The left side wins overall because Mount Rainier's dramatic takeoff view is the single most striking landmark on this route, and the long oceanic cruise phase neutralizes most of the difference between sides, leaving the departure spectacle as the deciding factor.
Flown SEA to OGG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Kahului is 2,640 miles (4,249 km), a flight of about 5 hours 50 minutes.
Open North Pacific Ocean for most of the cruise, with no land visible until the Hawaiian Islands appear near the end of the flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
LEFTDeparting SEA southbound, the left side faces east toward the Cascade Range, with Mount Rainier's massive glaciated cone dominating the horizon as the plane climbs and banks southwest. The right side only shows Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, which are scenic but less dramatic.
Landing at OGG
RIGHTOn approach to OGG, aircraft typically fly in from the southwest and turn northeast to land on runway 02, putting Haleakala's broad shield volcano on the right side of the cabin as the plane descends over Maui's central valley. The left side mainly shows the West Maui Mountains and open ocean.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Kahului (OGG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Kahului. The left side wins overall because Mount Rainier's dramatic takeoff view is the single most striking landmark on this route, and the long oceanic cruise phase neutralizes most of the difference between sides, leaving the departure spectacle as 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 Left side for the best views. Departing SEA southbound, the left side faces east toward the Cascade Range, with Mount Rainier's massive glaciated cone dominating the horizon as the plane climbs and banks southwest. The right side only shows Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, which are scenic but less dramatic. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade Range foothills, Downtown Seattle skyline receding, Puget Sound (opposite side).
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, aircraft typically fly in from the southwest and turn northeast to land on runway 02, putting Haleakala's broad shield volcano on the right side of the cabin as the plane descends over Maui's central valley. The left side mainly shows the West Maui Mountains and open ocean. Notable sights include: Haleakala summit and crater rim, Maui's central isthmus farmland, Kahului Harbor, Pacific coastline near Kahului.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Kahului?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Kahului (OGG) takes about 5 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,640 miles (4,249 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Kahului flight path pass over?
Open North Pacific Ocean for most of the cruise, with no land visible until the Hawaiian Islands appear near the end of the flight.