How far is Kaunakakai, HI from Lahaina, HI?

The estimated driving distance from Kaunakakai, HI to Lahaina, HI is about 36.7 miles (59 km), with a travel time of about 00h 56m by car.

  • This page is using an estimated road distance while the full route geometry is refreshed.
  • The straight-line flight distance is about 27.2 miles (43.7 km).
  • For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 52m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
  • A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM HST.
Road route is being refreshed. This page currently uses an estimated driving distance until a routing provider returns the full road geometry.
Trip Tools

Reverse, save, or send this route

This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.

Reverse Route
Quick Snapshot
Road
36.67 mi
00h 56m · estimated
Flight
27.17 mi
43.72 km direct

This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.

Learn Distance

Choose another destination from Kaunakakai.

Flight Distance

Direct air line
27.17 mi
Kilometers
43.72 km
Flight Time
00h 03m

Driving Distance

Estimated road route
36.67 mi
Estimated
Kilometers
59.02 km
Drive Time
00h 56m

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 56m.

Arrival Snapshot
Arrive in Lahaina
Tue, May 12, 12:40 PM HST
Return by in Kaunakakai
Tue, May 12, 1:36 PM HST
Useful when you're deciding between a quick errand, a day trip, or a longer stop.
Leave Kaunakakai
2026-05-12T11:44
Arrive Lahaina
Tue, May 12, 12:40 PM HST
Route Timing
00h 56m
One way by road
Best Departure Window
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM HST
Aim for a morning departure
Arrive between
8:56 AM to 10:56 AM HST

A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.

Leave by
4:38 PM HST
Keeps a same-day return open with about 03h 00m at the destination.
Back in Kaunakakai
9:30 PM HST
Morning start is best

You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.

Halfway Point

A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.

Mid-route stop
Waialua
HI

City in United States of America

From Kaunakakai
13.6 mi
00h 28m
To Lahaina
23.1 mi
00h 28m

Route Weather Snapshot

Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.

Origin
Kaunakakai Weather
HI
Live fallback forecast
81°F
Tuesday
Using Kualapu‘u as the closest live forecast in the Maui County weather hub.

Mostly Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers

Starts
Tue, May 12 6:00 AM HST
Wind
13 to 18 mph ENE
Destination
Lahaina Weather
HI
Live fallback forecast
75°F
Tuesday
Using Waikapū as the closest live forecast in the Maui County weather hub.

Mostly Sunny

Starts
Tue, May 12 6:00 AM HST
Wind
10 to 23 mph NNE

Driving Route Map

Road route is being refreshed. This page currently uses an estimated driving distance.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Kaunakakai and Lahaina.

Turn-by-turn directions will appear after the road route is refreshed. The current distance is an estimate.

Route Summary

A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.

Trip Read

A comfortable day-trip route

This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.

Drive Time
00h 56m
Day trip friendly
Same-Day Return
01h 52m
Round-trip wheel time
Road vs Air
+9.5 mi
27.2 mi direct line
Halfway Stop
Waialua
00h 28m from Kaunakakai
Leave By
4:38 PM HST
Morning start is best
Weather Watch

Mostly Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers leaving Kaunakakai and Mostly Sunny near Lahaina.

Trip Questions

Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.

How long does it take to drive from Kaunakakai to Lahaina?

The road trip is about 36.7 miles (59 km) and usually takes 00h 56m in normal driving conditions.

Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?

This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.

What is the halfway point on this route?

Waialua is a useful midpoint, sitting about 13.6 miles from Kaunakakai and 23.1 miles from Lahaina.

How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?

The direct path is about 27.2 miles (43.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.5 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM HST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:38 PM HST.

How much will gas cost for this route?

Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.39 one way or $12.77 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 11.5 kg one way.

What should you check before leaving?

Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers around Kaunakakai and Mostly Sunny near Lahaina.

Flight Path Map

This map shows the direct air route between Kaunakakai and Lahaina. Straight-line distance: 27.17 mi (43.72 km).

Kaunakakai

#1 Kaunakakai

Census designated place

Population3,425
Coordinates21.0936300, -157.0261300
Altitude6
CountryUnited States
Lahaina

#2 Lahaina

CDP in West Maui, Maui County, Hawaii

Population11,704
Coordinates20.8742900, -156.6766300
Altitude1
CountryUnited States
Start: Kaunakakai (-157.02613, 21.09363)
End: Lahaina (-156.67663, 20.87429)

Estimated Travel Time

Distance: 59 km by road

SpeedTime
30 mph (48.3 km/h)01h 13m
40 mph (64.37 km/h)00h 55m
50 mph (80.47 km/h)00h 44m
60 mph (96.56 km/h)00h 36m
70 mph (112.65 km/h)00h 31m
80 mph (129 km/h)00h 27m

Fuel, Round Trip and CO2

Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.

One-way fuel
1.29 gal
4.9 L · about $6.39
Round trip
$12.77
2.58 gal · 9.8 L
Estimated CO2
11.5 kg one way
Round trip: 22.9 kg / 50 lb CO2, using regular gasoline.
Fuel$/galOne wayRound trip
Regular gas $4.95 $6.39 $12.77
Mid-grade $5.34 $6.89 $13.77
Premium $5.57 $7.18 $14.36
Diesel $6.37 $8.21 $16.42

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 · May 12, 2026

There is no time difference between Kaunakakai and Lahaina. The current time is 11:44:12.

Distance to Other Cities

How did we calculate? Place names are translated into coordinates. The Haversine formula calculates straight-line distance; driving distance uses road network data.