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HNL → OAK
Which side of the plane to sit from Daniel K Inouye International Airport (Honolulu) to Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (Oakland)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the preferred choice for this route, offering iconic views of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge during the approach into Oakland, alongside the dramatic volcanic ridges of Oahu's windward coast after departure.
Diamond Head Crater
An unparalleled aerial perspective of the world-famous tuff cone and Waikiki coastline shortly after takeoff.
San Francisco Skyline
During the final descent into Oakland, enjoy a clear view of the SalesForce Tower and downtown skyscrapers across the bay.
Golden Gate Bridge
On clear days, the iconic orange spans are visible to the north as the flight aligns with the East Bay approach.
Oahu Windward Coast
Lush, serrated mountain ridges of the Koolau Range visible as the aircraft turns toward the mainland.
Alcatraz Island
The historic 'Rock' is often visible in the middle of the San Francisco Bay just before touchdown.
Book a window seat on the left for the best 'welcome to California' experience. Night flights offer a spectacular view of the San Francisco grid and the Bay Bridge lights. If departing Honolulu during the day, the morning sun will be behind you, providing excellent lighting for photography of the Hawaiian islands.
Molokai Coastline
Potential views of the world's highest sea cliffs on the north shore of Molokai depending on the departure path.
Santa Cruz Mountains
The first point of land contact on the mainland, featuring dense redwood forests and coastal ridges.
South Bay Salt Ponds
Vibrant, multicolored evaporation ponds near the San Mateo Bridge that look like an abstract painting.
Silicon Valley
Views of the sprawling tech campuses in Palo Alto and Mountain View during the southern approach loop.
San Mateo-Hayward Bridge
A low-altitude view of the longest bridge in the Bay Area as you cross into the East Bay.
The right side is ideal for spotting the neighbor islands of Molokai and Lanai shortly after leaving Oahu. During the afternoon, this side may experience more direct sunlight, so keep the shade down mid-flight. For the arrival, it offers a great view of the sprawling South Bay tech corridor and the unique colors of the salt marshes.
Distance: 3,873 km (2,407 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 33 min
Departure: HNL (21.32062, -157.924228)
Arrival: OAK (37.721298, -122.221001)
Route Type: Domestic
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