If there’s one thing I know well, it’s the reality of flying to Hawai’i. Having spent my life traveling to and from the islands, I can tell you firsthand that every flight to Hawai’i is long.
Whether you’re hopping on a 5-6 hour journey from the West Coast or crossing the globe on a flight that eats up your entire day, there’s no such thing as a “quick” trip to paradise.
I also know how easy it is to feel overwhelmed before a flight like this.
The thought of being stuck in a small space for hours, dealing with cramped seats, limited entertainment, and the endless noise of the engines can be stressful. If you’re traveling with kids, I get it—it’s a whole new level of challenge.
I’ve been there, trying to keep little ones entertained with things to do on a long flight. It’s not easy.
But here’s the thing: while these flights are long, they don’t have to feel like a punishment.
Over the years, I’ve learned how to make even the longest trips manageable—dare I say, enjoyable. And that’s what I want to share with you. With the right preparation, mindset, and a few clever tricks, you can step off the plane in Hawai’i feeling ready to hit the beach instead of hitting the wall.
Entertainment For The Long Flight
Watch Movies or Binge a Series
There’s no better excuse to catch up on your favorite movies or shows than a long flight. Many airlines now offer in-flight entertainment systems, but don’t rely on them entirely—sometimes the selection can be limited or the screen at your seat might not work.
The smarter move is to pre-download content onto your phone, tablet, or laptop.
Services like Netflix (here is their guide on how to download), Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime allow you to download movies and shows in advance. Just open the app, look for the download icon next to your chosen content, and let it save to your device while you’re on Wi-Fi at home or the airport.
For those lucky enough to be flying with airlines that have Starlink in-flight Wi-Fi, you can even stream some content mid-flight. Starlink is being rolled out across airlines like Hawaiian Airlines, JSX, and others. If you’re curious about which carriers offer it, check out this Business Insider guide to in-flight Starlink Wi-Fi.
Catch Up on TV Shows During The Long Flight To Hawai’i
If movies aren’t your thing, download episodes of your favorite TV series or even start a new one. Platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Peacock are packed with binge-worthy content.
You can also use airline apps to stream shows directly to your device—just make sure to download the app before boarding, as Wi-Fi access to download it mid-flight may be unreliable.
Mobile Games
Mobile games are a lifesaver for long flights. Before your trip, download a mix of puzzle games, word games, or strategy games that don’t require internet access. A great app to consider is Offline Games – No WiFi Games, which offers a collection of games you can play anytime, anywhere.
It’s perfect if you want to stay entertained without worrying about connectivity.
Don’t Forget Charging Cords and Backup Batteries
There’s nothing worse than your device dying mid-flight, especially when you’re just getting to the good part of a movie or about to beat a high score in a game. Make sure to pack the right charging cords for all your devices—USB-C, Lightning, or micro-USB, depending on what you need.
Some flights may not have charging ports, so having a backup battery is essential.
Invest in a high-capacity portable battery that can charge multiple devices at once and provides enough power for extended periods, whether you’re in the air or stuck in an airport terminal. Products like portable power banks and multi-device charging cables are lifesavers for keeping your gear powered up.
Charge the battery fully before your flight to ensure you’re never caught without juice when you need it most.
Reading and Writing
Read a Book or E-Book (Bonus Points For Real Paper Books)
A long flight is the perfect excuse to lose yourself in a great book—something I used to do religiously before every trip. I can’t tell you how many amazing authors and stories I discovered that way, completely by accident.
I’ve compiled a list of excellent options in my guide to books about Hawai’i. These picks range from historical accounts to novels that paint a vivid picture of life in the islands—perfect for understanding Hawai’i on a deeper level.
Listen to Audiobooks
If you prefer to rest your eyes during the flight, audiobooks are an excellent alternative. Apps like Audible by Amazon offer an extensive library of titles to suit any interest, from gripping thrillers to fascinating non-fiction.
Download a book or two to your device before takeoff so you can enjoy hours of storytelling without needing Wi-Fi. Audiobooks also make it easy to multitask—sit back, relax, and let a great narrator transport you to another world.
I know some of you fall asleep when listening, be honest 🙂
Journal or Write
Let’s be real—when else in your life do you get hours of uninterrupted time without texts, emails, or someone needing you to fix something right now? Flights are one of the rare moments when distractions are at an all-time low (unless your seatmate is a talker—good luck with that).
It’s the perfect chance to crack open a notebook or fire up a note-taking app and just let your thoughts flow.
