How far is Kailua, HI from Honolulu, HI?
The driving distance from Kailua, HI to Honolulu, HI is about 12.4 miles (19.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 10.1 miles (16.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 50m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM HST.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 25m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Census-designated place in Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kailua and Honolulu.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kailua and Honolulu.
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1
Start on Mookua Street
540 ft · 36 sec · Mookua Street
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2
Turn left onto North Kainalu Drive
1923 ft · 57 sec · North Kainalu Drive
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3
Turn right onto Kuulei Road
1683 ft · 59 sec · Kuulei Road
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4
Continue on Kailua Road
1.3 mi · 3 min · Kailua Road
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5
Continue on Kalaniana’ole Highway
1.7 mi · 3 min · Kalaniana’ole Highway
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6
Continue on Kalanianaole Highway
666 ft · 18 sec · Kalanianaole Highway
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7
Continue on Pali Highway
7.9 mi · 15 min · Pali Highway
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8
Continue on Bishop Street
1223 ft · 34 sec · Bishop Street
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9
Turn left onto South King Street
1527 ft · 59 sec · South King Street
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10
Turn left onto Likelike Street
94 m · 28 sec · Likelike Street
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11
Turn left
91 m · 23 sec
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12
Turn right
40 m · 10 sec
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kailua and Honolulu.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Pali Highway
Continue on Pali Highway
7.91 mi · 00h 15m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Mostly Sunny leaving Kailua and Mostly Sunny near Honolulu.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kailua to Honolulu?
The road trip is about 12.4 miles (19.9 km) and usually takes 00h 25m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Maunawili is a useful midpoint, sitting about 6.2 miles from Kailua and 6.2 miles from Honolulu.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 10.1 miles (16.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 2.3 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM HST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:40 PM HST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.18 one way or $4.36 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 3.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Kailua and Mostly Sunny near Honolulu.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Kailua and Honolulu. Straight-line distance: 10.05 mi (16.17 km).
#1 Kailua
Census designated place in Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States
| Population | 38,635 |
| Coordinates | 21.4024100, -157.7405400 |
| Altitude | 10 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Honolulu
The most populous city in Hawaii and the center of the Honolulu metropolitan area.
| Population | 371,657 |
| Coordinates | 21.3069400, -157.8583300 |
| Altitude | 5 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-157.858457, 21.306875)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 20 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 14m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 12m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 10m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $2.18 | $4.36 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $2.35 | $4.70 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $2.45 | $4.90 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $2.80 | $5.60 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Hawaii · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.