Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kahului to Kona. While takeoff favors the right for West Maui views, the landing approach to Kona provides superior visual interest with the dramatic black lava fields and Hualalai volcano. The left side captures the defining geological feature of this route's destination.

During takeoff from Kahului (OGG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Kahului typically departs runway 02 (northbound) or 20 (southbound). Right-side seats offer the best view of the West Maui volcanic landscape and the channel between Maui and Molokai during initial climb. Left side faces the less dramatic windward coast. Notable sights include: West Maui volcano ridge, Pailolo Channel (between Maui and Molokai), Molokai's north shore cliffs, Haleakala volcano's eastern slope.

When landing at Kona International At Keahole (KOA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approach to Kona typically uses runway 17 or 35 depending on wind. Left-side seats during descent provide excellent views of the Kona coast's lava fields, Hualalai volcano, and the dramatic black lava landscape that defines this side of the Big Island. Right side faces the open ocean. Notable sights include: Hualalai volcano, Kona lava fields (Kona Coast black lava), Kailua-Kona town and harbor, Hawaii Belt Road corridor.

The flight from Kahului (OGG) to Kona International At Keahole (KOA) takes Approximately 30-35 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Alalakeiki Channel between Maui and the Big Island. At midpoint, you'll see the transition from Maui's windward (eastern) slopes to the Big Island's Kohala and Mauna Kea volcanic domes on the horizon. The channel waters are typically deep blue. Visibility of the Big Island's summit regions depends on cloud cover, but Mauna Kea's slopes often appear as a distant dome. The route generally tracks southwest, keeping both islands visible for most of the flight.