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LIH → SJC
Which side of the plane to sit from Lihue Airport (Lihue) to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (San Jose)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is generally superior for the approach into San Jose, offering views of the iconic California coastline near Santa Cruz and the tech hubs of Silicon Valley before touchdown.
Kauai East Shore
Aerial views of Kauai's windward coast, including the lush greenery of Kapa'a and the Coconut Coast during initial ascent.
Pacific Expanse
Miles of deep blue ocean where you might spot unique cloud formations or 'white caps' during the 5-hour crossing.
Santa Cruz Coastline
As the flight reaches the mainland, you will see the rugged cliffs and beaches of Santa Cruz and the famous Beach Boardwalk.
Santa Cruz Mountains
A scenic descent over the dense redwood forests and winding roads of the mountain range separating the coast from the valley.
Apple Park
During the final approach into SJC, look for the 'spaceship' campus in Cupertino, a massive circular architectural marvel.
Choose the left side for morning departures from LIH to keep the sun behind the plane, reducing glare on the ocean. For the approach into SJC, the left side provides the best angle to see the Santa Cruz coastline and the urban layout of the South Bay.
Nawiliwili Bay
Excellent views of Lihue's main harbor and the southern cliffs of Kauai immediately after takeoff.
Monterey Bay
On approach, you can see the vast, deep blue curve of Monterey Bay, one of the nation's most spectacular marine sanctuaries.
Mount Hamilton
Views of the Diablo Range and the white domes of the Lick Observatory perched atop the ridge to the east of the city.
Downtown San Jose
A close-up view of the city's high-rises and the SAP Center as the plane aligns with the SJC runways.
The right side is ideal for seeing the southern tip of Kauai upon departure. During the arrival at SJC, it offers a great perspective of the East Bay hills and the Diablo Range. Note that on afternoon flights, this side may be quite sunny while flying east over the Pacific.
Distance: 3,965 km (2,464 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 40 min
Departure: LIH (21.97599983215332, -159.33900451660156)
Arrival: SJC (37.362598, -121.929001)
Route Type: Domestic
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