While takeoff offers good coastal views, the landing approach provides superior scenic value with Haleakala volcano and Maui's dramatic volcanic landscape—the most visually distinctive features of this route.
Flown NZY to OGG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Diego to Kahului is 2,536 miles (4,081 km), a flight of about 5 hours 10 minutes.
Open Pacific Ocean with no major landmarks; flight path crosses approximately 2,100 nautical miles of open water between California and Hawaii with no islands or significant geographic features visible during the cruise phase.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from NZY
LEFTLeft side offers views of San Diego Bay, the Pacific coastline, and the Peninsular Ranges as the aircraft climbs southwestward over the ocean. Right side faces inland toward urban sprawl with minimal scenic value.
Landing at OGG
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Big Island's volcanic landscape, Haleakala volcano on Maui, and the West Maui Mountains during approach to Kahului. Left side faces open ocean with minimal landmarks.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from North Island Nas (NZY) to Kahului (OGG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to Kahului. While takeoff offers good coastal views, the landing approach provides superior scenic value with Haleakala volcano and Maui's dramatic volcanic landscape—the most visually distinctive features of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from North Island Nas in San Diego?
During takeoff from North Island Nas (NZY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of San Diego Bay, the Pacific coastline, and the Peninsular Ranges as the aircraft climbs southwestward over the ocean. Right side faces inland toward urban sprawl with minimal scenic value. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay, Point Loma peninsula, Peninsular Ranges (distant), Pacific Ocean.
What can I see when landing at Kahului in Kahului?
When landing at Kahului (OGG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Big Island's volcanic landscape, Haleakala volcano on Maui, and the West Maui Mountains during approach to Kahului. Left side faces open ocean with minimal landmarks. Notable sights include: Haleakala volcano (Maui), West Maui Mountains, Big Island volcanic slopes, Maui coastline.
How long is the flight from San Diego to Kahului?
The flight from North Island Nas (NZY) to Kahului (OGG) takes about 5 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,536 miles (4,081 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Diego to Kahului flight path pass over?
Open Pacific Ocean with no major landmarks; flight path crosses approximately 2,100 nautical miles of open water between California and Hawaii with no islands or significant geographic features visible during the cruise phase.