This photo shows a balcony view of Waikiki Beach on a bright sunny day. Palm trees are in the foreground, and tourists in colorful bathing suits dot the beach and the turquoise blue water in the background.

Yes, You Have to Fly Over the Water to Get to Hawaii

This photo shows a balcony view of Waikiki Beach on a bright sunny day. Palm trees are in the foreground, and tourists in colorful bathing suits dot the beach and the turquoise blue water in the background.

In a flashing fit of spring fever (or actual hot flashes?), I said “aloha” to all (two) of my flower dresses and sent them, bursting-at-the-seams style, in a carry-on, headed for Hawaii. The whole thing wedged itself sturdily between my feet, under the seat in front of me.

Here’s the catch: As much as I like landing in places like Hawaii, I absolutely hate to fly, but I do what the kids these days call “rawdogging it.” I get on the plane with all my anxiety but without any meds, booze, or caffeine. And…I’ve found some ways to calm the “f” down.

If you find yourself fretting and rawdogging your way around the world on a plane, here are some tips:

  • Sometimes babies and children scream when the plane takes off, which could be unnerving when you’re anxious, but it’s rare that a child will actually scream, “I don’t want to fly over the water. I’m scared. Put me in a boat.” But it can happen. It happened on my way back from Hawaii, and I was like, “Hey, kid. I’m thinking the same thing. Put me in a boat!” And then, I remembered to breathe because boats can explode into millions of pieces too. I’m looking at you, Miami Vice from my childhood.
  • Speaking of boats, if possible, get in one before your trip. Go to a random dock or pier and beg someone to put you in their boat for just an hour or two—and promise to behave. Or, jump on a trampoline—a lot. Get used to weird rocking motions, the sensation of being flung uncontrollably into the air. So, when you get on the plane, and there’s turbulence, these sensations feel quite normal. You’ll trick yourself into thinking you’re on a boat or jumping on a trampoline—and then you might fall asleep for half a second or two.
  • SERIOUS TIP ALERT: Give yourself a job, like finishing a book or two before the plane lands. I have done this, and it works for me. I tell myself I can’t get distracted by “scary” noises or a little bump in the air. I have to read, and I have to keep going. I’ve finished some great books that way!
  • If the turbulence is such that you are flung against your seat buckle, and you think, “This is it,” grab Nate’s arm. I highly recommend taking Nate as your emotional support mate.
  • If Nate is sleeping, and the flight is fairly uneventful, but you’re still thinking about how LONG you’ve been flying over shark-infested waters, pull out a deck of cards and wake Nate up with a rousing game of Cards Against Humanity. Pro-Tip: “Brian at the Guitar Center” is always the winning answer.

And, that’s it. I’ve done all these things on five-hour and eleven-hour flights. (I haven’t been on any flights longer than eleven hours, and I’m pretty sure my beat-up carry-on thanks me.)

When I land, and Nate and I check into our hotel, and I see the turquoise waves outside, I think, “I made it! I flew over the ocean!” And then Nate grabs my hand and pulls me toward the waves, and I start to get comfortable, enjoying the water, but then I think about how fast a shark can swim, and it’s not long before I’m screaming, “Put me in a boat!”

Your Turn: Do you have tips for enduring long flights?

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Published by ckennedy

Author of the DIY blog: Fixin' Leaks and Leeks. Paper/Rock Writing Consultation, Sole Proprietor.

32 thoughts on “Yes, You Have to Fly Over the Water to Get to Hawaii”

    1. Definitely–we went last year as well–and we’ll probably make it a yearly thing. The eleven-hour flight was to Fiji, which I would repeat–it’s so worth it! (non-stop from Vancouver B.C.)

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  3. I fly every few months between South Africa and the UK. This requires many hours on board. My one piece of advice to newbies would be to Always Book an Isle Seat in order to facilitate access to the Ladies (also known as the Gents), proximity to a spot where you can stand up and stretch your legs from time to time, and access to the emergency exits, should it come to that. The end😊

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  5. I haven’t flown for years, but have been London to Australia and back a good few times and hate long flights. Other fears are flying by yourself, especially if you have to connect to another flight and using the toilets!

    The very first time we flew was when I was eleven and emigrating to Australia. I was so excited until I saw the emergency instructions in the pocket, supposing I couldn’t get the lifejacket on! But how many planes land gently on the ocean and stay afloat while everyone gets their lifejackets on and lines up to go down the slide to the lifeboat?

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  9. I am a pilot and love long flights, but sorry to hear that they’re outside your comfort zone. You are not alone in hating flying though. About 80% of the public is uncomfortable about it, all the way from very mild concern to outright terror. Aisle seats help (so that you can get up easily), good books or movies downloaded to your phone as distractions can also help, and I also know some people who meditate, too. This may not help (and you’ve probably heard this before) but turbulence is very normal and commercial flying is the safest form of transportation by a huge margin.

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