While takeoff offers excellent Hawaiian mountain scenery on the right, the landing approach to Palau's Rock Islands on the left provides the more distinctive and memorable visual experience. The limestone karst formations are geologically unique and visually striking from the air, making the left side the overall winner for this route.
Flown HNL to ROR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Honolulu to Babelthuap is 4,591 miles (7,388 km), a flight of about 9 hours 5 minutes.
The flight crosses open Pacific Ocean with no significant landmarks visible for most of the journey. Passengers may see scattered cumulus clouds and the deep blue of the open ocean. As the aircraft approaches Palau from the northeast, the first visible landmass is typically Babelthuap Island appearing on the horizon, followed by the distinctive scattered Rock Islands as the aircraft descends into the approach corridor.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from HNL
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Ko'olau and Waianae mountain ranges that frame Honolulu's windward and leeward sides. The aircraft departs to the north or northeast, so right-side passengers see the dramatic volcanic ridgelines and the Honolulu urban sprawl receding below.
Landing at ROR
LEFTLeft-side seats provide the best views during approach to Palau. Aircraft typically descend from the northeast, and left-side passengers see Babelthuap Island's interior and the surrounding Rock Islands archipelago—the distinctive limestone karst formations that make Palau visually unique.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Honolulu International (HNL) to Babelthuap (ROR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Honolulu to Babelthuap. While takeoff offers excellent Hawaiian mountain scenery on the right, the landing approach to Palau's Rock Islands on the left provides the more distinctive and memorable visual experience. The limestone karst formations are geologically unique and visually striking from the air, making the left side the overall winner for this route.
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. Right-side seats offer views of the Ko'olau and Waianae mountain ranges that frame Honolulu's windward and leeward sides. The aircraft departs to the north or northeast, so right-side passengers see the dramatic volcanic ridgelines and the Honolulu urban sprawl receding below. Notable sights include: Ko'olau Range (northeast), Waianae Range (west), Pearl Harbor (visible during initial climb), Honolulu city grid and Diamond Head crater.
What can I see when landing at Babelthuap in Babelthuap?
When landing at Babelthuap (ROR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide the best views during approach to Palau. Aircraft typically descend from the northeast, and left-side passengers see Babelthuap Island's interior and the surrounding Rock Islands archipelago—the distinctive limestone karst formations that make Palau visually unique. Notable sights include: Babelthuap Island (largest landmass), Rock Islands limestone formations (hundreds of small forested islets), Koror Island and lagoon system, Peleliu Island.
How long is the flight from Honolulu to Babelthuap?
The flight from Honolulu International (HNL) to Babelthuap (ROR) takes about 9 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,591 miles (7,388 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Honolulu to Babelthuap flight path pass over?
The flight crosses open Pacific Ocean with no significant landmarks visible for most of the journey. Passengers may see scattered cumulus clouds and the deep blue of the open ocean. As the aircraft approaches Palau from the northeast, the first visible landmass is typically Babelthuap Island appearing on the horizon, followed by the distinctive scattered Rock Islands as the aircraft descends into the approach corridor.