Maybe you want to journal about life, sketch out your dream itinerary for Hawai’i, or finally start that creative project you’ve been “meaning to get to” since forever. There’s something about the steady hum of the plane that makes it surprisingly easy to zone in and write.
Crossword Puzzles or Sudoku
Puzzles are a fantastic way to keep your brain engaged during a flight. If you enjoy crosswords, consider bringing a book like Hawai’i Crosswords and Word Search Puzzles, which adds a fun, island-themed twist to the experience.
For fans of Sudoku or other puzzles, apps like Sudoku.com or traditional puzzle books are great to have on hand. These activities are portable, easy to pick up and put down, and guaranteed to make the time fly by.
Music and Audio
Create or Listen to Playlists
Let me tell you, nothing makes a long flight go by faster than the right playlist. Whether you’re into island vibes, pop hits, or ‘90s throwbacks (no judgment), taking some time to download your favorite tunes can make all the difference.
Personally, I love curating a playlist that gets me in the mood for heading back home. Think slack-key guitar, 80’s everything, and of course, a little bit of anything by Iz. If that doesn’t mentally teleport you to relaxation paradise, I don’t know what will.
Pro tip: don’t leave this to the last minute at the airport, unless you like playing Russian roulette with public Wi-Fi. Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music let you download songs or playlists ahead of time.
Podcasts and ASMR
If music’s not your thing—or if you need a break from your playlist for a few hours—podcasts are where it’s at. Whether you’re into true crime, comedy, history, or just want to learn something new, there’s a podcast for that. Comedy podcasts to the rescue.
And then there’s ASMR. If you’ve never tried it, a long flight is a perfect time to experiment, I haven’t so let me know. Think whispering voices, tapping sounds, or gentle rain—basically, all the things that make your brain go, ahhh.
I’ve heard it’s weirdly relaxing, and honestly, it might even help you doze off. You can find ASMR content on YouTube or apps like Tingles, and yes, you can download it in advance so you don’t end up relying on the plane’s spotty Wi-Fi.
Planning and Organizing
Organize Your Photos
If your phone’s photo gallery looks anything like mine, it’s basically a chaotic mess of blurry selfies, screenshots you meant to delete months ago, and ten identical shots of the same sunset.
A long flight to Hawai’i, or anywhere for that matter, is the perfect chance to declutter. Use this downtime to delete duplicates, blurry mistakes, and random photos of receipts you don’t even remember taking. While you’re at it, organize your favorites into albums—vacations, family, food pics you swore you’d post, but never did. When you’re done, you’ll feel oddly accomplished, and your storage space will thank you.
Plan Your Trip
Okay, if you’re just now planning your Hawaiian adventure on the flight to Hawai’i, I have two things to say: first, bless your free spirit—there’s something to be said for embracing the unknown. Second, let’s get to work because paradise awaits and it’s better when you’ve got a game plan.
Use this time to research top attractions, find those tucked-away restaurants locals love, and create a rough day-by-day itinerary.
Organize Your Digital Life
This is also your chance to clean up the clutter you can’t see. Tackle your email inbox by deleting the junk, unsubscribing from that newsletter you never read, and filing important emails into folders. While you’re at it, update your apps, organize your home screen, or finally clear out the download folder you’ve been ignoring for months.
Yes, it’s a little nerdy, but imagine how great it’ll feel to have everything neat and tidy. Plus, when you land, you’ll have more mental bandwidth for mai tais and sunshine.
Relaxation and Wellness
Meditate or Relax On A Long Flight To Hawai’i
If the thought of sitting still for hours makes you twitchy, it might be time to embrace your inner zen.
Apps like Calm or Headspace are perfect for helping you chill out at 35,000 feet. Pop in your earbuds, follow along with some breathing exercises, and let the stress melt away.
Not into guided meditation? No problem—just close your eyes, focus on your breathing, and listen to thunder and rain videos like I do, whatever it takes people.
Here are 5 Yoga poses you can do in a cramped airplane seat and NO these are not in the aisle acting like a total fool.
Sleep Smart
Let’s face it—sleeping on a plane is a skill, and not everyone has it, I, for one, do not have this skill and it truly pains me.
But with the right tools, you can fake it until you make it. A travel pillow is non-negotiable (go for one that actually supports your neck, not one that deflates after an hour). Add a cozy blanket, an eye mask to block out the cabin lights, and a good pair of noise-canceling headphones to drown out crying babies and chatty rowmates.
You’ll look like you’re heading into a hibernation pod, but hey, who cares sleep is sleep.
