Kona to San Diego flight pathKOASAN

Sit on the right side of the plane

Reverse

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Flight time5h 15m
Distance2,553
Heading061° → 079°
Best side
RightMostly right
★ 3.0 left·★ 3.5 right

While takeoff offers a nice volcanic view, the SAN approach delivers a longer, richer sequence over downtown, Balboa Park, and the bay, giving the right side a slight edge across the full flight.

Flown KOA to SAN? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Kona to San Diego is 2,553 miles (4,108 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.

Open Pacific Ocean with no landmasses visible for most of the cruise phase

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Kona (left side) — Hualalai volcano, Mauna Loa shield volcano, Kona coast lava fields, Pacific horizon

Takeoff from KOA

LEFT

Departing KOA on runway 17, the eastbound turn toward the mainland puts the Big Island's volcanic slopes on the left side, with Hualalai's dark lava fields close by and Mauna Loa's massive shield rising in the distance before the plane heads out over open water.

Hualalai volcanoMauna Loa shield volcanoKona coast lava fieldsPacific horizon
KOA Kona International At KeaholeHub for Hawaiian Airlines
Aerial window seat view during landing at San Diego (right side) — Downtown San Diego skyline, Balboa Park, San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge

Landing at SAN

RIGHT

On the standard runway 27 approach into SAN, the descent path passes just south of downtown, putting the skyline, Balboa Park's green canopy, and San Diego Bay on the right side of the aircraft as it lines up for landing.

Downtown San Diego skylineBalboa ParkSan Diego BayCoronado Bridge
SAN San Diego International Lindbergh FldHub for Southwest Airlines

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kona International At Keahole (KOA) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kona to San Diego. While takeoff offers a nice volcanic view, the SAN approach delivers a longer, richer sequence over downtown, Balboa Park, and the bay, giving the right side a slight edge across the full flight.

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

During takeoff from Kona International At Keahole (KOA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing KOA on runway 17, the eastbound turn toward the mainland puts the Big Island's volcanic slopes on the left side, with Hualalai's dark lava fields close by and Mauna Loa's massive shield rising in the distance before the plane heads out over open water. Notable sights include: Hualalai volcano, Mauna Loa shield volcano, Kona coast lava fields, Pacific horizon.

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 Right side for the best views. On the standard runway 27 approach into SAN, the descent path passes just south of downtown, putting the skyline, Balboa Park's green canopy, and San Diego Bay on the right side of the aircraft as it lines up for landing. Notable sights include: Downtown San Diego skyline, Balboa Park, San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge.

How long is the flight from Kona to San Diego?

The flight from Kona International At Keahole (KOA) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,553 miles (4,108 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

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

Open Pacific Ocean with no landmasses visible for most of the cruise phase