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DEN destination photo
OGG destination photo

DENOGG

Our Recommendation
9.0

Right Side of the Plane

While both sides offer spectacular mountain and desert views, the Right Side is typically superior for the scenic approach into Maui, often showcasing the dramatic sea cliffs of Molokai and the rugged North Shore of Maui.

Right Side Highlights
9.0
🏔️

Northern Rockies

Sweeping vistas of the high peaks and famous ski resorts of the central Colorado mountains.

🧂

Great Salt Lake

View the unique colors and vast salt flats of Utah's iconic saline lake from high altitude.

🌲

Sierra Nevada

The flight path often passes near Lake Tahoe and the jagged granite peaks of Northern California.

🌉

San Francisco Bay

If the route tracks north, you can often see the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Area before heading over the Pacific.

🏝️

Molokai Sea Cliffs

During descent, the right side usually offers a stunning look at the world's tallest sea cliffs on the north shore of Molokai.

🌊

Maui North Shore

Exquisite views of the turquoise reefs and the famous 'Jaws' surf break as the plane lines up for the runway.

The right side is the winner for the arrival phase. As you descend toward Kahului, the plane often passes the dramatic coastline of Molokai. For afternoon flights, the sun is to the south (left), providing the right side with excellent, glare-free lighting for photography of the Pacific and the Hawaiian Islands.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
⛰️

Southern Rockies

Breathtaking views of the Colorado Front Range and Pikes Peak shortly after departing Denver.

🏜️

Canyonlands

Striking red rock formations and intricate canyon systems across southern Utah and the Four Corners.

💧

Lake Mead

The deep blue waters of the reservoir provide a sharp contrast against the surrounding Mojave Desert.

🎰

Las Vegas

Clear views of the Las Vegas Strip and the surrounding metropolitan sprawl in the Nevada desert.

🌋

Haleakala

On the final approach into OGG, the massive dormant volcano dominates the landscape to the south.

Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you as you travel westward. This side offers the best views of the desert Southwest's geological features. If the flight path approaches Maui from the south, you will have an incredible view of the Haleakala crater.

Top Activities in Kahului
Route Information

Distance: 5,308 km (3,298 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 15 min

Departure: DEN (39.861698150635, -104.672996521)

Arrival: OGG (20.8986, -156.429993)

Route Type: Domestic

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