While takeoff offers excellent volcanic scenery on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and varied views: Mount Rainier, the Cascade Range, Puget Sound, and the Seattle metropolitan area create a more visually compelling final descent than the volcanic landscape alone.
Flown ITO to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Hilo to Seattle is 2,651 miles (4,266 km), a flight of about 5 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Pacific Ocean northwestward. Approximately 2-3 hours into the flight, you'll pass over open ocean with no visible landmarks. As you approach the Pacific Northwest coast (around 4.5 hours), the Oregon and Washington coastlines become visible, followed by the Cascade Range, Mount Hood (11,240 ft), and eventually Mount Rainier as you enter the Seattle approach corridor.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ITO
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Big Island's dramatic volcanic landscape immediately after departure. You'll see Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa rising prominently to the south and southwest, with Hilo Bay and the coastal town below during initial climb.
Landing at SEA
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during approach to Seattle. You'll see the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier to the southeast, then the Puget Sound, Lake Washington, and the Seattle skyline as you descend into the approach corridor from the south.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hilo International (ITO) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hilo to Seattle. While takeoff offers excellent volcanic scenery on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and varied views: Mount Rainier, the Cascade Range, Puget Sound, and the Seattle metropolitan area create a more visually compelling final descent than the volcanic landscape alone.
What can I see during takeoff from Hilo International in Hilo?
During takeoff from Hilo International (ITO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Big Island's dramatic volcanic landscape immediately after departure. You'll see Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa rising prominently to the south and southwest, with Hilo Bay and the coastal town below during initial climb. Notable sights include: Mauna Kea (13,796 ft), Mauna Loa (13,681 ft), Hilo Bay, Hawaii Belt Road corridor.
What can I see when landing at Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
When landing at Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during approach to Seattle. You'll see the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier to the southeast, then the Puget Sound, Lake Washington, and the Seattle skyline as you descend into the approach corridor from the south. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (14,411 ft), Cascade Range, Puget Sound, Lake Washington.
How long is the flight from Hilo to Seattle?
The flight from Hilo International (ITO) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,651 miles (4,266 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Hilo to Seattle flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Pacific Ocean northwestward. Approximately 2-3 hours into the flight, you'll pass over open ocean with no visible landmarks. As you approach the Pacific Northwest coast (around 4.5 hours), the Oregon and Washington coastlines become visible, followed by the Cascade Range, Mount Hood (11,240 ft), and eventually Mount Rainier as you enter the Seattle approach corridor.