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HNL → SAN
Which side of the plane to sit from Daniel K Inouye International Airport (Honolulu) to San Diego International Airport (San Diego)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the iconic departure view of Diamond Head and the Honolulu skyline, followed by a dramatic, close-up perspective of San Diego's downtown skyscrapers and Balboa Park during the final descent.
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Diamond Head State Monument
An unbeatable aerial view of Hawaii's most famous volcanic crater immediately after takeoff from Honolulu.
Waikiki & Honolulu Skyline
Stunning views of the dense urban center and the turquoise waters lining the world-famous Waikiki Beach.
Pacific Ocean Deep
Vast expanses of deep blue ocean where you might spot cargo ships or whales during winter months.
La Jolla & Mission Bay
As the plane turns toward the airport, view the rugged cliffs of La Jolla and the winding waterways of Mission Bay.
Balboa Park
The plane flies incredibly low over the park's museums and gardens, offering a detailed view of the California Tower.
Book a window seat ahead of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion. Morning departures from HNL provide the best lighting for the Oahu coastline. For the SAN arrival, the left side is famous for feeling like you can touch the rooftops of the downtown buildings.
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Pearl Harbor
Depending on the departure runway, you may see the historic naval base and the USS Arizona Memorial.
San Clemente Island
The southernmost of the Channel Islands often becomes visible as the aircraft approaches the California coast.
Point Loma Peninsula
A great view of the Cabrillo National Monument and the rugged tip of the peninsula guarding San Diego Bay.
Coronado Bridge
The iconic blue bridge stretching across the bay is clearly visible during the final moments of flight.
San Diego Bay & Navy Ships
View aircraft carriers and naval vessels docked at North Island and along the downtown piers.
Choose the right side if you are flying in the late afternoon for a spectacular sunset over the Pacific. On arrival into SAN, the right side provides a wider perspective of the San Diego Bay and the Coronado peninsula.
Book Hotels in San DiegoDistance: 4,201 km (2,610 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 57 min
Departure: HNL (21.32062, -157.924228)
Arrival: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Route Type: Domestic
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