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LIH destination photo
DEN destination photo

LIHDEN

Which side of the plane to sit from Lihue Airport (Lihue) to Denver International Airport (Denver)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers an exceptional perspective of Kauai's lush North Shore upon departure and iconic landmarks like the Great Salt Lake and Longs Peak during the approach to Denver.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Kauai North Shore

Aerial views of the dramatic Na Pali coastline and the lush Hanalei Bay shortly after takeoff.

🌉

San Francisco Bay

Often visible if the flight path crosses the coast near Northern California, showing the Golden Gate Bridge and the city.

🏔️

Lake Tahoe

The deep blue waters of Tahoe surrounded by the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains.

🧂

Great Salt Lake

Vibrant color contrasts between the northern and southern arms of the lake divided by the Lucin Cutoff.

⛰️

Longs Peak

The highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park serves as a majestic landmark during the descent into Denver.

For the best experience on this eastbound route, choose the left side to avoid direct sun glare during the day. If on a red-eye flight, the left side provides views of the sunrise over the continental divide. Keep your camera ready about 5 hours into the flight when the plane makes landfall over the California coast.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🏝️

Poipu Coastline

Beautiful views of the southern shores of Kauai including the Lihue area and the historic Koloa region.

🌋

Mono Lake

The unique tufa towers and alkaline waters of this ancient lake on the edge of the Sierra Nevada.

🏜️

Canyonlands

Intricate red rock formations and deep canyons carved by the Colorado River in Eastern Utah.

🏙️

Denver Skyline

A clear view of the downtown skyscrapers and the sprawl of the Mile High City during the final approach.

🏟️

Empower Field

The stadium and central city landmarks are often visible when the aircraft enters the traffic pattern from the west.

The right side is perfect for capturing sunsets over the Pacific if departing Lihue in the late afternoon. As you cross the Utah-Colorado border, look for the 'canyon country' landscapes which are especially vibrant during the 'golden hour' before dusk. Note that the sun will be on this side for much of the afternoon, so keep the window shade down if it gets too warm.

Top Activities in Denver
Route Information

Distance: 5,487 km (3,409 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 27 min

Departure: LIH (21.97599983215332, -159.33900451660156)

Arrival: DEN (39.861698150635, -104.672996521)

Route Type: Domestic

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