The left side captures the dramatic Rocky Mountain departure and the iconic volcanic and urban scenery of the Honolulu approach, while the right side sees mostly featureless desert basin and open ocean.
Flown DEN to HNL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Honolulu is 3,360 miles (5,408 km), a flight of about 7 hours 20 minutes.
Great Basin desert, Sierra Nevada foothills, and thousands of miles of open Pacific Ocean before the Hawaiian Islands appear near descent.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
LEFTAs the aircraft climbs out of DEN and banks toward the southwest for the Pacific, the Front Range of the Rockies dominates the left-side view, with the jagged peaks rising abruptly from the plains just west of the city.
Landing at HNL
LEFTArriving from the mainland, aircraft typically swing south of Oahu before turning northeast to land into the trade winds on runway 08, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of Diamond Head, Waikiki's shoreline, and the Honolulu skyline just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to Honolulu International (HNL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Honolulu. The left side captures the dramatic Rocky Mountain departure and the iconic volcanic and urban scenery of the Honolulu approach, while the right side sees mostly featureless desert basin and open ocean.
What can I see during takeoff from Denver International in Denver?
During takeoff from Denver International (DEN), sit on the Left side for the best views. As the aircraft climbs out of DEN and banks toward the southwest for the Pacific, the Front Range of the Rockies dominates the left-side view, with the jagged peaks rising abruptly from the plains just west of the city. Notable sights include: Front Range peaks (Longs Peak, Mount Evans), foothills west of Denver, South Platte valley.
What can I see when landing at Honolulu International in Honolulu?
When landing at Honolulu International (HNL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arriving from the mainland, aircraft typically swing south of Oahu before turning northeast to land into the trade winds on runway 08, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of Diamond Head, Waikiki's shoreline, and the Honolulu skyline just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Diamond Head crater, Waikiki Beach, downtown Honolulu skyline, Koolau Range.
How long is the flight from Denver to Honolulu?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Honolulu International (HNL) takes about 7 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,360 miles (5,408 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Honolulu flight path pass over?
Great Basin desert, Sierra Nevada foothills, and thousands of miles of open Pacific Ocean before the Hawaiian Islands appear near descent.