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LIH → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Lihue Airport (Lihue) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most iconic arrival experience into the mainland, featuring unparalleled views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline during the descent.
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Kauai East Shore
Lush views of the Garden Isle's eastern coastline and Nawiliwili Bay immediately after takeoff from Lihue.
Golden Gate Bridge
The primary landmark visible on the BDEGA arrival, providing a classic aerial perspective of the world-famous orange span.
San Francisco Skyline
A sweeping view of the Salesforce Tower, Transamerica Pyramid, and the dense downtown financial district.
Alcatraz Island
The historic 'Rock' is clearly visible in the middle of the bay as the aircraft turns toward the final approach path.
Port of Oakland
Massive container ships and giant gantry cranes lining the East Bay shoreline just before touchdown.
Book a window seat on the left to maximize your chances of seeing the Golden Gate Bridge. Most SFO arrivals from Hawaii follow the BDEGA or POINT REYES routes, which pass directly over or north of the bridge. For photography, late afternoon flights offer spectacular lighting as the sun sets over the Pacific, illuminating the city in gold.
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Pacific Horizon
Expansive views of the deep blue North Pacific, often featuring dramatic cloud formations and marine layers.
Santa Cruz Mountains
Distant views of the forested coastal ranges as the plane approaches the California shoreline.
Silicon Valley
Aerial glimpses of the tech-heavy peninsula, including sprawling corporate campuses and suburban development.
Don Edwards Salt Ponds
Vibrant, multicolored salt evaporation ponds near the southern end of the San Francisco Bay.
San Mateo-Hayward Bridge
The longest bridge in the Bay Area, stretching across the water as the plane aligns with the runway.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the southern sun. While you miss the Golden Gate, you get a better view of the San Francisco Peninsula and the unique, colorful salt ponds during the final minutes of the flight. If the airport is landing to the North (rare), this side may offer better city views.
Book Hotels in San FranciscoDistance: 3,934 km (2,444 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 38 min
Departure: LIH (21.97599983215332, -159.33900451660156)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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