Both sides get similar hours of open Pacific Ocean during cruise, but the right side's approach into OGG delivers a genuinely dramatic, close-up view of Haleakala's volcanic profile, which outweighs the left side's more modest desert mountain views on departure from Phoenix.
Flight Path
The cruise phase is dominated by open Pacific Ocean with no landmarks for several hours, though the Southern California coastline near San Diego may be visible briefly as the flight exits the mainland before the long overwater segment to Hawaii.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHX
LEFTDeparting PHX to the west-southwest, the left (south-facing) side passes over South Mountain Park and the Sierra Estrella range right at the edge of the city, then the open Sonoran Desert and Gila River valley as the plane climbs. The right side mostly shows the flatter White Tank Mountains area, which is less distinctive.
Landing at OGG
RIGHTOGG's primary runway 02 requires arriving flights to curve around the south side of Maui before turning back northeast to land, which puts the massive shield volcano Haleakala directly on the right side during the final descent. Its green-and-brown slopes and summit depression dominate the view, with the central Maui isthmus and Pacific coastline visible below.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Kahului (OGG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Kahului. Both sides get similar hours of open Pacific Ocean during cruise, but the right side's approach into OGG delivers a genuinely dramatic, close-up view of Haleakala's volcanic profile, which outweighs the left side's more modest desert mountain views on departure from Phoenix.
What can I see during takeoff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
During takeoff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing PHX to the west-southwest, the left (south-facing) side passes over South Mountain Park and the Sierra Estrella range right at the edge of the city, then the open Sonoran Desert and Gila River valley as the plane climbs. The right side mostly shows the flatter White Tank Mountains area, which is less distinctive. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, Sierra Estrella, Gila River Valley, Sonoran Desert terrain.
What can I see when landing at Kahului in Kahului?
When landing at Kahului (OGG), sit on the Right side for the best views. OGG's primary runway 02 requires arriving flights to curve around the south side of Maui before turning back northeast to land, which puts the massive shield volcano Haleakala directly on the right side during the final descent. Its green-and-brown slopes and summit depression dominate the view, with the central Maui isthmus and Pacific coastline visible below. Notable sights include: Haleakala volcano, Maui central valley (isthmus), Pacific coastline, Kahoolawe island offshore.
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Kahului?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Kahului (OGG) takes 5h 30m.
What does the Phoenix to Kahului flight path pass over?
The cruise phase is dominated by open Pacific Ocean with no landmarks for several hours, though the Southern California coastline near San Diego may be visible briefly as the flight exits the mainland before the long overwater segment to Hawaii.