KOA

At Kona International At Keahole in Kona: for takeoff, sit on the Right side; for landing, sit on the Left side. Notable views include: Hualalai volcano (8,271 ft), Kona coastline with lava fields, Kailua-Kona town (visible as developed area along coast), Pacific Ocean extending to horizon.

When taking off from Kona International At Keahole (KOA), sit on the Right side for the best views. KOA's primary runway (11/29) typically uses Runway 11 for departures heading northeast. From the right side, you'll see Hualalai volcano's western slopes and the Kona coast dropping away beneath you. The left side faces inland toward less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Hualalai volcano (8,271 ft), Kona coastline with lava fields, Kailua-Kona town (visible as developed area along coast), Pacific Ocean extending to horizon.

When landing at Kona International At Keahole (KOA), sit on the Left side for the best views. KOA's primary runway (11/29) typically uses runway 11 for landing when winds permit, which means you'll be approaching from the northwest over the Kona coast. The left side gives you views of the volcanic slopes of Hualālai and the dramatic western coastline of the Big Island as you descend. The right side faces inland toward less visually distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Hualālai volcano (5,232 ft, dominant feature to the left during approach), Kona coast with its black lava fields, Keahole Point (the airport's namesake geographic feature), and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

The best window seat at Kona International At Keahole (KOA) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Kona (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.