I've searched the internet and read some books and I get conflicting answers. Some say the left side and some say the right side. For whoever has flown to Honolulu lately, please let me know which side of the plane you can see the island when you land.

1. Great question! I emailed my contact in Hawaii to get her take — working for a travel agency, she's probably flown in and out of Hawaii more times than she can remember! — and this is what she had to say:

   "Here’s the scoop on flying into Hawaii. With the typically prevailing trade winds, you would want to sit on the right side into Oahu and on the left leaving. The reason you're hearing conflicting information — ie: "some say the left side and some say the right" — is because on occasion, during the Kona trade winds for example, they actually reroute arrivals to Oahu and it then becomes just the opposite! Most of the time, however, you'd want to be on the right coming into Oahu and the left leaving. I just don’t want this to be the one time when it doesn’t happen!"

   So the odds are in your favor, I guess, if you sit on the right side of the plane coming in — fingers crossed that the plane isn't rerouted! If that's the case, you might just have to crane your neck to the other side of the plane.

   Good luck — and have a fabulous trip!

2. If you sit on the left side of the plane the sun will be in your face during the entire trip. Since the air currents in the northern hemisphere usually blow from the west to the east your plane will probably land in a westerly direction (into the wind). In reality either side will provide you with some view.

   It you want real expert opinions you should resubmit this question in the category "Cars & Transportation", sub-category "Airplanes". Professional airline pilots frequently monitor this sub-category and can better address your concerns.

3. I'm an editor with Travelocity. I got in touch with another Travelocity contact (who lives in Hawaii) to get your answer.
4. This question your asking is not necessary. If your on a plane going to Hawaii & you want a good view from above, just make sure you get a "window seat", any side of the plane doesn't matter. You will see everything regardless. The pilot turns for both sides of the plane just so the passengers can see the beautiful view of the island from above. Hawaiian Airlines does this.
5. YEAH I FLY HOME EVERY CHANCE I GET WHEN UP IN AIR THE RIGHT SIDE YOU GET GOOD VIEWS AND LANDING THE LEFT SIDE YOU'LL BE ALBE TO SEE EVERYTHING WHILE LANDING. HAVE FUN!!

   LIVE ALOHA!!

6. Unfortunately, that's a trick question. Since our islands are ruled by tradewinds, the side of the plane which you see when you approach Oahu is determined by the direction from which the tradewinds are blowing that day.

   For most days, the island will be on your right side……but on the days when the Kona winds are blowing (southerly winds), your approach will be reversed and the island will be on your left.

   Good luck on picking the "correct" side of the plane……happy travels!

7. You will be able to see approach from both sides as the plane circles in to land.. Enjoy your trip , and be sure to go to Pearl Harbor to see both the Arizona and the Missouri,
8. Every time I fly into HNL, I can see Waikiki on the right side, however, the plane goes past that, and turns around. Pearl Harbor is now on the left side as you come in to land, and you are closer down. You can see the monument and the ships below the water.

   When you fly out, you want to be on the left side of the plane to see Waikiki go past under you.

   So, choose the left side when arriving so that you can see Pearl Harbor close up from above, and left again when leaving to waive good-bye to Waikiki!

9. It all depends on the flight path that day. I will always pick the right. I am assured some view of downtown HNL and Diamond Head. My last flight was right over Diamond Head looking down on Waikiki with a final approach view of downtown back to Diamond Head. I have been on other flights where we came in over the channel between Oahu and Molokai and others over Kailua and Waikiki. In every case I think the right side got a better view than the left.

   On one approach (8L/26R), the left side will give you a great view of Pearl Harbor but you would not see much on anything until you are aligned with the runway (on final approach). The other approach (4R/22L) you will see Pearl Harbor in the distance and the rest of the airport.

   Link below is to a similar question asked months ago.

Tags: hawaii airline, bank of hawaii