The left side combines a fleeting Chicago skyline view at departure, a flight path that tracks closer to the southern Rockies and Colorado Plateau during cruise, and a dramatic Haleakala volcano view on final approach into Maui, giving it a clear edge over the right side's flatter Great Plains and Great Basin scenery.
Flown ORD to OGG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Kahului is 4,178 miles (6,725 km), a flight of about 9 hours 50 minutes.
Southern Rocky Mountains, Colorado Plateau and Great Basin desert terrain, followed by several hours of open Pacific Ocean before the Hawaiian Islands come into view
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTAs the aircraft climbs out of O'Hare and banks onto its southwesterly routing, passengers on the left get a brief look back at the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline before the plains take over. The right side sees only flat farmland with no distinguishing features.
Landing at OGG
LEFTOn approach into Kahului the flight path crosses south of the island chain before turning onto final for runway 02, putting the massive shield volcano Haleakala directly on the left side. The right side instead faces the smaller West Maui Mountains and open channel toward Lanai and Molokai, which is scenic but less dramatic.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Kahului (OGG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Kahului. The left side combines a fleeting Chicago skyline view at departure, a flight path that tracks closer to the southern Rockies and Colorado Plateau during cruise, and a dramatic Haleakala volcano view on final approach into Maui, giving it a clear edge over the right side's flatter Great Plains and Great Basin scenery.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Left side for the best views. As the aircraft climbs out of O'Hare and banks onto its southwesterly routing, passengers on the left get a brief look back at the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline before the plains take over. The right side sees only flat farmland with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago suburbs grid pattern.
What can I see when landing at Kahului in Kahului?
When landing at Kahului (OGG), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Kahului the flight path crosses south of the island chain before turning onto final for runway 02, putting the massive shield volcano Haleakala directly on the left side. The right side instead faces the smaller West Maui Mountains and open channel toward Lanai and Molokai, which is scenic but less dramatic. Notable sights include: Haleakala volcano, Maui's central isthmus, Kahoolawe island, Pacific coral reefs.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Kahului?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Kahului (OGG) takes about 9 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,178 miles (6,725 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Kahului flight path pass over?
Southern Rocky Mountains, Colorado Plateau and Great Basin desert terrain, followed by several hours of open Pacific Ocean before the Hawaiian Islands come into view