The right side wins both takeoff and landing: it captures Honolulu's Diamond Head and Waikiki shoreline on departure and South Mountain plus the Superstition Mountains framing the Phoenix valley on arrival, while the left side offers mostly open ocean and flat sprawl.
Flown HNL to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Honolulu to Phoenix is 2,914 miles (4,689 km), a flight of about 5 hours 5 minutes.
The majority of the route crosses open Pacific Ocean with no landmarks visible until the aircraft nears the Southern California coast and then the Sonoran Desert basins and ranges leading into Arizona.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from HNL
RIGHTDeparting HNL to the east over the Reef Runway, the south side of the aircraft passes directly over Waikiki, Diamond Head crater, and the Honolulu skyline before the coastline recedes into open ocean. The north/left side only shows open Pacific water with the more distant North Shore fading quickly from view.
Landing at PHX
RIGHTOn approach into PHX from the west, the right side of the aircraft faces south toward South Mountain Park and, further along, the jagged Superstition Mountains east of the valley, giving a strong sense of the desert terrain framing Phoenix. The left side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl with less distinctive relief.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Honolulu International (HNL) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Honolulu to Phoenix. The right side wins both takeoff and landing: it captures Honolulu's Diamond Head and Waikiki shoreline on departure and South Mountain plus the Superstition Mountains framing the Phoenix valley on arrival, while the left side offers mostly open ocean and flat sprawl.
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 over the Reef Runway, the south side of the aircraft passes directly over Waikiki, Diamond Head crater, and the Honolulu skyline before the coastline recedes into open ocean. The north/left side only shows open Pacific water with the more distant North Shore fading quickly from view. Notable sights include: Diamond Head crater, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu downtown skyline, Koko Head.
What can I see when landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into PHX from the west, the right side of the aircraft faces south toward South Mountain Park and, further along, the jagged Superstition Mountains east of the valley, giving a strong sense of the desert terrain framing Phoenix. The left side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl with less distinctive relief. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, Sonoran Desert floor, Superstition Mountains, Phoenix downtown skyline.
How long is the flight from Honolulu to Phoenix?
The flight from Honolulu International (HNL) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 5 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,914 miles (4,689 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Honolulu to Phoenix flight path pass over?
The majority of the route crosses open Pacific Ocean with no landmarks visible until the aircraft nears the Southern California coast and then the Sonoran Desert basins and ranges leading into Arizona.