Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Honolulu. Left wins at takeoff for the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario, but right side delivers the more spectacular arrival into Honolulu with Diamond Head, Waikiki, and the Ko'olau Range. Over the Pacific the views are largely featureless ocean on both sides, so the arrival experience tips the balance to the right.

During takeoff from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. YYZ departures on runway 23 (the most common westbound departure) swing left and south, putting Lake Ontario and the Toronto downtown skyline on the left side. You get a clear view of the CN Tower, the waterfront, and the lake stretching east toward Hamilton Bay. Notable sights include: CN Tower and downtown Toronto core, Lake Ontario shoreline, Hamilton Harbour to the southwest, Niagara Escarpment ridge visible in the distance.

When landing at Honolulu International (HNL), sit on the Right side for the best views. HNL arrivals typically come in from the northeast on runway 08L/08R, approaching over the ocean and touching down heading west. The right side faces south and gives you Diamond Head crater, Waikiki Beach, and the full sweep of Honolulu's coastline as you descend over the water. Notable sights include: Diamond Head volcanic crater, Waikiki Beach strip, Honolulu downtown waterfront, Pearl Harbor inlet visible further northwest.

The flight from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Honolulu International (HNL) takes Approximately 9 to 10 hours.

The great circle route from Toronto to Honolulu arcs northwest over Lake Michigan, then crosses the upper Midwest before tracking over the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia and Montana. The route then passes over the Pacific Northwest coast near Vancouver Island, crosses the open North Pacific at roughly 40-45 degrees north latitude, and descends toward Hawaii. The midpoint is open ocean with no land features. The most visually interesting overland section is the crossing of the Canadian Rockies and the BC Coast Mountains early in the flight, visible on either side depending on exact routing.