I'm planning my first trip to Hawaii and would like to know what is usually the best side of the plane to sit on? I'm flying afternoon flight LAX-LIH and return evening flight HNL-LAX. I know there is nothing to see but water for 5.5 hours and then the last few minutes the islands.
I would think the right side of the plane would be hotter due to the sun but I just dont know the flight pattern into LIH. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Nativesun

We always try and sit on the left side of the plane going into Lihue.

Good views of Nawiliwili Harbor, Mts Range, golf course.

Can I also please ask this same question, but a different flight? Which side to sit from LHR to JFK! I know it'll be mostly ocean all the way, but a sight of NYC skyline on the approach would be great!

Thanks!

For LHR to JFK, you have to be a little bit lucky. Depending on the traffic pattern you will either get a nice view of the skyline (at a distance of about 10 miles) or the sun in your eyes (from the sunrise to the east).

If you want to see what direction the planes are landing at JFK realtime, look here:

http://www4.passur.com/jfk.html

Wow, thanks, gb - what a great site! I've tracked our flight on flightview.com and it seems to circle around NYC and then fly out to sea a bit and approach landing from the south. I can select our seats when I check in online - we generally sit on the left, so that's probably where I'll select and just hope for the best!
Thanks!

Aloha from Kaua`i...

Take off and landing patterns are determined by weather -- and wind direction. While our prevailing winds here in the islands come from the east, there are days when that's not the case...and we arrive/depart "backwards"!

So approaching HNL from the mainland, your first view of the island of O`ahu is _usually_ seen from the right side of the plane.

Approaching LIH (Lihu`e), best views of the island are from the left side of the plane...usually.

My experience agrees with Auntie's and Kal's. Going into Lihue we always try to sit on the left.

Going into HNL we sit on the right and *usually* this is the side where you'll get a great view of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach before landing. One time though we flew in over the middle of the island ... had a stunning view of the mountains that was most likely equally lovely from the left side as well.

If it's a clear day and you do sit on the left going into HNL you'll be able to see the islands come into view about 30-40 minutes prior to landing.

Thanks Aunite for the tips, Can't wait to GO!

I think it's best if you sit on the INSIDE of the plane.

Waldo...George Carlin fan, too?

I sat on the left side on the plane from Honolulu to SMF last trip and we got some great pix of Diamond Head from the plane.

I like to sit on the left side from Lihue to 'lulu so I can wave good bye to my soul bragh, The Sleeping Giant. #39;(