The right side wins on both ends of the flight: Malibu's coastline and mountains during departure, and Kauai's dramatic Waimea Canyon and Na Pali Coast during the arrival turn, while the left side sees mostly open ocean and less distinctive coastline.
Flown LAX to LIH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Lihue is 2,612 miles (4,203 km), a flight of about 5 hours 55 minutes.
Open Pacific Ocean with no landmarks until Hawaiian island chain comes into view near the end of the flight
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTIn LAX's normal west-flow departure, the aircraft climbs out over Santa Monica Bay and banks slightly south toward Hawaii, putting the Malibu coastline and Santa Monica Mountains on the right side. The left side mainly shows the flatter South Bay and Palos Verdes coastline receding into haze.
Landing at LIH
RIGHTArrivals into Lihue on Runway 03 typically loop around the south and west side of Kauai before turning northeast to land into the trade winds. This swing past the island's interior gives right-side passengers a view of Waimea Canyon's red rock gorges and the green cliffs of the Na Pali Coast before the final turn.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Lihue (LIH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Lihue. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: Malibu's coastline and mountains during departure, and Kauai's dramatic Waimea Canyon and Na Pali Coast during the arrival turn, while the left side sees mostly open ocean and less distinctive coastline.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. In LAX's normal west-flow departure, the aircraft climbs out over Santa Monica Bay and banks slightly south toward Hawaii, putting the Malibu coastline and Santa Monica Mountains on the right side. The left side mainly shows the flatter South Bay and Palos Verdes coastline receding into haze. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Malibu coastline, Santa Monica Mountains, Point Dume.
What can I see when landing at Lihue in Lihue?
When landing at Lihue (LIH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into Lihue on Runway 03 typically loop around the south and west side of Kauai before turning northeast to land into the trade winds. This swing past the island's interior gives right-side passengers a view of Waimea Canyon's red rock gorges and the green cliffs of the Na Pali Coast before the final turn. Notable sights include: Waimea Canyon, Na Pali Coast cliffs, Poipu coastline, Hanapepe Valley.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Lihue?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Lihue (LIH) takes about 5 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,612 miles (4,203 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Lihue flight path pass over?
Open Pacific Ocean with no landmarks until Hawaiian island chain comes into view near the end of the flight