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DFW destination photo
HNL destination photo

DFWHNL

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers the premier view of the Hawaiian coastline upon arrival, specifically the iconic Diamond Head crater and Waikiki skyline, which are most frequently visible from this side during the standard approach into HNL.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏙️

DFW Metroplex

Bird's-eye views of the Dallas skyline and the sprawling suburbs of North Texas immediately after takeoff.

🛢️

Permian Basin

The geometric patterns of oil fields and infrastructure across the rugged West Texas landscape.

🏜️

Sonoran Desert

Arid mountain ranges and desert basins across New Mexico and Southern Arizona.

🌊

Pacific Transition

The dramatic shift from the Southern California coastline to the vast, deep blue of the Pacific Ocean.

⛰️

Diamond Head

Unobstructed views of Oahu's most famous volcanic landmark during the final descent.

🏖️

Waikiki Beach

The turquoise waters and white sand of Honolulu's most famous beach strip just before touchdown.

Sit on the left for the 'Money Shot' of Honolulu. Most flights approach HNL from the east, making the left side the primary viewing gallery for Diamond Head and the city. For morning departures from DFW, the sun will be on the left side (south), so you may need to lower your shade periodically to avoid glare until reaching the Pacific.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
✈️

DFW Terminals

An expansive view of the world's third-busiest airport infrastructure during departure.

🏜️

Palo Duro Canyon

Potential distant views of the 'Grand Canyon of Texas' depending on the specific flight corridor.

🏔️

Southern Rockies

Distant glimpses of snow-capped peaks in New Mexico if the pilot takes a slightly northerly route.

🚢

Port of Long Beach

Massive container ships and the industrial landscape of the California coast before heading out to sea.

🌴

Oahu North Shore

Views of the rugged northern coastline and interior mountains of Oahu during the arrival sequence.

⚓

Pearl Harbor

Excellent views of the historic harbor, Ford Island, and the USS Arizona Memorial during the final turn to land.

The right side is excellent for those wanting to see the historic Pearl Harbor site just before landing. It also stays cooler on afternoon flights as it faces north, away from the direct sun. If the flight path is pushed north by weather, this side offers the best chance to see the Grand Canyon in the distance over Arizona.

Top Activities in Honolulu
Route Information

Distance: 6,081 km (3,779 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 9 min

Departure: DFW (32.896801, -97.038002)

Arrival: HNL (21.32062, -157.924228)

Route Type: Domestic

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