The right side offers a stronger combination of urban scenery at takeoff, with San Diego's skyline and bay, and an exceptional volcanic approach at landing, with Haleakala's dramatic profile dominating the final descent into Kahului — a view on par with the classic Hawaiian volcanic approach.
Flown SAN to OGG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Diego to Kahului is 2,538 miles (4,084 km), a flight of about 5 hours 40 minutes.
The route crosses thousands of miles of open Pacific Ocean with no islands or landmarks visible until the Hawaiian island chain appears during descent into Maui.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAN
RIGHTDeparting SAN on Runway 27, the climb-out banks the aircraft's right side toward downtown San Diego, giving a brief but clear view of the skyline, Balboa Park's greenery, and the Coronado Bridge spanning the bay before the coastline falls away. The left side mainly shows Coronado's Naval Air Station and the open Pacific, less distinctive by comparison.
Landing at OGG
RIGHTOn approach to OGG's Runway 02, the flight path crosses Maui's central isthmus with the massive shield volcano of Haleakala rising over 10,000 feet to the right, its crater and cinder cones clearly visible in late descent. The left side faces the West Maui Mountains, which are scenic but smaller and less dramatic than Haleakala's sweeping profile.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Kahului (OGG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to Kahului. The right side offers a stronger combination of urban scenery at takeoff, with San Diego's skyline and bay, and an exceptional volcanic approach at landing, with Haleakala's dramatic profile dominating the final descent into Kahului — a view on par with the classic Hawaiian volcanic approach.
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 Right side for the best views. Departing SAN on Runway 27, the climb-out banks the aircraft's right side toward downtown San Diego, giving a brief but clear view of the skyline, Balboa Park's greenery, and the Coronado Bridge spanning the bay before the coastline falls away. The left side mainly shows Coronado's Naval Air Station and the open Pacific, less distinctive by comparison. Notable sights include: Downtown San Diego skyline, Balboa Park, Coronado Bridge, San Diego Bay.
What can I see when landing at Kahului in Kahului?
When landing at Kahului (OGG), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to OGG's Runway 02, the flight path crosses Maui's central isthmus with the massive shield volcano of Haleakala rising over 10,000 feet to the right, its crater and cinder cones clearly visible in late descent. The left side faces the West Maui Mountains, which are scenic but smaller and less dramatic than Haleakala's sweeping profile. Notable sights include: Haleakala volcano and crater, Maui's central isthmus, Kahului Harbor, sugarcane fields below the volcano's slopes.
How long is the flight from San Diego to Kahului?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Kahului (OGG) takes about 5 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,538 miles (4,084 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Diego to Kahului flight path pass over?
The route crosses thousands of miles of open Pacific Ocean with no islands or landmarks visible until the Hawaiian island chain appears during descent into Maui.