The right side wins both the departure turn over Puget Sound and the Olympics and the arrival turn along Kauai's south coast, while the left side spends both phases on the outside of the turns looking mostly at open water.
Flight Path
Open Pacific Ocean for the vast majority of the route, with no islands or landmasses beneath the flight path until the descent into Kauai.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
RIGHTSEA typically departs to the north then banks west toward the Pacific, and the right side sits on the outside of that turn, sweeping past Puget Sound, Bainbridge Island and the Olympic Mountains. The left side mainly gets a brief look at the Seattle skyline before the turn erases it.
Landing at LIH
RIGHTBecause trade winds force landings into the northeast on Runway 3, inbound flights from the mainland must loop back around south of Kauai to line up, and the right side stays on the inside of that turn closest to the island. This gives a close view of Kauai's south shore, Hoary Head Ridge and Nawiliwili Harbor just before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Lihue (LIH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Lihue. The right side wins both the departure turn over Puget Sound and the Olympics and the arrival turn along Kauai's south coast, while the left side spends both phases on the outside of the turns looking mostly at open water.
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. SEA typically departs to the north then banks west toward the Pacific, and the right side sits on the outside of that turn, sweeping past Puget Sound, Bainbridge Island and the Olympic Mountains. The left side mainly gets a brief look at the Seattle skyline before the turn erases it. Notable sights include: Puget Sound, Bainbridge Island/Kitsap Peninsula, Olympic Mountains, Washington coastline.
What can I see when landing at Lihue in Lihue?
When landing at Lihue (LIH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Because trade winds force landings into the northeast on Runway 3, inbound flights from the mainland must loop back around south of Kauai to line up, and the right side stays on the inside of that turn closest to the island. This gives a close view of Kauai's south shore, Hoary Head Ridge and Nawiliwili Harbor just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Hoary Head Ridge, Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai's south shore cliffs near Poipu, Lihue town.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Lihue?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Lihue (LIH) takes 5h 58m.
What does the Seattle to Lihue flight path pass over?
Open Pacific Ocean for the vast majority of the route, with no islands or landmasses beneath the flight path until the descent into Kauai.