The right side wins on both ends of the flight: Hualalai volcano and Kona's lava terrain during takeoff, and the Golden Gate Bridge with the San Francisco skyline during the SFO approach. The left side offers only open ocean at takeoff and a less distinctive bay view on landing, with the long mid-Pacific cruise being scenically neutral for both sides.
Flown KOA to SFO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Kona to San Francisco is 2,366 miles (3,808 km), a flight of about 5 hours 10 minutes.
The route crosses open Pacific Ocean for most of its length with no land visible for several hours; the only notable geography appears near the end as the California coastline near Point Reyes and the Marin headlands comes into view before the SFO approach.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from KOA
RIGHTDeparting KOA, the climb-out passes directly over the black lava fields ringing the airport with Hualalai volcano's green slopes rising just to the east. The right side captures this volcanic terrain and the Kona coffee belt, while the left side only shows open ocean and the receding coastline.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTOn the descent into SFO from the north, the aircraft crosses the Marin coastline and Golden Gate Bridge before turning south along the bay, putting the bridge and San Francisco's downtown skyline on the right side of the plane. The left side mostly faces the open bay and distant East Bay hills, which are less dramatic.
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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 Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kona to San Francisco. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: Hualalai volcano and Kona's lava terrain during takeoff, and the Golden Gate Bridge with the San Francisco skyline during the SFO approach. The left side offers only open ocean at takeoff and a less distinctive bay view on landing, with the long mid-Pacific cruise being scenically neutral for both sides.
What can I see during takeoff from Kona International At Keahole in Kona?
During takeoff from Kona International At Keahole (KOA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing KOA, the climb-out passes directly over the black lava fields ringing the airport with Hualalai volcano's green slopes rising just to the east. The right side captures this volcanic terrain and the Kona coffee belt, while the left side only shows open ocean and the receding coastline. Notable sights include: Hualalai volcano, Kona lava fields, Kailua-Kona coastline, Pacific Ocean horizon.
What can I see when landing at San Francisco International in San Francisco?
When landing at San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the descent into SFO from the north, the aircraft crosses the Marin coastline and Golden Gate Bridge before turning south along the bay, putting the bridge and San Francisco's downtown skyline on the right side of the plane. The left side mostly faces the open bay and distant East Bay hills, which are less dramatic. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz Island, San Francisco Bay.
How long is the flight from Kona to San Francisco?
The flight from Kona International At Keahole (KOA) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 5 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,366 miles (3,808 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Kona to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The route crosses open Pacific Ocean for most of its length with no land visible for several hours; the only notable geography appears near the end as the California coastline near Point Reyes and the Marin headlands comes into view before the SFO approach.