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ORD → HNL
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to Daniel K Inouye International Airport (Honolulu)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is the clear winner for this route, primarily due to the world-famous arrival sequence into Honolulu which features the iconic Waikiki coastline and Diamond Head.
Search flights from ORD to HNL
Chicago Skyline
Upon departure, if the plane banks south, you get a sprawling view of the Willis Tower and Lake Michigan's shoreline.
Southern Rocky Mountains
Fly over the snow-capped peaks of Colorado and the high-altitude plateaus of the American Southwest.
Utah Red Rocks
Vibrant views of the layered geological formations and canyons of southern Utah and northern Arizona.
Pacific Entry
A final look at the rugged California coastline before embarking on the long transpacific crossing.
Molokai Sea Cliffs
In the final 30 minutes, catch the world's tallest sea cliffs on the north shore of Molokai.
Diamond Head & Waikiki
The quintessential Hawaiian view: the volcanic crater of Diamond Head followed by the high-rises and turquoise waters of Waikiki Beach.
The 'Scenic Arrival' is the highlight of this flight. Aim for a morning or mid-day departure from ORD so you arrive in HNL while the sun is still high; this illuminates the turquoise reefs perfectly. The left side (Port) is essential for the Waikiki flyover. Note that during the long mid-flight Pacific stretch, the left side will face south, potentially catching more direct sunlight and heat—keep your window shade down during the 5-hour ocean crossing to stay cool.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United States
Midwestern Mosaic
Geometric patterns of agricultural fields across Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska.
Grand Tetons
Depending on the specific airway, the sharp, jagged peaks of the Teton Range in Wyoming may be visible.
Great Salt Lake
View the distinct color variations and salt flats of Utah's massive saline lake.
Sierra Nevada
High-altitude views of the Yosemite region and the massive granite peaks of eastern California.
San Francisco Bay
On more northerly routes, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Area as you head out to sea.
Pearl Harbor
During the final descent, this side offers a view of the USS Arizona Memorial and the historic naval base.
The right side (Starboard) is generally better for seeing the northern US mountain ranges like the Tetons or the Cascades. Because you are flying west, the sun will be on the left (south) side of the plane for most of the day, meaning the right side offers better, glare-free lighting for photography of the landscape. While you miss Diamond Head on arrival, you often get a clear view of Pearl Harbor just seconds before touchdown on Runway 8L.
Book Hotels in HonoluluDistance: 6,819 km (4,237 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 8 hrs 1 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: HNL (21.32062, -157.924228)
Route Type: Domestic
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