Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Lihue to Washington. Left side wins both ends of the flight. Over the Pacific the left side faces south toward the Hawaiian island chain as you depart, and on arrival into Dulles it captures the Potomac and DC skyline. The right side offers open ocean for most of the transoceanic leg with little to distinguish it.

During takeoff from Lihue (LIH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Lihue Airport typically departs runway 3 (northbound) or runway 21 (southbound). On a northeast departure toward the mainland, the left side faces west and northwest, giving views of the Napali Coast cliffs and the interior Waimea Canyon area. The right side faces the open Pacific with little to see. Notable sights include: Napali Coast sea cliffs, Waimea Canyon (visible as a deep red-orange gash inland), Hanalei Bay to the north, Mount Waialeale summit plateau.

When landing at Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dulles typically lands on runways 1L/1R (northbound) or 19L/19R (southbound). On approach from the west, the left side faces south and southeast, giving views of the Potomac River, the DC Mall monuments, and the Virginia suburbs. The right side faces northwest toward less distinctive suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington DC Mall and Capitol building, Tysons Corner skyline, Blue Ridge Mountains on the distant horizon.

The flight from Lihue (LIH) to Washington Dulles International (IAD) takes Approximately 9 to 10 hours.

The flight tracks northeast across the open North Pacific, passing south of the Aleutian Islands arc visible as distant volcanic peaks on clear days. The California coast crossing typically occurs near the San Francisco Bay Area, where the Bay, Golden Gate, and Sierra Nevada are visible. The route then crosses the Great Basin desert, Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, and Appalachian ridges before descending into the DC area.