LAX to OGG: which side of the plane should you sit on?
Los Angeles (LAX) to Kahului (OGG) is a 3,996 km (2,483 mi), roughly 5h 12m westbound flight. Here is where the sun sits along that path, computed with the same astronomy as our live calculator.
On most daytime LAX to OGG departures the sun favors the left side — sit on the right (a window on the right) for shade.
Sun side by season and departure time
| Season | Morning (8 am) | Midday (1 pm) | Evening (6 pm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| March equinox | Left | Left | Right |
| June solstice | Left | Right | Right |
| September equinox | Left | Left | Right |
| December solstice | Left | Left | Night |
What you’ll see on this flight
Views do not decide this route. Sit on the right for shade.
This is a shade-first route. Views are limited, so the right side wins on comfort. You get a quick look at the Channel Islands on the way out, then island country again near Maui.
Takeoff
After departure from LAX, depending on the runway in use, the left side has the better city angle at first. You may catch Long Beach, Anaheim, and Irvine off the left, with the San Fernando Valley and Oxnard on the right as you climb.
En route
- 8m in← LeftChannel Islands of California
About 8 minutes in, the Channel Islands of California sit off the left. It is a thin island chain, low and dark against the water.
- 9m in← LeftChannel Islands National Park · passes underneath
A minute later, Channel Islands National Park passes almost under you on the left. It is a brief, steep view, so it flashes by fast.
Landing
On arrival into OGG, depending on the runway in use, the left side takes the lead again. About the last minute, you can look left for the Hawaiian Islands, Maui, Haleakalā, and then Kahoolawe, while Lanai sits to the right.
Sides and timings are computed from this route’s geometry. What you actually see depends on weather, air-traffic routing, and the runway in use on the day.
Frequently asked
Which side of the plane avoids the sun from LAX to OGG?
Across typical daytime departures, the sun predominantly hits the left side of the aircraft, so the right side stays shadier. Seat letters start at the left window, so choose the highest window letter (F on narrowbodies, K on many widebodies).
Which side has the sunset views on LAX to OGG flights?
For sunset views, flip the advice: on evening departures the sun sits on the right side of this route, so that is the side with the show.
How long is the flight from LAX to OGG?
The great-circle distance is 3,996 km (2,483 mi), which works out to roughly 5h 12m in the air on this westbound routing. Winds and routing move the real block time around that estimate.
Does the date or departure time change the answer?
Yes — that is why the table shows both. The sun's path shifts with the season, and a morning departure can put the glare on the opposite side compared to an evening one. For a specific flight, the calculator samples the sun along the whole route for your exact date and time.
Which side should I sit on for LAX to OGG?
Sit on the right. Views are mostly neutral, and the right side is the shade side.
What can I see on this flight?
Mostly a quick look at the Channel Islands after departure, then island views on approach to Maui.