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HIR → IRA
Which side of the plane to sit from Honiara International Airport (Honiara) to Ngorangora Airport (Kirakira)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more scenic perspective of the iconic island chains and remote atolls north of Makira, including the Three Sisters and Ugi Island, while avoiding the direct glare of the sun on morning flights.
Iron Bottom Sound
The historic stretch of water north of Honiara, famous for its high concentration of WWII shipwrecks and aircraft.
Indispensable Strait
The vast, deep blue waters separating Guadalcanal from the surrounding provinces, often showing distinct current lines.
Three Sisters Islands
Also known as Olu Malau, these three small, low-lying islands appear as tiny green gems surrounded by turquoise reefs.
Ugi Island
A lush, isolated island north of Makira featuring pristine beaches and traditional coastal settlements.
Kirakira Bay
The scenic approach into the provincial capital, showcasing the sheltered harbor and the town's seaside layout.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see the Three Sisters Islands. Morning flights (the most common for this route) provide the best lighting on this side, as the sun will be behind or above the plane rather than in your eyes. Watch for the sharp transition from the deep ocean to the vibrant coral fringes near Ugi.
Mount Popomanaseu
The highest peak in the Solomon Islands, often visible rising above the rugged interior of Guadalcanal shortly after takeoff.
Guadalcanal Interior
Dense, untouched tropical rainforests and deep river valleys that dominate the southern half of the island.
Makira Coastline
The steep, dramatic southern cliffs and ridges of San Cristobal island as the plane tracks toward the airport.
Henderson Field
A great overhead view of the historic Honiara International Airport and surrounding WWII battlefields immediately after departure.
The right side is ideal for mountain lovers, offering views of the 2,300m peaks of Guadalcanal. However, during the typical morning departure, you may experience significant sun glare. In the afternoon, this side offers beautiful golden-hour lighting on the Makira mountain ridges during the final descent.
Distance: 232 km (144 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 23 min
Departure: HIR (-9.4280004501343, 160.05499267578)
Arrival: IRA (-10.4497003555, 161.897994995)
Route Type: Domestic
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