The right side offers the best combination of the Rocky Mountain crossing during the first part of the flight and, most importantly, the classic Hawaiian volcanic approach with Diamond Head and Waikiki visible just before landing — a rare and highly scenic sequence.
Flight Path
Rocky Mountains, Great Basin desert of Nevada and Utah, open Pacific Ocean for the majority of the crossing
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTWestbound departures from ORD climb out over the flat Illinois farmland with little to see on either side initially, but as the flight curves southwest toward Hawaii, the Rocky Mountains and the Colorado Plateau come into view predominantly on the right side of the aircraft. This gives the right side a much more dramatic terrain profile during the first hour of cruise.
Landing at HNL
RIGHTArrivals into HNL typically approach from the west and turn to align with the runways facing east-northeast, which sweeps the aircraft along Oahu's south shore. This puts Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and the Honolulu skyline in clear view on the right side just before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Honolulu International (HNL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Honolulu. The right side offers the best combination of the Rocky Mountain crossing during the first part of the flight and, most importantly, the classic Hawaiian volcanic approach with Diamond Head and Waikiki visible just before landing — a rare and highly scenic sequence.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Westbound departures from ORD climb out over the flat Illinois farmland with little to see on either side initially, but as the flight curves southwest toward Hawaii, the Rocky Mountains and the Colorado Plateau come into view predominantly on the right side of the aircraft. This gives the right side a much more dramatic terrain profile during the first hour of cruise. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rockies, Colorado Plateau, Great Salt Lake basin.
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. Arrivals into HNL typically approach from the west and turn to align with the runways facing east-northeast, which sweeps the aircraft along Oahu's south shore. This puts Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and the Honolulu skyline in clear view on the right side just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Diamond Head crater, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu skyline, Pearl Harbor in the distance.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Honolulu?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Honolulu International (HNL) takes 9h 05m.
What does the Chicago to Honolulu flight path pass over?
Rocky Mountains, Great Basin desert of Nevada and Utah, open Pacific Ocean for the majority of the crossing