Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Newark to Honolulu. The right side wins overall because the Diamond Head and Waikiki arrival view is one of the most iconic and unambiguous aerial approaches in commercial aviation. The takeoff left-side NYC view is excellent but brief; the Honolulu arrival on the right is a sustained, spectacular descent over open ocean into a visually dramatic coastline.

During takeoff from Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Left side for the best views. EWR departures heading west or northwest on runway 22L/22R put Manhattan and the Hudson River on the left side. You get a clear view of the NYC skyline, the Hudson, and the Statue of Liberty before the aircraft turns west. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Statue of Liberty, Newark Bay.

When landing at Honolulu International (HNL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Honolulu arrivals typically come in from the northeast on runway 08R/08L heading west, or from the east. The right side gives you Diamond Head crater, Waikiki Beach, and the full sweep of Honolulu's coastline as you descend over the Pacific toward the airport. Notable sights include: Diamond Head crater, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu city grid, Pearl Harbor.

The flight from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Honolulu International (HNL) takes Approximately 10 to 11 hours.

The flight tracks westward across the continental US, passing over the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains, then crosses the California coast near Los Angeles before heading out over the open Pacific. The vast majority of the route — roughly 5 to 6 hours — is over featureless open ocean with no landmarks visible. The Rocky Mountains are visible during the overland portion, and the California coastline offers a brief view before the long Pacific crossing begins.