on bags pass a US Department of Agriculture inspection, because some Hawaii fruit and plants cannot go to the mainland. Pack fresh fruit and flowers only if they are approved, and allow about two hours at HNL.

Tips for Los Angeles travellers

• Compare the cabins: lie-flat seats, extra legroom and bag rules vary by airline on this route.
• If you plan to visit a second island, consider flying into one and home from another; our open-jaw guide explains how.
• For a carry-on-only beach trip, see our packing guide.