The left side captures the dramatic Maui departure views including Haleakala and the neighboring Hawaiian islands, which are the most visually spectacular part of this route. The open Pacific crossing offers little to see from either side, and the LAX arrival views on the right are good but more ordinary urban scenery.
Flight Path
The flight crosses roughly 2,500 miles of open Pacific Ocean with no land features visible. The route passes well north of the Hawaiian island chain after departure. At cruise altitude you may occasionally see cloud formations over the Pacific high-pressure system. The California coastline becomes visible near Point Conception or Santa Barbara roughly 45-60 minutes before landing, with the Channel Islands (San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz) visible as low silhouettes off the coast before the descent into LAX.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from OGG
LEFTDeparting Kahului on runway 02 (northbound), the left/west side gives you a clear view of the West Maui Mountains and the isthmus. You also get a look back at Haleakala's massive shield volcano dome as the aircraft banks northeast toward the mainland.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTLAX typically lands on the north complex runways (24L/24R) from the east, meaning the aircraft approaches from the inland side heading west. The right/north side gives you the best view of the Santa Monica Bay coastline, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the urban grid of West LA and Santa Monica as you descend.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kahului (OGG) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kahului to Los Angeles. The left side captures the dramatic Maui departure views including Haleakala and the neighboring Hawaiian islands, which are the most visually spectacular part of this route. The open Pacific crossing offers little to see from either side, and the LAX arrival views on the right are good but more ordinary urban scenery.
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 Kahului on runway 02 (northbound), the left/west side gives you a clear view of the West Maui Mountains and the isthmus. You also get a look back at Haleakala's massive shield volcano dome as the aircraft banks northeast toward the mainland. Notable sights include: Haleakala summit (10,023 ft), West Maui Mountains, Maalaea Bay, Kahoolawe island to the southwest.
What can I see when landing at Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
When landing at Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. LAX typically lands on the north complex runways (24L/24R) from the east, meaning the aircraft approaches from the inland side heading west. The right/north side gives you the best view of the Santa Monica Bay coastline, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the urban grid of West LA and Santa Monica as you descend. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Santa Monica Mountains, downtown Los Angeles skyline to the northeast, Palos Verdes Peninsula.
How long is the flight from Kahului to Los Angeles?
The flight from Kahului (OGG) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes Approximately 5 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Kahului to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The flight crosses roughly 2,500 miles of open Pacific Ocean with no land features visible. The route passes well north of the Hawaiian island chain after departure. At cruise altitude you may occasionally see cloud formations over the Pacific high-pressure system. The California coastline becomes visible near Point Conception or Santa Barbara roughly 45-60 minutes before landing, with the Channel Islands (San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz) visible as low silhouettes off the coast before the descent into LAX.