The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a scenic coastal departure past Coronado and Point Loma, and a lush volcanic approach over Kauai's Wailua valley and Sleeping Giant ridge, while the right side offers comparatively flat ocean views during these same phases.
Flight Path
The cruise phase is entirely over open Pacific Ocean with no landmasses visible for roughly five hours between the California coast and the Hawaiian Islands.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAN
LEFTDeparting Runway 27, the climb-out passes just south of the airport, giving left-side passengers a clear view of Coronado Island, the Hotel del Coronado, and the Point Loma peninsula framing San Diego Bay before the aircraft heads out over open ocean. The right side mainly sees the city receding into haze with less coastal definition.
Landing at LIH
LEFTOn approach to Runway 03 at Lihue, the turn onto final often swings over Kauai's southeastern coast, giving left-side passengers a view of the lush Wailua River valley and the distinctive silhouette of the Sleeping Giant ridge before touchdown. The right side mostly faces open ocean during this turn.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Lihue (LIH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to Lihue. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a scenic coastal departure past Coronado and Point Loma, and a lush volcanic approach over Kauai's Wailua valley and Sleeping Giant ridge, while the right side offers comparatively flat ocean views during these same phases.
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. Departing Runway 27, the climb-out passes just south of the airport, giving left-side passengers a clear view of Coronado Island, the Hotel del Coronado, and the Point Loma peninsula framing San Diego Bay before the aircraft heads out over open ocean. The right side mainly sees the city receding into haze with less coastal definition. Notable sights include: Coronado Island, Point Loma peninsula, San Diego Bay, Silver Strand.
What can I see when landing at Lihue in Lihue?
When landing at Lihue (LIH), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to Runway 03 at Lihue, the turn onto final often swings over Kauai's southeastern coast, giving left-side passengers a view of the lush Wailua River valley and the distinctive silhouette of the Sleeping Giant ridge before touchdown. The right side mostly faces open ocean during this turn. Notable sights include: Sleeping Giant ridge, Wailua River valley, Kauai's green interior peaks, Nawiliwili coastline.
How long is the flight from San Diego to Lihue?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Lihue (LIH) takes 5h 50m.
What does the San Diego to Lihue flight path pass over?
The cruise phase is entirely over open Pacific Ocean with no landmasses visible for roughly five hours between the California coast and the Hawaiian Islands.