About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Lanai (LNY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Lanai. The right seat wins overall for the dramatic LA departure views of Santa Monica Bay and the Santa Monica Mountains during climb-out. The landing views on Lanai slightly favor left, but the takeoff spectacle from the right side is the highlight of this route. Over the open Pacific, both sides see only ocean for the majority of the flight.
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. LAX typically departs westbound over the ocean on runways 24L/24R, then aircraft turn northwest toward Hawaii. A right/north-facing seat captures the Santa Monica Bay coastline, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the sprawling LA basin as you climb out. Left seats face south toward the Palos Verdes Peninsula but quickly see open ocean. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Santa Monica Mountains, Downtown LA skyline (distant), Malibu coastline.
What can I see when landing at Lanai in Lanai?
When landing at Lanai (LNY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Lanai Airport (LNY) runway 03/21 means arrivals typically come in from the south or north. Approaching from the east-northeast over the Maui Channel, a left seat faces south and west, giving views of Lanai's rugged southern cliffs and the island's pineapple-field plateau. Right seats face Maui across the channel but the left side captures Lanai itself during final approach. Notable sights include: Lanai's central plateau, Maui across the Au'au Channel, Molokai on the distant horizon, Lanai's sea cliffs along the south coast.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Lanai?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Lanai (LNY) takes Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes.
What does the Los Angeles to Lanai flight path pass over?
The flight crosses almost entirely open Pacific Ocean. The Hawaiian island chain becomes visible in the final 30-40 minutes — Maui's Haleakala volcano (10,023 ft) may be visible on the right as a massive shield volcano dome rising above the cloud layer, and Molokai's flat northern plateau can appear on the left. No significant mid-ocean features are visible between the California coast and the Hawaiian Islands.