Which side of plane?
 

I got my Hawaiian Air tickets, includes daytime segments Honolulu-Hilo and Kona-Honolulu. I would like my kids to see the volcano out the window, and was wondering for each segment which side of the plane offers better views? Thanks.

Which Volcano are you referring to (there are many you'll pass along the way, Kilauea not being one of them...)?

From HNL-ITO I suggest sitting on the right side of the plane. Usually the route will be such (assuming no clouds) that when you'll first see Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Kohala, and Hualali, and then as you descent into Hilo Mauna Kea will loom large out the window (and right now it is brilliantly snow-capped) and you will also see all the amazing waterfalls along the Hamakua Coast. If you sit on the left side of the plane you will likely see Haleakala on Maui.

(Edit: Here's a link to my flight yesterday HNL-ITO; it may give you a sense of this http://flightaware.com/live/flight/HAL262 )

Returning KOA-HNL you'll likely take off to the south, then make a right turn to the northwest. Sit on the right side for a chance to see in the distance Mauna Kea, Hualali, and Kohala (and Haleakala on Maui)

The very best volcano viewing right now is Hilo-HNL, particularly if the pilot is able to fly close to Mauna Kea. Sit on the left side.

But as slippahs points out, none of these routes will have you see the lava or steam from the Pu'u O'o vent of Kilauea.

You were both right, I was imagining seeing steam venting. But it sounds like the right side of the plane should be scenic and interesting on both flights. Thanks.

Which side on Aloha Airlines?
 

I am departing next week on Aloha and this is my children's first trip. Would also like to get best views of Volcanoes. What are your suggestions?
HNL - KOA
KOA - HNL
HNL - LIH
LIH - HNL

For best views of islands, let's see if I still retain kama`aina status by offering:

Port
Starboard
Starboard
Port

There's no scheduled inter-island flights that overfly the active volcanoes, unless Mauna Loa decides to act up.

Or Hualali, whose last eruption was only 202 years ago and which built a good bit of the ground on which some of the north Kona-side resorts were built. :eek:

And it looks to me like your kama`aina status is still good :p

Let's see for inter-island flights that is Left, Right, Right and Left. Would you happen to know the side of the plane for a Delta ATL - HNL flight and a Continental HNL - HOU flight?

When the winds are normal (from the east-northeast) planes from the mainland usually come in on a southwesterly track between Molokai and Oahu, then make a turn to the west to parallel the southern shoreline of Oahu, and then make a U-turn and land to the east at HNL. So, generally, the right side of the plane will give you views of Hawaii Kai, Diamond Head, Waikiki, downtown Honolulu, the airport, and Pearl Harbor before the plane makes its turn back to the airport for landing.

The process is reversed for outbounds to the mainland: usually the longer reef runway is used, and the plane takes off to the east. If you're on the left side of the plane you'll see downtown Honolulu, Waikiki, and Diamond Head and after passing the southeast tip of Oahu, the plane will turn northeast. If you sit on the right side of the plane, after that turn you'll see in the distance Molokai, Maui, and in the far distance the Big Island.

Imagine my relief! :cool:

Which side of plane has the best views.
 

I am told outside. Nevertheless, I prefer to sit on the inside. Outside is reputed to be very windy. :D