While takeoff from Kahului favors the right for dramatic volcanic terrain, the landing approach into San Diego offers more compelling urban and coastal geography from the left side. The San Diego Bay approach is visually distinctive and compensates for a less dramatic departure.
Flown OGG to NZY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Kahului to San Diego is 2,536 miles (4,081 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Pacific Ocean roughly 1,200 miles southeast. Notable waypoints include passing south of the Big Island of Hawaii (visible as a distant dark mass if flying at optimal altitude during early climb), then open ocean for the majority of the flight. As the aircraft approaches California, the Channel Islands (Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz) may be visible on the horizon 50-60 miles northwest of San Diego. The California coast becomes visible roughly 30 minutes before landing, with the Peninsular Ranges appearing as low mountains inland from the coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from OGG
RIGHTKahului typically departs runway 02 or 20. Right-side seats offer views of the West Maui volcanic slopes and the channel between Maui and Molokai during the initial climb. Left seats face the windward cliffs and open ocean with less dramatic terrain.
Landing at NZY
LEFTApproaching NZY (North Island Naval Air Station, San Diego) typically uses runways 09L/27R or 09R/27L. Left-side seats during descent offer views of San Diego Bay, the downtown skyline, and Point Loma peninsula. Right seats see inland terrain and less distinctive urban features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kahului (OGG) to North Island Nas (NZY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kahului to San Diego. While takeoff from Kahului favors the right for dramatic volcanic terrain, the landing approach into San Diego offers more compelling urban and coastal geography from the left side. The San Diego Bay approach is visually distinctive and compensates for a less dramatic departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Kahului in Kahului?
During takeoff from Kahului (OGG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Kahului typically departs runway 02 or 20. Right-side seats offer views of the West Maui volcanic slopes and the channel between Maui and Molokai during the initial climb. Left seats face the windward cliffs and open ocean with less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: West Maui volcano (Pu'u Kukui massif), Pailolo Channel separating Maui and Molokai, Molokai's north shore cliffs, Haleakala's eastern flank.
What can I see when landing at North Island Nas in San Diego?
When landing at North Island Nas (NZY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching NZY (North Island Naval Air Station, San Diego) typically uses runways 09L/27R or 09R/27L. Left-side seats during descent offer views of San Diego Bay, the downtown skyline, and Point Loma peninsula. Right seats see inland terrain and less distinctive urban features. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay (with Coronado Island and Naval Base San Diego), Point Loma peninsula, downtown San Diego skyline, Cabrillo National Monument.
How long is the flight from Kahului to San Diego?
The flight from Kahului (OGG) to North Island Nas (NZY) takes about 5 hours 15 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 Kahului to San Diego flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Pacific Ocean roughly 1,200 miles southeast. Notable waypoints include passing south of the Big Island of Hawaii (visible as a distant dark mass if flying at optimal altitude during early climb), then open ocean for the majority of the flight. As the aircraft approaches California, the Channel Islands (Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz) may be visible on the horizon 50-60 miles northwest of San Diego. The California coast becomes visible roughly 30 minutes before landing, with the Peninsular Ranges appearing as low mountains inland from the coast.