A Hawaiian Airlines plane bound for Sydney has returned to Honolulu after take-off because of a possible mechanical problem.

An airline spokeswoman said the flight was diverted just over an hour after take-off on Sunday due to a possible problem with one of its three hydraulic systems.

The flight to Australia normally takes about 10 hours.

Spokeswoman Ann Botticelli said there was no emergency and the plane landed without incident.

There were 201 passengers aboard Flight No. 451. Botticelli said passengers were being put on the first available aircraft.