Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Lihue. The right side delivers the dramatic LA departure view over Santa Monica Bay with the city spread out behind you. While the left side wins on landing for Na Pali, the right side still gets solid views of Kauai's south shore on approach. The LA departure spectacle tips the balance to the right overall.

During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. LAX departures heading west over the Pacific typically use runways 24L/24R, sending the aircraft out over Santa Monica Bay. Right side passengers get a sweeping look back at the LA Basin, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the Hollywood Hills as the plane banks northwest toward Hawaii. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay coastline, Santa Monica Mountains, Downtown LA skyline to the northeast, Palos Verdes Peninsula.

When landing at Lihue (LIH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Aircraft approaching LIH typically arrive from the east or northeast, lining up for runway 03 or 21. Left side passengers get the best view of the Na Pali Coast's dramatic sea cliffs and the lush green interior of Kauai as the plane descends over the north and west sides of the island. Notable sights include: Na Pali Coast sea cliffs, Waimea Canyon (visible as a deep red-orange gash in the plateau), Hanalei Bay, Kauai's central mountain peaks.

The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Lihue (LIH) takes Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes.

The flight path crosses open Pacific Ocean almost entirely, with no land features visible after leaving the California coast. The Hawaiian Ridge submarine chain lies far below the surface. Roughly 1,000 miles southwest of California, the ocean deepens into the North Pacific Basin. The only geographic transition is the gradual appearance of the Hawaiian island chain as you approach, with Oahu's Oahu visible to the southeast before Kauai comes into view.