Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kona to Phoenix. The right side wins overall because the Kona departure offers genuinely spectacular and rare views of Hawaii's volcanic landscape — Mauna Kea, Hualalai, and the lava coast — which are more dramatic and unique than the Phoenix arrival views. Mid-flight over the Pacific and Mojave offers little from either side, so the takeoff experience tips the balance.

During takeoff from Kona International At Keahole (KOA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Kona Airport's primary departure runway (Runway 17) heads south, then aircraft turn northeast toward the mainland. A right-side seat gives you the Kohala Mountains and Mauna Kea as you climb out over the Kohala Coast, with the Pacific stretching to the left. The volcanic slopes of Hualalai are also visible to the right as you gain altitude. Notable sights include: Mauna Kea (13,796 ft summit with observatory domes), Hualalai volcano, Kohala Mountains to the north, Kohala Coast lava fields along the shoreline.

When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Phoenix Sky Harbor sits southeast of downtown Phoenix, and aircraft typically approach from the east or southeast on Runway 26. A left-side seat gives you a clear view of downtown Phoenix, the Salt River valley, and the distinctive ridgeline of South Mountain Park as you descend. Camelback Mountain and the McDowell Mountains are also identifiable landmarks on the left side. Notable sights include: Downtown Phoenix skyline, Camelback Mountain, South Mountain Park ridgeline, Salt River bed (usually dry, visible as a pale sandy channel).

The flight from Kona International At Keahole (KOA) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours.

The flight crosses open Pacific Ocean for the first two hours with no land visible, then passes over the California coast near Los Angeles or slightly north, crossing the Mojave Desert with its dry lake beds and mountain ranges including the San Bernardino Mountains, before descending over the Sonoran Desert into the Phoenix basin.