Direct (nonstop) flights from San Francisco to Kauai Island

2 airlines fly nonstop from San Francisco International (SFO) to Lihue (LIH). It's 2,446 miles (3,937 km), about 5h 45m in the air. Operated by Alaska Airlines, United Airlines.

SFO
San Francisco International
🇺🇸 San Francisco, USA
LIH
Lihue
🇺🇸 Kauai Island, USA
Flight Time
5h 45m
Distance
2,446 mi
3,937 km
CO₂/pax
413 kg
−44 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
Alaska Airlines +1
Time Diff
-3h
Operated by Alaska Airlines Alaska Airlines United Airlines United Airlines

Route data last updated: May 30, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Alaska Airlines AS Alaska Airlines
Route
SFO → LIH
Flight Time
5h 45m
Distance
2,446 mi
United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
SFO → LIH
Flight Time
5h 45m
Distance
2,446 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from San Francisco to Kauai Island with one stop · direct emits 413 kg CO₂ per passenger

SFO OGG (Kahului) LIH
Leg 1: 5h 36m (2,338 mi) Leg 2: 50m (201 mi) Total: ~6h 26m 🍃 457 kg CO₂ (+11% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → OGG
5h 36m · 2,338 mi
View SFO to OGG flights →
Leg 2
OGG → LIH
50m · 201 mi
View OGG to LIH flights →
SFO HNL (Honolulu) LIH
Leg 1: 5h 45m (2,397 mi) Leg 2: 43m (102 mi) Total: ~6h 28m 🍃 449 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → HNL
5h 45m · 2,397 mi
View SFO to HNL flights →
Leg 2
HNL → LIH
43m · 102 mi
View HNL to LIH flights →
SFO KOA (Kailua-Kona) LIH
Leg 1: 5h 39m (2,366 mi) Leg 2: 56m (263 mi) Total: ~6h 35m 🍃 474 kg CO₂ (+15% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → KOA
5h 39m · 2,366 mi
View SFO to KOA flights →
Leg 2
KOA → LIH
56m · 263 mi
View KOA to LIH flights →
SFO SMF (Sacramento) LIH
Leg 1: 1h 2m (86 mi) Leg 2: 5h 45m (2,508 mi) Total: ~6h 47m 🍃 425 kg CO₂ (+3% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → SMF
1h 2m · 86 mi
View SFO to SMF flights →
Leg 2
SMF → LIH
5h 45m · 2,508 mi
View SMF to LIH flights →
SFO LAX (Los Angeles) LIH
Leg 1: 1h 37m (337 mi) Leg 2: 6h 5m (2,615 mi) Total: ~7h 42m 🍃 487 kg CO₂ (+18% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → LAX
1h 37m · 337 mi
View SFO to LAX flights →
Leg 2
LAX → LIH
6h 5m · 2,615 mi
View LAX to LIH flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from San Francisco to Kauai Island?

A nonstop flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Kauai Island (LIH) takes approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes. The distance is 2,446 miles (3,937 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from San Francisco to Kauai Island?

2 airlines: Alaska Airlines, United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from San Francisco to Kauai Island?

Yes. 2 airlines: Alaska Airlines, United Airlines.

How far is San Francisco from Kauai Island?

The flight distance from San Francisco to Kauai Island is 2,446 miles (3,937 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as New York to Los Angeles.

What type of aircraft flies from San Francisco to Kauai Island?

At 5h 45m, this route typically uses narrow-body or mid-range jets — Boeing 737 MAX or Airbus A320neo. Varies by airline.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from San Francisco to Kauai Island?

Roughly 413 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 2,065 km.

Is the return flight from Kauai Island to San Francisco also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from San Francisco to Kauai Island?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at San Francisco International for this flight?

1.5-2 hours for domestic. Add more time during holidays or busy travel weekends.