Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Lihue. The left side delivers the most dramatic single moment of the flight — the extended view of Mount Rainier and the Cascades during Seattle departure — which outweighs the landing advantage on the right. Over the open Pacific the views are symmetrical, so the takeoff scenery is the deciding factor.

During takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Left side for the best views. SEA typically departs south on runway 16L/16R, then turns right (northwest) toward the Pacific. The left side faces east toward the Cascades and Mount Rainier during the initial climb and turn. You get a prolonged view of Rainier's massive glaciated cone as the aircraft banks and climbs out over Puget Sound. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (14,411 ft), Puget Sound, Lake Washington, the Seattle city skyline.

When landing at Lihue (LIH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Lihue Airport typically lands on runway 03, approaching from the south over the ocean and touching down heading north. The right side faces east toward the dramatic Na Pali-adjacent interior mountains and the Haupu Ridge, while also giving views of the Kipu area and the eastern coastline. Runway 21 arrivals from the north put the right side facing the Wailua River mouth and eastern shore. Notable sights include: Haupu Ridge, Kipu Kai coastline, Nawiliwili Bay, Wailua River mouth.

The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Lihue (LIH) takes Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes.

The flight tracks southwest over the open North Pacific Ocean. There are no islands or landmasses along the route between the Washington coast and Kauai — the midpoint is roughly 1,000 miles of open ocean near 35°N, 140°W. Occasionally the Hawaiian Island chain becomes visible from the right side in the final hour as the aircraft descends, with Oahu appearing first on the horizon before the turn toward Kauai.