Use Sleep Aids
If you do everything you read online without knowing yourself, skip this section. Unsure if you should? Talk to a real doctor first.
If you’re one of those people who can’t sleep on planes no matter what, like me, don’t worry—there’s help. Melatonin is a great natural option to ease you into dreamland. Gummies are an easy (and let’s be honest, kind of fun) choice, or you can go for doctor-prescribed options if that’s your thing.
Just be careful—no one wants to wake up groggy and confused when the flight attendant hands out landing cards.
Stretch and Move Around
If you’re stuck in economy for a long flight, your legs will definitely have some opinions about it.
Avoid turning into a pretzel by doing light stretches right in your seat—think ankle rolls, calf raises, or a sneaky seated twist.
When the seatbelt sign is off, take a quick walk up and down the aisle. Not only will it get the blood flowing, but it’s also a great excuse to check out the snack cart situation. Compression socks? Even better. Sure, they’re not the sexiest travel accessory, but your feet will thank you when you land.
Creative Activities
Adult Coloring Books or Sketching
Who says coloring is just for kids? Adult coloring books are like the grown-up version of zen therapy, and they’re perfect for flights.
Pack a small coloring book (bonus points if it’s Hawai’i-themed) and a set of colored pencils—skip the markers unless you enjoy the thrill of living dangerously with potential turbulence.
Not into coloring? Bring a sketchpad and pencil to doodle your dream Hawaiian beach or that volcano you’ve been dying to see. Even if your artistic skills peaked in the third grade, it’s about relaxing, not Picasso-level masterpieces.
Knit or Crochet On A Long Flight
Yes, TSA does allow knitting needles in both carryon and checked luggage, details here.
Knitting or crocheting is the ultimate way to keep your hands busy and your mind calm, or so I have heard. Plus, you’ll look incredibly productive—like you’re not just passing the time but actively creating something.
Bring a simple project (this is not the time for intricate patterns requiring 14 different colors of yarn) and enjoy the repetitive, soothing motion.
Write Thank-You Notes
Here’s a throwback idea: good old-fashioned thank-you notes. When was the last time you actually sat down and wrote one?
Use the quiet time in the air to pen personal notes to friends, family, or even coworkers. It’s a small gesture, but it goes a long way—and let’s be honest, it feels pretty satisfying to cross something so wholesome off your to-do list. Don’t forget stamps if you’re planning to mail them once you land.
Uno Reverso this idea and collect all the postcards from your trip and write these on the way home.
Learn a New Language
Why not make your time in the air productive and fun? Practice a new language with apps like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone, both of which allow you to download lessons for offline use.
If you’re heading to Hawai’i, learning a few basic Hawaiian phrases is a great way to connect with the local culture and show respect for the islands. Even mastering simple words like aloha (hello, goodbye, love) or mahalo (thank you) will earn you big smiles when you arrive.
Need help finding the right app? Check out my guide to the best Hawaiian travel apps. From language tools to travel planning resources, there’s something for everyone—and learning on the go makes the flight feel way more productive.
Snacks, Snacks, Snacks
Hydrate Regularly On Long Flights
Let’s talk about hydration. Airplane cabins are basically deserts in the sky, and dehydration can sneak up on you fast.
Drink water regularly throughout the flight—yes, even if it means squeezing past your seatmates for bathroom breaks. Trust me, your body will thank you when you land. Avoid going overboard on caffeine or alcohol. I get it, a coffee sounds great for staying awake, and that tiny bottle of wine feels like a treat, but both will dry you out.
Bring Snacks
Airplane food is a gamble at best, and unless you’re one of the lucky ones in first class, or like me and will eat anything and love it, the options can leave a lot to be desired.
Pack snacks you actually enjoy to keep hunger at bay. Whether it’s trail mix, granola bars, or something indulgent like your favorite candy, having your own stash makes all the difference. Snacks are also a great way to lift your mood when the flight feels like it’s dragging. And hey, if you’re feeling generous, offering a snack to a hangry travel buddy could earn you MVP status.
I also like to avoid snacks that give you “cheeto fingers” or “dorito dust, you know the dust build-up that has a million grams of sodium? Choose wisely.
There you have it—a whole arsenal of ways to survive (and maybe even enjoy) your long flight to Hawai’i. Whether you’re binge-watching movies, organizing your life, or mastering a new skill, there’s something here to make the hours fly by.
But hey, I know I’m not the only one with tricks up my sleeve. Got a go-to flight hack or an offbeat idea that’s helped you on long hauls? Share it in the comments
