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ANC destination photo
HNL destination photo

ANCHNL

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers the most iconic 'Welcome to Hawaii' experience, featuring the dramatic Chugach Mountains upon departure and a stunning approach past Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach before landing.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🏔️

Turnagain Arm

Breathtaking views of the narrow waterway carved between the Kenai and Chugach Mountains immediately after takeoff.

❄️

Chugach Glaciers

Glimpse high-altitude glaciers and jagged, snow-capped peaks as the plane climbs out of the Anchorage bowl.

🌊

Gulf of Alaska

Watch the transition from the silt-laden waters of Cook Inlet to the deep, sapphire blue of the North Pacific.

🏄

Oahu North Shore

The first sight of tropical land usually features the legendary big-wave surfing coastline of northern Oahu.

🌋

Diamond Head & Waikiki

A world-class view of the famous volcanic tuff cone and the Honolulu skyline during the final descent into HNL.

Sit on the left (port side) for morning departures to see the sunrise illuminate the Alaskan peaks. On approach to Honolulu, this side is essential for the classic postcard view of Diamond Head. To avoid glare during the long mid-flight stretch, the left side is generally better as the sun will be on the opposite side of the aircraft for most of the southbound journey.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🌋

Cook Inlet Volcanoes

Panoramic views of the Aleutian Range volcanoes, including Mount Redoubt and Mount Iliamna, across the water.

🏔️

Alaska Range

On exceptionally clear days, the massive silhouette of Denali may be visible far to the north during the initial climb.

🌅

Pacific Horizon

Ideal for afternoon flights to witness a spectacular, unobstructed sunset over the open ocean before reaching the islands.

🏝️

Ko Olina Coast

Aerial views of the western lagoons and rugged Leeward coast of Oahu as the plane turns for its final approach.

🚢

Pearl Harbor

A direct and somber view of the USS Arizona Memorial and the active naval base just moments before the wheels touch down.

The right side (starboard) is the winner for history buffs; the view of Pearl Harbor during landing is unparalleled. If you are flying during the winter months, keep a keen eye on the water near the islands for whale breaches. This side also offers the best views of the distant volcanic peaks of the Alaska Range shortly after departing Anchorage.

Top Activities in Honolulu
Route Information

Distance: 4,474 km (2,780 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 16 min

Departure: ANC (61.17440032958984, -149.99600219726562)

Arrival: HNL (21.32062, -157.924228)

Route Type: Domestic

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