Lihue to San Francisco flight pathLIHSFO

Sit on the left side of the plane

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Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time5h 55m
Distance2,445
Heading055° → 074°
Best side
Left
★ 3.5 left·★ 2.5 right

The left side wins both ends of the flight: a dramatic volcanic coastline departure from Kauai and a scenic coastal approach into SFO, while the right side is dominated by featureless open Pacific for most of the journey.

Takeoff · LIHLEFTNa Pali Coast cliffs, Waimea Canyon, Kauai's central volcanic peaks
Landing · SFOLEFTSan Francisco Peninsula coastline, Pacifica cliffs, San Bruno Mountain

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Vast open Pacific Ocean with no land features for several hours between the Hawaiian Islands and the California coast

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Lihue (left side) — Na Pali Coast cliffs, Waimea Canyon, Kauai's central volcanic peaks, Pacific coastline

Takeoff from LIH

LEFT

Departing LIH, the left side offers views of Kauai's Na Pali Coast and the island's lush, jagged volcanic ridges as the plane climbs out over the north/west shore before heading toward the open Pacific. The right side mostly shows open ocean immediately after takeoff.

Na Pali Coast cliffsWaimea CanyonKauai's central volcanic peaksPacific coastline
Aerial window seat view during landing at San Francisco (left side) — San Francisco Peninsula coastline, Pacifica cliffs, San Bruno Mountain, San Francisco Bay

Landing at SFO

LEFT

On approach to SFO from the ocean side, the left side typically reveals the San Francisco Peninsula coastline, Pacifica's cliffs, and the final turn often provides views over the city and bay before landing. The right side during descent is mostly open ocean until very late.

San Francisco Peninsula coastlinePacifica cliffsSan Bruno MountainSan Francisco Bay

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lihue (LIH) to San Francisco International (SFO)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Lihue to San Francisco. The left side wins both ends of the flight: a dramatic volcanic coastline departure from Kauai and a scenic coastal approach into SFO, while the right side is dominated by featureless open Pacific for most of the 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 LIH, the left side offers views of Kauai's Na Pali Coast and the island's lush, jagged volcanic ridges as the plane climbs out over the north/west shore before heading toward the open Pacific. The right side mostly shows open ocean immediately after takeoff. Notable sights include: Na Pali Coast cliffs, Waimea Canyon, Kauai's central volcanic peaks, Pacific coastline.

What can I see when landing at San Francisco International in San Francisco?

When landing at San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to SFO from the ocean side, the left side typically reveals the San Francisco Peninsula coastline, Pacifica's cliffs, and the final turn often provides views over the city and bay before landing. The right side during descent is mostly open ocean until very late. Notable sights include: San Francisco Peninsula coastline, Pacifica cliffs, San Bruno Mountain, San Francisco Bay.

How long is the flight from Lihue to San Francisco?

The flight from Lihue (LIH) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes 5h 55m.

What does the Lihue to San Francisco flight path pass over?

Vast open Pacific Ocean with no land features for several hours between the Hawaiian Islands and the California coast