About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Kahului (OGG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Kahului. The right side wins at takeoff for the LA coastline views, but the left side delivers the more dramatic and sustained payoff on arrival with Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains. Since the flight is mostly over open ocean, the landing approach is the visual highlight of the trip, and left wins that decisively.
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 departures heading west over the Pacific typically use runways 24L/24R, so the right side gives you a last look back at the Santa Monica Bay coastline, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and the LA Basin sprawl before the ocean takes over. The left side faces open water almost immediately. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Catalina Island to the south, downtown LA skyline in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Kahului in Kahului?
When landing at Kahului (OGG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Kahului Airport typically uses runway 02 for arrivals from the north, meaning the aircraft approaches from the north over the Maui channel. The left side gives you a clear view of the West Maui Mountains and the isthmus, while the right faces the open ocean. On runway 20 arrivals, left still captures Haleakala's massive shield volcano dominating the eastern half of the island. Notable sights include: Haleakala volcano (10,023 ft), West Maui Mountains, Maui isthmus and sugarcane flats, Kahului Harbor.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Kahului?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Kahului (OGG) takes Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes.
What does the Los Angeles to Kahului flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the open Pacific Ocean almost entirely, passing over the Hawaiian Ridge submarine chain below the surface. There are no islands or land features visible from the aircraft between the California coast and the Hawaiian Islands. The only notable visual transition is the gradual appearance of the Big Island of Hawaii on the distant horizon to the south as you approach Maui, and occasionally Molokai and Lanai become visible to the south during descent.