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KOA → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Ellison Onizuka Kona International At Keahole Airport (Kona) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is typically preferred for this route because it offers a higher probability of seeing the San Francisco city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge during the standard landing approach into SFO.
Search flights from KOA to SFO
Kohala Coastline
Aerial views of the rugged, black-lava northern coast of the Big Island immediately after takeoff.
Pacific Expanse
Hours of deep blue ocean views where you can spot unique cloud cells and the occasional cargo vessel.
Marin Headlands
Dramatic coastal cliffs and greenery located just north of the entrance to the San Francisco Bay.
Golden Gate Bridge
The world-famous international orange bridge is often visible during the 'Point Reyes' arrival pattern.
San Francisco Skyline
A stunning panoramic view of downtown, including the Salesforce Tower and the Transamerica Pyramid.
Book a seat well ahead of the wing for unobstructed views. On clear days, the 'Bridge Visual' approach is common, offering the best views of the city. Late afternoon flights provide excellent lighting for photography as the sun sets behind you over the ocean.
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Hualalai Volcano
Views of the massive slopes of Hualalai rising directly above the Kona airport upon departure.
Mauna Kea Peak
On clear mornings, catch a glimpse of the world's tallest sea-mountain and its white-domed observatories.
Santa Cruz Mountains
Lush forested ridges as the aircraft makes landfall over the California coastline near Big Basin.
Silicon Valley
A grid-view of the technology capital, including the circular Apple Park campus in Cupertino.
Dumbarton Salt Ponds
Striking, brightly colored pink and orange salt evaporation ponds in the South Bay during the final descent.
The right side is ideal for morning departures from Kona to avoid the direct tropical sun glare. During the landing at SFO, look out for the distinct 'donut' shape of the Apple headquarters. This side also offers great views of the East Bay hills and the San Mateo Bridge.
Book Hotels in San FranciscoDistance: 3,808 km (2,366 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 29 min
Departure: KOA (19.738783, -156.045603)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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