The right side wins primarily due to the dramatic Honolulu departure over Waikiki and Diamond Head, since the multi-hour Pacific crossing caps both sides equally and the Atlanta landing offers only modest urban scenery.
Flight Path
After leaving the Hawaiian Islands, the route crosses several hours of open Pacific Ocean before making landfall near the Baja California/Arizona border, then continues over the Sonoran Desert, the Rio Grande valley, and the Texas and Louisiana plains before reaching Georgia.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HNL
RIGHTDeparting HNL to the east, the right (south) side overlooks Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head crater, and the reef-lined south shore of Oahu as the aircraft climbs, while the left side mainly shows the Koolau Range and inland Pearl Harbor area.
Landing at ATL
LEFTOn approach into Atlanta from the west, the left side offers glimpses of the Atlanta downtown and midtown skyline along with the tree-covered granite dome of Stone Mountain to the northeast, while the right side over the southern suburbs is flatter and less distinct.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Honolulu International (HNL) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Honolulu to Atlanta. The right side wins primarily due to the dramatic Honolulu departure over Waikiki and Diamond Head, since the multi-hour Pacific crossing caps both sides equally and the Atlanta landing offers only modest urban scenery.
What can I see during takeoff from Honolulu International in Honolulu?
During takeoff from Honolulu International (HNL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing HNL to the east, the right (south) side overlooks Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head crater, and the reef-lined south shore of Oahu as the aircraft climbs, while the left side mainly shows the Koolau Range and inland Pearl Harbor area. Notable sights include: Diamond Head crater, Waikiki Beach and hotel skyline, Honolulu Reef Runway coastline, Koko Head in the distance.
What can I see when landing at The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International in Atlanta?
When landing at The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Atlanta from the west, the left side offers glimpses of the Atlanta downtown and midtown skyline along with the tree-covered granite dome of Stone Mountain to the northeast, while the right side over the southern suburbs is flatter and less distinct. Notable sights include: Atlanta downtown skyline, Stone Mountain granite dome, Chattahoochee River, suburban Piedmont forest belt.
How long is the flight from Honolulu to Atlanta?
The flight from Honolulu International (HNL) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) takes 8h 45m.
What does the Honolulu to Atlanta flight path pass over?
After leaving the Hawaiian Islands, the route crosses several hours of open Pacific Ocean before making landfall near the Baja California/Arizona border, then continues over the Sonoran Desert, the Rio Grande valley, and the Texas and Louisiana plains before reaching Georgia.