How far is Makawao, HI from Wailua, HI?
The driving distance from Makawao, HI to Wailua, HI is about 24.9 miles (40 km), with a travel time of about 00h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 11.4 miles (18.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 55m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM HST.
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.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 57m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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.
City in Maui County, Hawaii, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Scattered Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Makawao and Wailua.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Makawao and Wailua.
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1
Start on Ukiu Road
47 m · 9 sec · Ukiu Road
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2
Turn right onto Baldwin Avenue
1290 ft · 34 sec · Baldwin Avenue
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3
Turn left onto Makawao Avenue
1.1 mi · 2 min · Makawao Avenue
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4
Continue on Kaupakalua Road
5.4 mi · 13 min · Kaupakalua Road
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5
At the end of the road, turn right onto Hana Highway
18.1 mi · 42 min · Hana Highway
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6
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Hana Highway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Makawao and Wailua.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Hana Highway
At the end of the road, turn right onto Hana Highway
18.1 mi · 00h 42m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
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.
Sunny leaving Makawao and Scattered Rain Showers near Wailua.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Makawao to Wailua?
The road trip is about 24.9 miles (40 km) and usually takes 00h 57m 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?
Pukalani is a useful midpoint, sitting about 12.5 miles from Makawao and 12.4 miles from Wailua.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 11.4 miles (18.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.5 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 4:34 PM HST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.36 one way or $8.71 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 7.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Makawao and Scattered Rain Showers near Wailua.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Makawao and Wailua. Straight-line distance: 11.42 mi (18.38 km).
#1 Makawao
City in Maui County, Hawaii, United States of America
| Population | 7,184 |
| Coordinates | 20.8569400, -156.3130600 |
| Altitude | 481 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Wailua
City in Kauai County, Hawaii, United States of America
| Population | 2,254 |
| Coordinates | 20.8486100, -156.1363900 |
| Altitude | 70 |
| Country | United States |
End: Wailua (-156.13639, 20.84861)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 40 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 37m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 29m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 24m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 21m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 18m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $4.36 | $8.71 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $4.70 | $9.39 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $4.90 | $9.80 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $5.60 | $11.20 |
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 26, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.