About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to Kona International At Keahole (KOA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Kona. The landing approach on the right side delivers the most dramatic and unique scenery of the flight — the Big Island's twin shield volcanoes are genuinely spectacular from the air and unlike anything on the departure side. The takeoff left-side Rocky Mountain view is excellent but shorter in duration. Right side wins overall for the Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa arrival views.
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. DEN typically departs westbound on runway 16L/34R or uses runways oriented north-south. On a westbound departure toward Hawaii, the aircraft banks south and west, putting the Rocky Mountains directly on the left side. You get a clear view of the Front Range including Pikes Peak and the Denver metro sprawl below. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rockies, Pikes Peak (14,115 ft), Denver metro grid, Rocky Mountain foothills.
What can I see when landing at Kona International At Keahole in Kona?
When landing at Kona International At Keahole (KOA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Kona International typically uses runway 17/35, with arrivals often from the north coming in over the ocean and landing southbound. On approach from the northeast, the right side faces east toward the Big Island's interior, giving views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa's massive volcanic slopes. The left side faces mostly open Pacific Ocean. Notable sights include: Mauna Kea (13,796 ft), Mauna Loa (13,678 ft), Hualalai volcano, Kohala Coast lava fields.
How long is the flight from Denver to Kona?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Kona International At Keahole (KOA) takes Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours.
What does the Denver to Kona flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Nevada Basin and Range terrain, then the Sierra Nevada briefly at the California coast near the Bay Area or Central Valley, before crossing the open Pacific Ocean for roughly 2,400 miles. Mid-flight passes over the Pacific with no land visible for several hours. The Hawaiian island chain becomes visible on approach, with Maui and potentially Oahu visible to the north depending on routing.