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OAK → KOA
Which side of the plane to sit from Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (Oakland) to Ellison Onizuka Kona International At Keahole Airport (Kona)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers iconic views of the San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge upon departure, followed by a superior vantage point for the Hawaiian Islands—including Maui and the Kohala Coast—during the descent into Kona.
Golden Gate Bridge
Depending on the departure path, this side often provides a stunning aerial view of the bridge and the Marin Headlands.
Farallon Islands
A glimpse of these rugged, remote islands located 30 miles offshore, known as the 'Galapagos of the North'.
Pacific Horizon
The prime side for spectacular sunset views during afternoon or early evening westbound flights.
Maui & Haleakala
On the descent, you can often see the massive crater of Haleakala on Maui rising above the clouds to the north.
Kohala Coast
A breathtaking view of the contrast between black lava fields, white sand beaches, and turquoise resort lagoons.
The right side is the 'money side' for the Hawaii arrival. You will typically see Maui and the dramatic Kohala coastline before landing. For winter flights (December–May), keep a close eye on the water during the final 20 minutes of descent to spot humpback whale breaches in the Alenuihaha Channel.
San Francisco Bay Bridge
Immediate views of the bridge connecting Oakland to San Francisco and the bustling Port of Oakland cranes.
Silicon Valley Coastline
Vistas of the southern peninsula and the coastal mountain ranges as the aircraft banks toward the Pacific.
Pacific Deep Blue
Expansive views of the open ocean with the sun typically positioned to minimize glare on morning flights.
Mauna Kea
The massive shield volcano and its world-class observatories are often visible to the south during the final approach.
Hualalai Volcano
Views of the third-most-active volcano on the Big Island and the lush coffee-growing slopes above Kona.
Choose the left side for morning departures to keep the sun behind you, providing better lighting for photos of the San Francisco Bay. This side is also excellent for viewing the interior volcanic peaks of the Big Island during the final minutes of flight.
Distance: 3,825 km (2,377 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 30 min
Departure: OAK (37.721298, -122.221001)
Arrival: KOA (19.738783, -156.045603)
Route Type: Domestic
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