Oakland to Kahului flight path: OAK to OGG

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Oakland to Kahului. The right side wins both ends of the flight: San Francisco Bay's skyline and bridges at departure, and Haleakala's volcanic bulk on arrival into Maui, while the multi-hour open-ocean cruise phase is scenically neutral on either side.

During takeoff from Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing OAK on the westerly runways, the climb path tracks out over San Francisco Bay, and the right side offers a clear view north across the water to the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin headlands before the aircraft turns out over the Pacific. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Marin Headlands.

When landing at Kahului (OGG), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the approach into OGG from the southwest, the flight path skirts the western base of Haleakala volcano before turning north to land on runway 02, giving right-side passengers a dramatic close-up view of the volcano's cindery slopes and summit crater rim. Notable sights include: Haleakala volcano, Maui's central isthmus, Kahului Harbor, West Maui Mountains (distant, opposite side).

The flight from Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK) to Kahului (OGG) takes about 5 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,347 miles (3,777 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

The route crosses open Pacific Ocean with no islands or landmasses visible for most of the cruise phase until the Hawaiian Islands come into view on descent.