Seattle to Kona is 2,692 miles (4,332 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
While takeoff favors the right for Cascade views, the landing approach to KOA is the dominant visual event on this route, and left seats provide the superior experience of the Big Island's volcanic landscape, coastline, and the dramatic final descent over the Kona region.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Pacific Ocean for roughly 2,000 nautical miles. After leaving the Washington coast, there are no significant landmarks visible until approaching Hawaii. The ocean below remains featureless at cruise altitude. As the aircraft approaches the Hawaiian Islands from the north, the Big Island becomes visible first, with its distinctive volcanic profile. Maui and Oahu may be visible to the north and northwest depending on exact routing, but they remain distant features. The approach to Kona is characterized by the transition from open ocean to the dark volcanic terrain of the Big Island's leeward side.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BFI
RIGHTBFI typically departs to the south or southwest. Right-side seats offer views of the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier during the initial climb, while left seats face the urban sprawl of Seattle and Puget Sound without the dramatic peaks.
Landing at KOA
LEFTApproach to KOA typically comes from the north or northeast, descending toward the western coast of the Big Island. Left-side seats provide unobstructed views of the Kona coast, the Pacific Ocean, and Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanic peaks inland. Right seats face away from the island's most dramatic features.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to Kona International At Keahole (KOA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Kona. While takeoff favors the right for Cascade views, the landing approach to KOA is the dominant visual event on this route, and left seats provide the superior experience of the Big Island's volcanic landscape, coastline, and the dramatic final descent over the Kona region.
What can I see during takeoff from Boeing Fld King Co International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI), sit on the Right side for the best views. BFI typically departs to the south or southwest. Right-side seats offer views of the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier during the initial climb, while left seats face the urban sprawl of Seattle and Puget Sound without the dramatic peaks. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (14,410 ft, visible 50+ miles southeast), Cascade Range ridgeline, Lake Union and Lake Washington (urban water features below), Puget Sound to the west.
What can I see when landing at Kona International At Keahole in Kona?
When landing at Kona International At Keahole (KOA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approach to KOA typically comes from the north or northeast, descending toward the western coast of the Big Island. Left-side seats provide unobstructed views of the Kona coast, the Pacific Ocean, and Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanic peaks inland. Right seats face away from the island's most dramatic features. Notable sights include: Mauna Kea (13,796 ft) and Mauna Loa (13,681 ft) volcanic peaks inland, Kona coast and Kailua-Kona town, Pacific Ocean, Hualalai volcano (8,271 ft) on the western flank.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Kona?
The flight from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to Kona International At Keahole (KOA) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,692 miles (4,332 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Kona flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Pacific Ocean for roughly 2,000 nautical miles. After leaving the Washington coast, there are no significant landmarks visible until approaching Hawaii. The ocean below remains featureless at cruise altitude. As the aircraft approaches the Hawaiian Islands from the north, the Big Island becomes visible first, with its distinctive volcanic profile. Maui and Oahu may be visible to the north and northwest depending on exact routing, but they remain distant features. The approach to Kona is characterized by the transition from open ocean to the dark volcanic terrain of the Big Island's leeward side.