The right side wins because the dramatic, sustained mountain scenery during Denver's climb-out outweighs the brief but scenic final descent into Kauai on the left; most of the flight afterward is open Pacific Ocean with no distinguishing side.
Flight Path
Colorado Plateau and Great Basin desert give way to the Sierra Nevada near the California border, after which the route crosses several thousand miles of open Pacific Ocean before the Hawaiian Islands appear on descent.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
RIGHTDenver's departure track runs almost due west, so as the aircraft climbs out the Front Range Rockies dominate the right-side windows before the plane levels off for the Pacific crossing. This is the most dramatic terrain of the whole flight, with the Continental Divide clearly visible below.
Landing at LIH
LEFTTrade winds push arrivals onto Runway 03 at Lihue, meaning the final approach flies northeast across Kauai's lush interior before touching down near the coast. Passengers on the left side get a close view of Mount Waialeale's rain-soaked ridges and the Wailua River valley just before landing.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to Lihue (LIH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Lihue. The right side wins because the dramatic, sustained mountain scenery during Denver's climb-out outweighs the brief but scenic final descent into Kauai on the left; most of the flight afterward is open Pacific Ocean with no distinguishing side.
What can I see during takeoff from Denver International in Denver?
During takeoff from Denver International (DEN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Denver's departure track runs almost due west, so as the aircraft climbs out the Front Range Rockies dominate the right-side windows before the plane levels off for the Pacific crossing. This is the most dramatic terrain of the whole flight, with the Continental Divide clearly visible below. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Longs Peak, Mount Evans, Continental Divide.
What can I see when landing at Lihue in Lihue?
When landing at Lihue (LIH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Trade winds push arrivals onto Runway 03 at Lihue, meaning the final approach flies northeast across Kauai's lush interior before touching down near the coast. Passengers on the left side get a close view of Mount Waialeale's rain-soaked ridges and the Wailua River valley just before landing. Notable sights include: Mount Waialeale, Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain), Wailua River valley, Hoary Head Range.
How long is the flight from Denver to Lihue?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Lihue (LIH) takes 7h 45m.
What does the Denver to Lihue flight path pass over?
Colorado Plateau and Great Basin desert give way to the Sierra Nevada near the California border, after which the route crosses several thousand miles of open Pacific Ocean before the Hawaiian Islands appear on descent.