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HNL destination photo
PEK destination photo

HNLPEK

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The Right Side is preferred as it typically offers views of the volcanic Aleutian chain and the dramatic Kamchatka Peninsula, while avoiding the harsh glare of the southern sun during this westbound transpacific journey.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌋

Aleutian Islands

Depending on the jet stream, you may fly over the remote volcanic arc stretching between Alaska and Russia.

❄️

Kamchatka Peninsula

View the spectacular, snow-capped active volcanoes of the Russian Far East, including Klyuchevskaya Sopka.

⛓️

Kuril Islands

The string of islands separating the Sea of Okhotsk from the Pacific Ocean, often shrouded in dramatic mist.

⛰️

Greater Khingan Range

As you enter Chinese airspace, look for the forested mountain ranges of Inner Mongolia and Northeast China.

🏯

Beijing Outskirts

Views of the mountainous terrain north of Beijing, where sections of the Great Wall are located, during the descent into PEK.

The right side is the 'shady' side of the aircraft, making it much easier to take photos of the terrain without glare. For the best views of Kamchatka and the Aleutians, choose a seat behind the wing. Ensure you check the flight path on your monitor; if the route goes far north (Great Circle), this side is significantly more scenic than the left.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🏝️

Kauai and Niihau

Shorty after departure from HNL, view the lush cliffs of the Garden Isle and the 'Forbidden Isle' of Niihau to the south.

🌊

Midway Atoll

A rare glimpse of this historic coral atoll and wildlife refuge in the middle of the North Pacific.

🇯🇵

Honshu Coastline

If the flight path tracks south, views of the rugged Japanese coast near Sendai and the Tohoku region are possible.

🏙️

North China Plain

The final descent offers a view of the sprawling industrial and agricultural landscape of the Hebei province.

The left side faces south, which means you will deal with significant sun glare for most of the 11-12 hour flight. Keep your window shade down during the mid-flight crossing to prevent cabin heating, but open it near the Japanese coast. Expect beautiful sunset colors during the final approach into Beijing.

Top Activities in Beijing
Route Information

Distance: 8,132 km (5,053 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 34 min

Departure: HNL (21.32062, -157.924228)

Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)

Route Type: International

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