Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Lihue. Left side wins both ends of the flight — the San Francisco Bay and city views on departure are iconic, and the Na Pali Coast ridgelines on approach to Kauai are the most dramatic scenery the island offers from the air. The open Pacific crossing in between offers little from either side.

During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. SFO typically departs westbound over the Bay on runways 28L/28R, then turns northwest. The left side gets San Francisco city, the Bay Bridge, and the downtown skyline as the aircraft climbs and banks. You also pick up the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands as the turn develops. Notable sights include: San Francisco downtown skyline, Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands.

When landing at Lihue (LIH), sit on the Left side for the best views. LIH's runway 03 approach from the south brings aircraft in from the ocean over Kauai's southeastern coast. The left side faces west toward the Na Pali Coast cliffs and the island's dramatic interior ridgelines, which are the most visually striking features of Kauai from the air. Notable sights include: Na Pali Coast cliffs, Waimea Canyon (distant), Haupu Ridge, Nawiliwili Bay.

The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Lihue (LIH) takes Approximately 5 hours 15 minutes.

The flight crosses open Pacific Ocean for nearly the entire route with no land visible. The Hawaiian Island chain becomes visible in the final 45-60 minutes — Oahu's Oahu's Ko'olau Range and Diamond Head crater may be faintly visible to the south as the aircraft passes, followed by the approach to Kauai's southeastern coast.