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SAN → LIH
Which side of the plane to sit from San Diego International Airport (San Diego) to Lihue Airport (Lihue)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is premier for this route, offering an immediate, stunning view of the San Diego skyline and Balboa Park upon takeoff, followed by the best perspective of Kauai's lush eastern coastline during the descent into Lihue.
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Downtown San Diego
A spectacular close-up view of the skyscrapers and the historic Gaslamp Quarter during the initial climb.
Balboa Park
Look down on the lush greenery, historic Spanish-Renaissance architecture, and the San Diego Zoo.
La Jolla Coast
The dramatic sea cliffs and turquoise waters of the 'Jewel' of San Diego as you turn westward.
Kalalea Mountain
Also known as King Kong mountain, this jagged peak is a highlight on the right side during the descent.
Kauai East Shore
Aerial views of the 'Garden Isle' featuring coconut groves, white sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs.
The right side is ideal for morning flights as the sun will be on the opposite side of the plane, providing perfect lighting for photos of the San Diego skyline and Kauai's coast. When approaching Lihue, most flight paths fly parallel to the eastern shore before turning in, making the right side the 'land side' for the most scenic part of the arrival.
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San Diego Bay
Clear views of the North Island Naval Air Station and the bustling maritime activity of the bay.
Coronado Island
The iconic Hotel del Coronado and the slender Silver Strand beach stretching south.
Point Loma
A final look at the California mainland featuring the Cabrillo National Monument at the peninsula's tip.
Pacific Horizon
Vast, uninterrupted views of the deep blue Pacific Ocean for the majority of the flight duration.
Nawiliwili Bay
As the plane banks for its final approach, you may see the harbor and southern cliffs of Kauai.
Choose the left side if you are flying later in the day to enjoy the sunset over the water. This side also offers a great look at the Coronado Bridge immediately after rotation from SAN. For the best photography, try to sit forward of the wing to avoid engine heat blur, which can be significant over the 5-hour overwater stretch.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 4,300 km (2,672 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 4 min
Departure: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Arrival: LIH (21.97599983215332, -159.33900451660156)
Route Type: Domestic
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