The right side wins because it captures the only two truly dramatic terrain segments of the flight: Waikiki and Diamond Head at takeoff, and the Rocky Mountain front and Black Hills uplift glimpsed during the continental crossing, whereas the left side's advantage is limited to the final few minutes over the Twin Cities.
Flown HNL to MSP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Honolulu to Minneapolis is 3,967 miles (6,384 km), a flight of about 7 hours 45 minutes.
Several hours of open central Pacific Ocean with no landmarks, followed by landfall over the Sierra Nevada/Great Basin region and the Rocky Mountains before descending across the Great Plains into Minnesota
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HNL
RIGHTDeparting Honolulu on the Reef Runway heading east-northeast, the right side looks south across Waikiki's shoreline and the unmistakable crater of Diamond Head before the aircraft turns out over open water. The left side only shows the flat interior of Oahu and open ocean beyond.
Landing at MSP
LEFTArriving into MSP from the northwest for a landing on the 12L/12R runways, the left side faces north toward downtown Minneapolis, the Mississippi River, and the Twin Cities' many lakes during the final descent. The right side mostly shows suburban grids and St. Paul at a greater distance.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Honolulu International (HNL) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Honolulu to Minneapolis. The right side wins because it captures the only two truly dramatic terrain segments of the flight: Waikiki and Diamond Head at takeoff, and the Rocky Mountain front and Black Hills uplift glimpsed during the continental crossing, whereas the left side's advantage is limited to the final few minutes over the Twin Cities.
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 Honolulu on the Reef Runway heading east-northeast, the right side looks south across Waikiki's shoreline and the unmistakable crater of Diamond Head before the aircraft turns out over open water. The left side only shows the flat interior of Oahu and open ocean beyond. Notable sights include: Diamond Head crater, Waikiki Beach and hotel skyline, Honolulu Harbor, Koko Head in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Minneapolis St Paul International in Minneapolis?
When landing at Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arriving into MSP from the northwest for a landing on the 12L/12R runways, the left side faces north toward downtown Minneapolis, the Mississippi River, and the Twin Cities' many lakes during the final descent. The right side mostly shows suburban grids and St. Paul at a greater distance. Notable sights include: Minneapolis downtown skyline, Mississippi River bends, Lake Calhoun/Lake of the Isles area, Twin Cities suburban grid.
How long is the flight from Honolulu to Minneapolis?
The flight from Honolulu International (HNL) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) takes about 7 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,967 miles (6,384 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Honolulu to Minneapolis flight path pass over?
Several hours of open central Pacific Ocean with no landmarks, followed by landfall over the Sierra Nevada/Great Basin region and the Rocky Mountains before descending across the Great Plains into Minnesota