Both sides get one strong scenic bookend, but the right side's Oahu approach past Diamond Head, Waikiki, and Pearl Harbor is more visually iconic than the left side's Honolulu downtown/Koolau view, and the right side's La Jolla coastline at takeoff still holds its own against the left's San Diego Bay scene.
Flown SAN to HNL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Diego to Honolulu is 2,610 miles (4,201 km), a flight of about 5 hours 40 minutes.
The vast majority of the route crosses open Pacific Ocean with no landmarks visible for several hours between the California coast and the first sight of the Hawaiian Islands.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAN
LEFTRunway 27 departures climb straight out over San Diego Bay, and the left side gets the money view: downtown San Diego's skyline, the Coronado Bridge, and Point Loma's headland before the coast falls away into open Pacific.
Landing at HNL
RIGHTTo land into the trade winds on runway 8L, arrivals loop around and make final approach heading east along Oahu's south shore, putting Diamond Head, Waikiki's beachfront hotels, and Pearl Harbor's entrance on the right side just before touchdown.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Honolulu International (HNL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to Honolulu. Both sides get one strong scenic bookend, but the right side's Oahu approach past Diamond Head, Waikiki, and Pearl Harbor is more visually iconic than the left side's Honolulu downtown/Koolau view, and the right side's La Jolla coastline at takeoff still holds its own against the left's San Diego Bay scene.
What can I see during takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
During takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Runway 27 departures climb straight out over San Diego Bay, and the left side gets the money view: downtown San Diego's skyline, the Coronado Bridge, and Point Loma's headland before the coast falls away into open Pacific. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge, Downtown San Diego skyline, Point Loma/Cabrillo National Monument.
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. To land into the trade winds on runway 8L, arrivals loop around and make final approach heading east along Oahu's south shore, putting Diamond Head, Waikiki's beachfront hotels, and Pearl Harbor's entrance on the right side just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Diamond Head crater, Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor entrance, Honolulu Harbor.
How long is the flight from San Diego to Honolulu?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Honolulu International (HNL) takes about 5 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,610 miles (4,201 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Diego to Honolulu flight path pass over?
The vast majority of the route crosses open Pacific Ocean with no landmarks visible for several hours between the California coast and the first sight of the Hawaiian Islands.