Left side wins both ends of the flight. Over the Pacific and mainland, the left side also tracks closer to the California coastline during the overwater-to-land transition, and picks up the Sierra Nevada and Mojave Desert features during cruise. It is the clear choice for the full journey.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the open Pacific for roughly the first 2,500 miles before making landfall near the California coast around Point Conception or the Los Angeles basin. From there the route tracks east over the Mojave Desert, the Colorado River crossing near Needles, the vast flat expanse of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan desert transition zones in Arizona and New Mexico, and finally the Llano Estacado plateau of west Texas before descending into the DFW metroplex.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LIH
LEFTDeparting Lihue on runway 03 (northeast heading), the left/west side gives you views back over the Haupu Ridge and the dramatic Na Pali Coast cliffs as the aircraft banks northeast and climbs out over the Pacific. The right side faces open ocean with little to see.
Landing at DFW
LEFTArriving at DFW from the west on runway 17L or 18L (southbound approach), the left side faces east over downtown Dallas, with the city skyline, White Rock Lake, and the urban grid clearly visible. The right side looks toward Fort Worth and flat suburban sprawl.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lihue (LIH) to Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Lihue to Dallas-Fort Worth. Left side wins both ends of the flight. Over the Pacific and mainland, the left side also tracks closer to the California coastline during the overwater-to-land transition, and picks up the Sierra Nevada and Mojave Desert features during cruise. It is the clear choice for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Lihue in Lihue?
During takeoff from Lihue (LIH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Lihue on runway 03 (northeast heading), the left/west side gives you views back over the Haupu Ridge and the dramatic Na Pali Coast cliffs as the aircraft banks northeast and climbs out over the Pacific. The right side faces open ocean with little to see. Notable sights include: Na Pali Coast sea cliffs, Haupu Ridge, Nawiliwili Harbor, Waimea Canyon plateau to the west.
What can I see when landing at Dallas Fort Worth International in Dallas-Fort Worth?
When landing at Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arriving at DFW from the west on runway 17L or 18L (southbound approach), the left side faces east over downtown Dallas, with the city skyline, White Rock Lake, and the urban grid clearly visible. The right side looks toward Fort Worth and flat suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Downtown Dallas skyline, White Rock Lake, Lake Ray Hubbard on the eastern horizon, the DFW airport terminal complex.
How long is the flight from Lihue to Dallas-Fort Worth?
The flight from Lihue (LIH) to Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) takes Approximately 7 to 7.5 hours.
What does the Lihue to Dallas-Fort Worth flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the open Pacific for roughly the first 2,500 miles before making landfall near the California coast around Point Conception or the Los Angeles basin. From there the route tracks east over the Mojave Desert, the Colorado River crossing near Needles, the vast flat expanse of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan desert transition zones in Arizona and New Mexico, and finally the Llano Estacado plateau of west Texas before descending into the DFW metroplex.