KOA

Best window seat at Kona International At Keahole

Which side of the plane?

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

Taking offRIGHT

Hualalai volcano, lava field terrain of the Kona coast, distant silhouette of Mauna Loa

LandingRIGHT

Pacific Ocean and Kona coastline, black lava fields from Hualalai's flows, coastal resort areas near Keauhou

🛫 Taking Off from Kona (KOA)

Best sideRight
WhyDeparting north on runway 35, the right side faces east toward Hualalai volcano and the lava-rock slopes leading up toward Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea in the distance. It's the more dramatic, distinctly Big Island view compared to the open ocean on the left.
Look forHualalai volcano, lava field terrain of the Kona coast, distant silhouette of Mauna Loa, coastal town of Kailua-Kona receding behind
Left window seat view during takeoff from Kona (KOA) — Hualalai volcano, lava field terrain of the Kona coast, distant silhouette of Mauna Loa, coastal town of Kailua-Kona receding behindLeft Side
Right window seat view during takeoff from Kona (KOA) — Hualalai volcano, lava field terrain of the Kona coast, distant silhouette of Mauna Loa, coastal town of Kailua-Kona receding behindRight Side

🛬 Landing at Kona (KOA)

Best sideRight
WhyOn the typical runway 17 approach, you're flying south along the Kona coast with the Pacific Ocean on the right side. You'll get great views of the black lava fields meeting turquoise water, plus the coastal resorts and bays south of the airport.
Look forPacific Ocean and Kona coastline, black lava fields from Hualalai's flows, coastal resort areas near Keauhou, Kealakekua Bay in the distance to the south
Left window seat view during landing at Kona (KOA) — Pacific Ocean and Kona coastline, black lava fields from Hualalai's flows, coastal resort areas near Keauhou, Kealakekua Bay in the distance to the southLeft Side
Right window seat view during landing at Kona (KOA) — Pacific Ocean and Kona coastline, black lava fields from Hualalai's flows, coastal resort areas near Keauhou, Kealakekua Bay in the distance to the southRight Side

KOA is an open-air airport built on a lava field, with thatched-roof, walk-outside terminals that give arriving passengers an immediate taste of Hawaii's climate rather than enclosed jet bridges. It has a single runway and handles a mix of interisland, mainland, and international flights.

⛰️ Elevation49 ft
🛫 Runways1 (17/35)
✈️ HubHawaiian Airlines
📍 NearbyMUE 30 miITO 65 miHNM 73 miOGG 84 miLNY 93 mi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Kona International At Keahole (KOA)?

At Kona International At Keahole in Kona: for takeoff, sit on the Right side; for landing, sit on the Right side. Notable views include: Hualalai volcano, lava field terrain of the Kona coast, distant silhouette of Mauna Loa, coastal town of Kailua-Kona receding behind.

What can I see during takeoff from Kona International At Keahole in Kona?

When taking off from Kona International At Keahole (KOA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing north on runway 35, the right side faces east toward Hualalai volcano and the lava-rock slopes leading up toward Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea in the distance. It's the more dramatic, distinctly Big Island view compared to the open ocean on the left. Notable sights include: Hualalai volcano, lava field terrain of the Kona coast, distant silhouette of Mauna Loa, coastal town of Kailua-Kona receding behind.

What can I see when landing at Kona International At Keahole in Kona?

When landing at Kona International At Keahole (KOA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the typical runway 17 approach, you're flying south along the Kona coast with the Pacific Ocean on the right side. You'll get great views of the black lava fields meeting turquoise water, plus the coastal resorts and bays south of the airport. Notable sights include: Pacific Ocean and Kona coastline, black lava fields from Hualalai's flows, coastal resort areas near Keauhou, Kealakekua Bay in the distance to the south.

What factors affect the best window seat at Kona International At Keahole?

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.