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OGG β SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Kahului Airport (Kahului) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the clear winner for this route, primarily due to the approach into San Francisco International Airport. While both sides offer similar views of the Pacific, the left side typically provides an iconic, front-row seat to the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, and the San Francisco city skyline during standard landing patterns like the BDEGA arrival.
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Maui North Shore
Lush green cliffs and the world-famous surfing breaks of Ho'okipa Beach immediately after departure.
Point Reyes National Seashore
The dramatic, wind-swept peninsula that marks your arrival at the California coastline.
Golden Gate Bridge
An unbeatable view of the iconic orange bridge connecting Marin County to the city.
Alcatraz Island
The historic 'Rock' sitting in the middle of the San Francisco Bay.
San Francisco Skyline
A clear view of the Salesforce Tower, Transamerica Pyramid, and the dense urban core.
Sit in an 'A' seat for the best perspective. On evening flights, the left side avoids the direct, harsh glare of the setting sun for the majority of the journey. Keep your camera ready about 20-30 minutes before landing, as the plane usually makes a sharp right turn over the Marin Headlands, perfectly framing the Golden Gate Bridge for those on the left.
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HaleakalΔ Crater
The massive, Mars-like landscape of the world's largest dormant volcano during the initial climb.
Maui Channel
In winter months, keep an eye on the water for whale breaches in the Au'au Channel.
Mavericks Surf Break
The famous big-wave surfing location near Pillar Point as you approach the San Francisco Peninsula.
Santa Cruz Mountains
Lush, redwood-filled ridges that separate the Pacific Ocean from the Silicon Valley.
South Bay Salt Ponds
Vibrant, multi-colored salt evaporation ponds that create a surreal mosaic on final descent.
Choose an 'F' or 'K' seat. This side is excellent for seeing the coastal towns of Half Moon Bay and Pacifica. If the flight lands from the south (Plan B weather), the right side offers a superior view of the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge and the Silicon Valley tech campuses.
Book Hotels in San FranciscoDistance: 3,760 km (2,336 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 25 min
Departure: OGG (20.8986, -156.429993)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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