The left side offers a brief but genuine Mt. Hood view on departure and a clearly superior volcanic landscape during the Kona approach, while the right side sees little but open ocean for nearly the entire flight.
Flown PDX to KOA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Portland to Kona is 2,607 miles (4,196 km), a flight of about 5 hours 30 minutes.
Open Pacific Ocean with no visible landmarks for the majority of the cruise phase
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PDX
LEFTDeparting PDX on runway 28, the aircraft climbs west then banks left (south) toward Hawaii, putting Mt. Hood and the forested Cascade foothills in view on the left side. The right side only briefly shows the Columbia River and Vancouver before the turn takes those views away.
Landing at KOA
LEFTArriving at KOA from the northeast, the approach path tracks down the Kohala and Kona coast before turning onto runway 17, giving left-side passengers a dramatic view of Hualalai volcano's dark lava flows and Mauna Loa's massive shield rising inland. The right side faces only open Pacific water during the approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Portland International (PDX) to Kona International At Keahole (KOA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Portland to Kona. The left side offers a brief but genuine Mt. Hood view on departure and a clearly superior volcanic landscape during the Kona approach, while the right side sees little but open ocean for nearly the entire flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Portland International in Portland?
During takeoff from Portland International (PDX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing PDX on runway 28, the aircraft climbs west then banks left (south) toward Hawaii, putting Mt. Hood and the forested Cascade foothills in view on the left side. The right side only briefly shows the Columbia River and Vancouver before the turn takes those views away. Notable sights include: Mt. Hood, Willamette Valley, Portland's West Hills.
What can I see when landing at Kona International At Keahole in Kona?
When landing at Kona International At Keahole (KOA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arriving at KOA from the northeast, the approach path tracks down the Kohala and Kona coast before turning onto runway 17, giving left-side passengers a dramatic view of Hualalai volcano's dark lava flows and Mauna Loa's massive shield rising inland. The right side faces only open Pacific water during the approach. Notable sights include: Hualalai volcano, Mauna Loa shield, black lava fields of the Kona coast.
How long is the flight from Portland to Kona?
The flight from Portland International (PDX) to Kona International At Keahole (KOA) takes about 5 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,607 miles (4,196 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Portland to Kona flight path pass over?
Open Pacific Ocean with no visible landmarks for the majority of the cruise phase