Honolulu to San Diego flight pathHNLSAN

Sit on the right side of the plane

Reverse

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Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time5h 10m
Distance2,610
Heading064° → 083°
Best side
RightMostly right
★ 3.0 left·★ 4.0 right

The right side wins on the strength of an exceptional, world-class departure view of Diamond Head and Waikiki, which outshines the otherwise ocean-dominated cruise phase and the more routine northern approach into San Diego.

Takeoff · HNLRIGHTDiamond Head crater, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu reef/shoreline
Landing · SANLEFTDowntown San Diego skyline, San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Open Pacific Ocean for nearly the entire cruise phase, with no islands or landmasses until the California coastline comes into view near San Diego

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Honolulu (right side) — Diamond Head crater, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu reef/shoreline, Koko Head in the distance

Takeoff from HNL

RIGHT

Departing HNL's Reef Runway to the east, the right side looks south across Waikiki Beach and the unmistakable volcanic cone of Diamond Head as the plane climbs over the reef and turquoise shallows. It's one of the most recognizable coastal views in commercial aviation.

Diamond Head craterWaikiki BeachHonolulu reef/shorelineKoko Head in the distance
Aerial window seat view during landing at San Diego (left side) — Downtown San Diego skyline, San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge, Balboa Park

Landing at SAN

LEFT

On the approach into SAN's Runway 27, the flight path descends from the east over Mission Valley and Balboa Park, and the left side offers a close view south over downtown San Diego's skyline, the harbor, and Coronado before touchdown.

Downtown San Diego skylineSan Diego BayCoronado BridgeBalboa Park

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Honolulu International (HNL) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Honolulu to San Diego. The right side wins on the strength of an exceptional, world-class departure view of Diamond Head and Waikiki, which outshines the otherwise ocean-dominated cruise phase and the more routine northern approach into San Diego.

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's Reef Runway to the east, the right side looks south across Waikiki Beach and the unmistakable volcanic cone of Diamond Head as the plane climbs over the reef and turquoise shallows. It's one of the most recognizable coastal views in commercial aviation. Notable sights include: Diamond Head crater, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu reef/shoreline, Koko Head in the distance.

What can I see when landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?

When landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the approach into SAN's Runway 27, the flight path descends from the east over Mission Valley and Balboa Park, and the left side offers a close view south over downtown San Diego's skyline, the harbor, and Coronado before touchdown. Notable sights include: Downtown San Diego skyline, San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge, Balboa Park.

How long is the flight from Honolulu to San Diego?

The flight from Honolulu International (HNL) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) takes 5h 10m.

What does the Honolulu to San Diego flight path pass over?

Open Pacific Ocean for nearly the entire cruise phase, with no islands or landmasses until the California coastline comes into view near San Diego