Both sides share the same five-plus hours of featureless Pacific Ocean during cruise, so the flight's character comes down to the ends: the right side's Golden Gate departure is scenic but brief, while the left side's volcanic Kona approach delivers a rare, dramatic geological landscape that defines the whole trip.
Flight Path
Open Pacific Ocean with no land visible; the Hawaiian Islands, including the Big Island's volcanic silhouette, come into view only in the final portion of the descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
RIGHTSFO departures for westbound Hawaii flights typically use runway 28, climbing out over the Pacific before banking south to intercept the oceanic track. During that turn, the right side of the aircraft faces back toward the city, giving a clear view of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, and the San Francisco skyline.
Landing at KOA
LEFTOn the standard trade-wind approach into Kona, aircraft descend southbound along the coast toward runway 17, keeping the island's interior on the left. Passengers get a dramatic view of Hualalai volcano's dark lava fields and the broad shield of Mauna Loa rising inland, a view unmatched by the open-ocean scene on the right.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Kona International At Keahole (KOA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Kona. Both sides share the same five-plus hours of featureless Pacific Ocean during cruise, so the flight's character comes down to the ends: the right side's Golden Gate departure is scenic but brief, while the left side's volcanic Kona approach delivers a rare, dramatic geological landscape that defines the whole trip.
What can I see during takeoff from San Francisco International in San Francisco?
During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Right side for the best views. SFO departures for westbound Hawaii flights typically use runway 28, climbing out over the Pacific before banking south to intercept the oceanic track. During that turn, the right side of the aircraft faces back toward the city, giving a clear view of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, and the San Francisco skyline. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, San Francisco skyline, Pacific coastline.
What can I see when landing at Kona International At Keahole in Kona?
When landing at Kona International At Keahole (KOA), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the standard trade-wind approach into Kona, aircraft descend southbound along the coast toward runway 17, keeping the island's interior on the left. Passengers get a dramatic view of Hualalai volcano's dark lava fields and the broad shield of Mauna Loa rising inland, a view unmatched by the open-ocean scene on the right. Notable sights include: Hualalai volcano, Mauna Loa shield volcano, black lava fields, Kona coastline.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Kona?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Kona International At Keahole (KOA) takes 5h 30m.
What does the San Francisco to Kona flight path pass over?
Open Pacific Ocean with no land visible; the Hawaiian Islands, including the Big Island's volcanic silhouette, come into view only in the final portion of the descent.