Seeing Hualālai from a plane
Photo: Photograph by J. Kauahikaua., Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
An 8,271-ft volcano above Kona that last erupted in 1801. Kona's airport sits on that lava; look for the runway cut through black rock, with resorts set like green patches in the flows.
2 of our routes pass it. Hawaii
The easy pick
Hilo to Honolulu: sit on the left, on the climb, 10 min after takeoff.
Which side, by route
| Route | Side | When |
|---|---|---|
| Hilo to Honolulu | Left | on the climb, 10 min after takeoff |
| Honolulu to Hilo | Right (the left side is better for the whole flight) | on the way down |
From the real paths of every nonstop on these routes in the last 10 days, at the usual time of day. Where the best seat for the whole flight is on the other side, you'd trade this sight for more elsewhere.
Questions
Which side of the plane do you see Hualālai from?
It depends on the direction: the left on most of our routes (1 of 2). The table lists each route's side.
When can you see Hualālai from a plane?
Near the airport, on the climb or on the way down, and mid-flight on longer routes: see the table for each route.
Do clouds matter?
Yes. These answers assume a clear day. Within 3 days of your flight, pick your exact flight in the app for the cloud forecast.
More
Mauna Kea Haleakala Molokini Molokai sea cliffs Diamond Head / Waikiki Honolulu (HNL) All routes