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HNL → PPT
Which side of the plane to sit from Daniel K Inouye International Airport (Honolulu) to Faa'a International Airport (Papeete)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a stunning departure view of Waikiki and Diamond Head, followed by a superior angle of the Tahiti coastline and Tetiaroa Atoll upon arrival.
Diamond Head Crater
Aerial view of Hawaii's most iconic volcanic tuff cone immediately after takeoff from HNL.
Waikiki Skyline
The high-rise hotels and white sands of Honolulu's famous beachfront during the initial climb.
Kiritimati (Christmas Island)
Depending on the flight corridor, a chance to spot the world's largest coral atoll in the Line Islands.
The Equator
The transition into the Southern Hemisphere, often marked by dramatic Intertropical Convergence Zone cloud formations.
Tetiaroa Atoll
Marlon Brando's private island sanctuary, visible as a cluster of turquoise islets shortly before landing.
Tahiti Nui Mountains
The lush, jagged volcanic peaks of the main island as the plane turns for the final approach into Faa'a.
Book a window seat on the left (Port) for the 'Scenic Honolulu Departure.' For the 5-hour journey, midday flights offer the best lighting for the turquoise reefs of the South Pacific. Ensure you are awake 30 minutes before landing to catch the atolls of the Society Islands.
Pearl Harbor
A view of the historic harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial if the plane departs towards the west.
Ewa Beach
The southwestern coastline of Oahu as the aircraft gains altitude and heads south.
Southern Cross
On night flights, the right side provides a clear view of the iconic Southern Hemisphere constellation.
Moorea Island
A spectacular view of Tahiti's sister island, known for its deep bays and sharp volcanic spires during descent.
Puna'auia Lagoon
The vibrant reef systems and overwater bungalows south of Papeete just before touchdown.
Faa'a International
A close-up view of the airport's unique runway built on a coral reef platform.
The right side is the 'Moorea Side.' During the final descent into Papeete (PPT), Moorea typically appears on the right, providing one of the most photographed views in aviation. Choose this side for evening flights to witness the sunset over the open Pacific.
Distance: 4,417 km (2,745 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 12 min
Departure: HNL (21.32062, -157.924228)
Arrival: PPT (-17.553698999999998, -149.60699499999998)
Route Type: International
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