Seeing Molokai sea cliffs from a plane
Among the tallest sea cliffs in the world, rising more than 3,000 ft along Molokai's north shore. Look for the Kalaupapa peninsula, the former leprosy settlement, on a flat shelf at the cliffs' foot.
8 of our routes pass it. Hawaii · rated 6 of 10
The easy pick
Honolulu to Las Vegas: sit on the right, on the climb, 10 min after takeoff.
Which side, by route
| Route | Side | When |
|---|---|---|
| Honolulu to Kailua-Kona | Left | 9 min after takeoff |
| Honolulu to Las Vegas | Right | on the climb, 10 min after takeoff |
| Honolulu to Kahului | Left | 10 min after takeoff |
| Honolulu to Seattle | Right the other side is usually better on this route | 10 min after takeoff |
| Honolulu to San Francisco | Right | on the climb, 10 min after takeoff |
| Honolulu to Hilo | Left | 11 min after takeoff |
| Honolulu to Los Angeles | Right the other side is usually better on this route | 11 min after takeoff |
| Los Angeles to Honolulu | Left the other side is usually better on this route | 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.
Questions
Which side of the plane do you see Molokai sea cliffs from?
It depends on the direction: the left on most of our routes (4 of 8). The table lists each route's side.
When can you see Molokai sea cliffs 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
Molokini Haleakala Diamond Head / Waikiki Mauna Kea Honolulu (HNL) Las Vegas (LAS) Seattle (SEA) San Francisco (SFO) All routes