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DEN → HNL
Which side of the plane to sit from Denver International Airport (Denver) to Daniel K Inouye International Airport (Honolulu)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the iconic 'arrival' view of Hawaii, including Diamond Head and the Waikiki coastline, while also providing excellent vistas of the Southern Rockies and Utah desert earlier in the flight.
Southern Rockies
Aerial views of the high peaks of the Colorado Rockies, including Pikes Peak and the Sangre de Cristo range.
Red Rock Country
Dramatic vistas of Southern Utah's canyons and mesas, including the colorful layers of Canyonlands.
California Coastline
The transition from the mainland to the Pacific Ocean, often crossing near the scenic Santa Barbara or Malibu coast.
Diamond Head
The world-famous volcanic tuff cone appearing prominently during the final descent into Honolulu.
Honolulu Skyline
A sweeping view of the Waikiki hotel strip and the dense urban landscape of Honolulu set against the mountains.
Choose the left side for morning departures to minimize direct glare from the sun as you head west. The arrival into HNL often uses Runway 8L, which puts the Waikiki shoreline and Diamond Head directly out of the left-side windows. Look out about 20-30 minutes after takeoff for the most intense desert colors over Utah and Nevada.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Jagged peaks of the Front Range and the Continental Divide shortly after departing Denver.
The Great Salt Lake
The vast, shimmering expanse of the Great Salt Lake and the surrounding salt flats of Utah.
Sierra Nevada Mountains
Snow-capped peaks and the deep green forests of the Sierras, often passing near Yosemite National Park.
San Francisco Bay
On more northerly flight paths, look for the Golden Gate Bridge and the distinct geometry of the Bay Area.
Pearl Harbor
As the plane turns for its final approach, you get an intimate look at the USS Arizona Memorial and Ford Island.
The right side is excellent for viewing the rugged Northern Rockies and the Sierra Nevada range. Be prepared for strong afternoon sun through these windows for the majority of the flight over the Pacific. On the approach into HNL, keep your eyes peeled for the North Shore of Oahu and the historic naval base at Pearl Harbor just before touchdown.
Distance: 5,408 km (3,360 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 22 min
Departure: DEN (39.861698150635, -104.672996521)
Arrival: HNL (21.32062, -157.924228)
Route Type: Domestic
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