Sacramento to Kona flight pathSMFKOA

Sit on the left side of the plane

Reverse

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time5h 35m
Distance2,434
Heading247° → 230°

Sacramento to Kona is 2,434 miles (3,917 km), a flight of about 5 hours 35 minutes.

Best side
LeftMostly left
★ 2.5 left·★ 2.0 right

With over five hours of open Pacific Ocean during cruise, both sides are largely featureless mid-flight, but the left side's landing sequence over Hawaii's volcanic terrain is more visually striking than the takeoff-side valley scenery, giving it the edge overall.

Takeoff · SMFRIGHTSacramento River Delta, Downtown Sacramento skyline, Coast Range foothills
Landing · KOALEFTHualalai volcano, Mauna Loa's lower slopes, black lava flow fields

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Open Pacific Ocean with no visible landmarks; the flight path is entirely over water between the California coast and the Hawaiian Islands.

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from SMF

RIGHT

Departing SMF typically climbs south then turns west toward the Pacific, putting the Sacramento River delta, the city's skyline, and the Coast Range/Mount Diablo silhouette on the right side of the aircraft as it banks toward the ocean.

Sacramento River DeltaDowntown Sacramento skylineCoast Range foothillsMount Diablo
Aerial window seat view during landing at Kona (left side) — Hualalai volcano, Mauna Loa's lower slopes, black lava flow fields, Kailua-Kona coastline

Landing at KOA

LEFT

On approach into KOA the aircraft typically tracks along the Kona coast with the volcanic slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa rising inland to the east, giving left-side passengers dramatic views of black lava fields and volcanic terrain as the plane descends.

Hualalai volcanoMauna Loa's lower slopesblack lava flow fieldsKailua-Kona coastline

Will your flight be in sunlight?

Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.

About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sacramento International (SMF) to Kona International At Keahole (KOA)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sacramento to Kona. With over five hours of open Pacific Ocean during cruise, both sides are largely featureless mid-flight, but the left side's landing sequence over Hawaii's volcanic terrain is more visually striking than the takeoff-side valley scenery, giving it the edge overall.

What can I see during takeoff from Sacramento International in Sacramento?

During takeoff from Sacramento International (SMF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing SMF typically climbs south then turns west toward the Pacific, putting the Sacramento River delta, the city's skyline, and the Coast Range/Mount Diablo silhouette on the right side of the aircraft as it banks toward the ocean. Notable sights include: Sacramento River Delta, Downtown Sacramento skyline, Coast Range foothills, Mount Diablo.

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 approach into KOA the aircraft typically tracks along the Kona coast with the volcanic slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa rising inland to the east, giving left-side passengers dramatic views of black lava fields and volcanic terrain as the plane descends. Notable sights include: Hualalai volcano, Mauna Loa's lower slopes, black lava flow fields, Kailua-Kona coastline.

How long is the flight from Sacramento to Kona?

The flight from Sacramento International (SMF) to Kona International At Keahole (KOA) takes about 5 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,434 miles (3,917 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Sacramento to Kona flight path pass over?

Open Pacific Ocean with no visible landmarks; the flight path is entirely over water between the California coast and the Hawaiian Islands.