Left side wins the full flight. Departure gives you Haleakala and the Maui coastline, the flight path northeast then east over the Pacific and into the mainland offers left-side views of the California coast if routing goes that way, and the Phoenix arrival on left gives South Mountain and the city grid. Right side has some merit over the Mojave but left is consistently stronger at both endpoints.
Flown OGG to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Kahului to Phoenix is 2,841 miles (4,573 km), a flight of about 5 hours 30 minutes.
After leaving Maui, the route crosses open Pacific Ocean for roughly 2,400 miles before reaching the California coast near Los Angeles or the Central Valley. Overflying the Mojave Desert, you may see the Salton Sea (a large inland saline lake, visible from altitude as a pale blue rectangle in the desert), the Colorado River corridor marking the California-Arizona border, and the Sonoran Desert stretching into Phoenix. The Sierra Nevada and San Gabriel Mountains may be visible on the northern horizon depending on exact routing.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from OGG
LEFTKahului typically departs on Runway 02 (heading northeast) or Runway 20 (heading southwest). On a northeast departure, the left side faces northwest toward the West Maui Mountains and the Pailolo Channel. On a southwest departure, the left side looks southeast over Haleakala's massive shield volcano flanks. Either way, left captures the dominant volcanic terrain of central and east Maui.
Landing at PHX
LEFTPhoenix Sky Harbor primarily uses runways oriented east-west (Runways 07/25 and 08/26). On a westbound approach to Runway 25 or 26, the left side faces south over the South Mountain Park massif and the broad Salt River valley. On an eastbound departure or approach from the east, the left side captures downtown Phoenix, Tempe Town Lake, and the distinctive Superstition Mountains to the east.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kahului (OGG) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kahului to Phoenix. Left side wins the full flight. Departure gives you Haleakala and the Maui coastline, the flight path northeast then east over the Pacific and into the mainland offers left-side views of the California coast if routing goes that way, and the Phoenix arrival on left gives South Mountain and the city grid. Right side has some merit over the Mojave but left is consistently stronger at both endpoints.
What can I see during takeoff from Kahului in Kahului?
During takeoff from Kahului (OGG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Kahului typically departs on Runway 02 (heading northeast) or Runway 20 (heading southwest). On a northeast departure, the left side faces northwest toward the West Maui Mountains and the Pailolo Channel. On a southwest departure, the left side looks southeast over Haleakala's massive shield volcano flanks. Either way, left captures the dominant volcanic terrain of central and east Maui. Notable sights include: Haleakala summit crater (10,023 ft), West Maui Mountains (Pu'u Kukui), Pailolo Channel between Maui and Molokai, Kahului Harbor and isthmus flatlands.
What can I see when landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Phoenix Sky Harbor primarily uses runways oriented east-west (Runways 07/25 and 08/26). On a westbound approach to Runway 25 or 26, the left side faces south over the South Mountain Park massif and the broad Salt River valley. On an eastbound departure or approach from the east, the left side captures downtown Phoenix, Tempe Town Lake, and the distinctive Superstition Mountains to the east. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park (largest municipal park in the US, clearly visible as a dark rocky ridge), Tempe Town Lake (rectangular reservoir on the Salt River), downtown Phoenix skyline, Camelback Mountain.
How long is the flight from Kahului to Phoenix?
The flight from Kahului (OGG) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 5 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,841 miles (4,573 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Kahului to Phoenix flight path pass over?
After leaving Maui, the route crosses open Pacific Ocean for roughly 2,400 miles before reaching the California coast near Los Angeles or the Central Valley. Overflying the Mojave Desert, you may see the Salton Sea (a large inland saline lake, visible from altitude as a pale blue rectangle in the desert), the Colorado River corridor marking the California-Arizona border, and the Sonoran Desert stretching into Phoenix. The Sierra Nevada and San Gabriel Mountains may be visible on the northern horizon depending on exact routing.