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KOA → OGG
Which side of the plane to sit from Ellison Onizuka Kona International At Keahole Airport (Kona) to Kahului Airport (Kahului)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers unparalleled views of the massive volcanic peaks of both Hawaii Island and Maui, including the iconic Haleakalā crater.
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Big Island Volcanoes
Early views of Hualālai and the towering peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa after takeoff.
Kohala Coast
The rugged, northernmost volcanic range of the Big Island with steep cliffs and deep valleys.
Haleakalā
The 'House of the Sun' shield volcano, standing at over 10,000 feet, dominates the right-side window for the majority of the flight.
Upcountry Maui
The fertile, sloping ranches and gardens of Kula and Makawao visible on the flanks of the volcano.
Kona Lava Fields
The stark, dark basaltic landscape surrounding KOA airport provides a lunar-like view immediately after departure.
The right side is the clear winner for volcano enthusiasts. Book an early morning flight (before 10:00 AM) to ensure Haleakalā is not obscured by the thick clouds that typically form around its mid-section in the afternoon. Since the flight is very short (roughly 35-45 minutes), keep your camera ready from the moment the landing gear retracts.
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Alenuihaha Channel
Cross one of the most treacherous and windy water channels in the Hawaiian chain.
Molokini Crater
A glimpse of the crescent-shaped volcanic caldera popular for snorkeling near the Maui coast.
West Maui Mountains
Dramatic, ancient green ridges visible as the plane aligns for its final approach into Kahului.
Whale Breaches
During winter months (December to April), watch for splashes from Humpback whales in the channel.
Sit on the left if you want a chance to see Molokini and the uninhabited island of Kahoʻolawe during the descent. This side usually stays over the ocean longer, offering a broad perspective of the Maui coastline as you turn into the central valley for landing.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 135 km (84 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 14 min
Departure: KOA (19.738783, -156.045603)
Arrival: OGG (20.8986, -156.429993)
Route Type: Domestic
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