While the left side wins the brief departure sequence with the West Maui Mountains, the right side delivers the flight's signature moment: the close, iconic view of Diamond Head, Waikiki, and the Honolulu skyline during the final approach into HNL, which is more memorable and recognizable than the distant inter-island scenery on the left.
Flown OGG to HNL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Kahului to Honolulu is 101 miles (162 km), a flight of about 40 minutes.
Pailolo and Kalohi Channels between Maui and Molokai, Molokai's south coastline, the silhouettes of Lanai and Kahoolawe to the south, and the Kaiwi Channel separating Molokai from Oahu
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from OGG
LEFTDeparting OGG to the northeast, the aircraft banks left toward its westbound course almost immediately, swinging the West Maui Mountains and the green ridges above Kaanapali into view on the left side. The right side mostly shows open Pacific water and the lower flank of Haleakala receding behind.
Landing at HNL
RIGHTArriving flights from Maui typically continue past Honolulu before turning back to land into the trade winds on runway 08L, putting Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and the downtown Honolulu skyline directly off the right side during the final approach turn. The left side instead faces inland toward Pearl Harbor and the Koolau foothills, which are less visually striking from this angle.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kahului (OGG) to Honolulu International (HNL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kahului to Honolulu. While the left side wins the brief departure sequence with the West Maui Mountains, the right side delivers the flight's signature moment: the close, iconic view of Diamond Head, Waikiki, and the Honolulu skyline during the final approach into HNL, which is more memorable and recognizable than the distant inter-island scenery on the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Kahului in Kahului?
During takeoff from Kahului (OGG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing OGG to the northeast, the aircraft banks left toward its westbound course almost immediately, swinging the West Maui Mountains and the green ridges above Kaanapali into view on the left side. The right side mostly shows open Pacific water and the lower flank of Haleakala receding behind. Notable sights include: West Maui Mountains, Iao Valley ridgeline, Kahului isthmus, Haleakala's northern slope.
What can I see when landing at Honolulu International in Honolulu?
When landing at Honolulu International (HNL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving flights from Maui typically continue past Honolulu before turning back to land into the trade winds on runway 08L, putting Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and the downtown Honolulu skyline directly off the right side during the final approach turn. The left side instead faces inland toward Pearl Harbor and the Koolau foothills, which are less visually striking from this angle. Notable sights include: Diamond Head crater, Waikiki Beach hotel strip, downtown Honolulu skyline, Mamala Bay coastline.
How long is the flight from Kahului to Honolulu?
The flight from Kahului (OGG) to Honolulu International (HNL) takes about 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 101 miles (162 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Kahului to Honolulu flight path pass over?
Pailolo and Kalohi Channels between Maui and Molokai, Molokai's south coastline, the silhouettes of Lanai and Kahoolawe to the south, and the Kaiwi Channel separating Molokai from Oahu