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RUS → HIR
Which side of the plane to sit from Marau Airport (Marau) to Honiara International Airport (Honiara)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior visual experience, featuring the vibrant turquoise coral reefs of the northern coastline and the historic expanse of Ironbottom Sound.
Tavanipupu Island
A stunning view of the iconic resort island and its surrounding white sandbars shortly after departure.
Sealark Channel
Expansive views across the deep ocean strait that separates Guadalcanal from the Florida Islands to the north.
Ruavatu Reefs
Intricate coral formations and crystal-clear turquoise shallows visible along the northern coastline.
Ironbottom Sound
The historic waters of the WWII Guadalcanal Campaign, famous for the many shipwrecks resting beneath its surface.
Lunga Point
A panoramic view of the coastal plains and the historic Henderson Field area during the final approach into Honiara.
Afternoon flights provide the most vibrant colors for photography of the coral reefs on the right side. Watch for the dramatic 'drop-off' lines where the shallow turquoise reef shelf abruptly meets the deep indigo of the Solomon Sea.
Marau Sound Lagoons
Lush mangrove networks and emerald waters immediately visible after takeoff from the eastern tip of Guadalcanal.
Central Range Peaks
Massive volcanic ridges covered in dense primary rainforest that dominate the island's interior.
Mount Popomanaseu
The towering 2,335m summit, the highest point in the Solomon Islands, often shrouded in dramatic morning mist.
River Gorges
Steep-sided valleys where silver rivers snake through the jungle toward the northern plains.
Early morning flights are recommended for the left side to capture the mountain peaks before they are obscured by typical afternoon convective cloud cover. Keep a sharp eye out for the silver glint of hidden waterfalls deep within the interior gorges.
Distance: 97 km (60 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 min
Departure: RUS (-9.86166954041, 160.824996948)
Arrival: HIR (-9.4280004501343, 160.05499267578)
Route Type: Domestic
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