How far is Makawao, HI from Waimalu, HI?

The estimated driving distance from Makawao, HI to Waimalu, HI is about 139.6 miles (224.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 54m by car.

  • This page is using an estimated road distance while the full route geometry is refreshed.
  • The straight-line flight distance is about 111.7 miles (179.7 km).
  • For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 48m 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
139.59 mi
02h 54m · estimated
Flight
111.67 mi
179.72 km direct

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

Learn Distance

Choose another destination from Makawao.

Flight Distance

Direct air line
111.67 mi
Kilometers
179.72 km
Flight Time
00h 13m

Driving Distance

Estimated road route
139.59 mi
Estimated
Kilometers
224.65 km
Drive Time
02h 54m

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 02h 54m.

Arrival Snapshot
Arrive in Waimalu
Thu, Apr 16, 5:49 PM HST
Return by in Makawao
Thu, Apr 16, 8:44 PM HST
Useful when you're deciding between a quick errand, a day trip, or a longer stop.
Leave Makawao
2026-04-16T14:55
Arrive Waimalu
Thu, Apr 16, 5:49 PM HST
Route Timing
02h 54m
One way by road
Best Departure Window
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM HST
Aim for a morning departure
Arrive between
10:54 AM to 12:54 PM HST

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

Leave by
12:42 PM HST
Keeps a same-day return open with about 03h 00m at the destination.
Back in Makawao
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
Kualapu‘u
HI

Census-designated place in Maui County, Hawaii, United States of America

From Makawao
55.9 mi
01h 27m
To Waimalu
83.8 mi
01h 27m

Route Weather Snapshot

Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.

Origin
79°F
Thursday

Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers

Starts
Thu, Apr 16 6:00 AM HST
Wind
7 mph NNE
Destination
84°F
Thursday

Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers

Starts
Thu, Apr 16 6:00 AM HST
Wind
8 mph ENE

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 Makawao and Waimalu.

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
02h 54m
Day trip friendly
Same-Day Return
05h 48m
Round-trip wheel time
Road vs Air
+27.9 mi
111.7 mi direct line
Halfway Stop
Kualapu‘u
01h 27m from Makawao
Leave By
12:42 PM HST
Morning start is best
Weather Watch

Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers leaving Makawao and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers near Waimalu.

Trip Questions

Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.

How long does it take to drive from Makawao to Waimalu?

The road trip is about 139.6 miles (224.7 km) and usually takes 02h 54m 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?

Kualapu‘u is a useful midpoint, sitting about 55.9 miles from Makawao and 83.8 miles from Waimalu.

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

The direct path is about 111.7 miles (179.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.9 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 12:42 PM HST.

How much will gas cost for this route?

Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.41 one way or $48.82 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 43.8 kg one way.

What should you check before leaving?

Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers around Makawao and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers near Waimalu.

Flight Path Map

This map shows the direct air route between Makawao and Waimalu. Straight-line distance: 111.67 mi (179.72 km).

Makawao

#1 Makawao

City in Maui County, Hawaii, United States of America

Population7,184
Coordinates20.8569400, -156.3130600
Altitude481
CountryUnited States
Waimalu

#2 Waimalu

Census-designated place in Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States of America

Population13,730
Coordinates21.4047200, -157.9433300
Altitude115
CountryUnited States
Start: Makawao (-156.31306, 20.85694)
End: Waimalu (-157.94333, 21.40472)

Estimated Travel Time

Distance: 225 km by road

SpeedTime
30 mph (48.3 km/h)04h 39m
40 mph (64.37 km/h)03h 29m
50 mph (80.47 km/h)02h 47m
60 mph (96.56 km/h)02h 19m
70 mph (112.65 km/h)01h 59m
80 mph (129 km/h)01h 44m

Fuel, Round Trip and CO2

Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.

One-way fuel
4.93 gal
18.65 L · about $24.41
Round trip
$48.82
9.86 gal · 37.3 L
Estimated CO2
43.8 kg one way
Round trip: 87.6 kg / 193 lb CO2, using regular gasoline.
Fuel$/galOne wayRound trip
Regular gas $4.95 $24.41 $48.82
Mid-grade $5.34 $26.32 $52.63
Premium $5.57 $27.44 $54.88
Diesel $6.37 $31.38 $62.77

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 17, 2026

There is no time difference between Makawao and Waimalu. The current time is 14:55:42.

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.