The left side misses some of the Cascades on departure but wins decisively on arrival with the extraordinary view of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Over the open Pacific the views are symmetric, so the arrival into Hilo is the deciding factor.
Flown SEA to ITO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Hilo is 2,651 miles (4,266 km), a flight of about 5 hours 45 minutes.
The flight crosses the open North Pacific Ocean for the vast majority of the route with no land visible. The Hawaiian Island chain becomes visible in the final 30-40 minutes — you may spot Maui and the West Maui Mountains before the Big Island comes into view. The Aleutian Low weather systems can produce dramatic cloud formations at cruise altitude over the mid-Pacific.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
RIGHTSeaTac typically departs south on runway 16L/16R or north on 34L/34R. On a southbound departure turning west toward Hawaii, the right side gives you a clear look at Mount Rainier to the southeast and the Cascade Range. On a northbound departure, right side still captures Rainier and the Cascades as you bank southwest.
Landing at ITO
LEFTHilo International typically uses runway 03 (northeast) or runway 21 (southwest) depending on trade winds. On approach from the north over the Pacific, the left side faces west toward the Big Island's interior, giving you a direct view of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa — two of the most visually dramatic volcanoes on Earth. The right side faces the open Pacific.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Hilo International (ITO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Hilo. The left side misses some of the Cascades on departure but wins decisively on arrival with the extraordinary view of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Over the open Pacific the views are symmetric, so the arrival into Hilo is the deciding factor.
What can I see during takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Right side for the best views. SeaTac typically departs south on runway 16L/16R or north on 34L/34R. On a southbound departure turning west toward Hawaii, the right side gives you a clear look at Mount Rainier to the southeast and the Cascade Range. On a northbound departure, right side still captures Rainier and the Cascades as you bank southwest. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (14,411 ft), Puget Sound, the Seattle skyline to the north, and the Olympic Mountains across the sound.
What can I see when landing at Hilo International in Hilo?
When landing at Hilo International (ITO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Hilo International typically uses runway 03 (northeast) or runway 21 (southwest) depending on trade winds. On approach from the north over the Pacific, the left side faces west toward the Big Island's interior, giving you a direct view of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa — two of the most visually dramatic volcanoes on Earth. The right side faces the open Pacific. Notable sights include: Mauna Kea (13,796 ft, often snow-capped), Mauna Loa (13,678 ft), Hilo Bay, and the lava fields of the lower eastern slopes.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Hilo?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Hilo International (ITO) takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,651 miles (4,266 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Hilo flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the open North Pacific Ocean for the vast majority of the route with no land visible. The Hawaiian Island chain becomes visible in the final 30-40 minutes — you may spot Maui and the West Maui Mountains before the Big Island comes into view. The Aleutian Low weather systems can produce dramatic cloud formations at cruise altitude over the mid-Pacific.