How far is Punalu‘u, HI from Waianae, HI?
The driving distance from Punalu‘u, HI to Waianae, HI is about 49.1 miles (79 km), with a travel time of about 01h 14m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 21.9 miles (35.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 29m 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 01h 14m.
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.
Neighborhood of Halawa, Hawaii, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Scattered Rain Showers
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Punalu‘u and Waianae.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Punalu‘u and Waianae.
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1
Start on Kamehameha Highway
11.2 mi · 24 min · Kamehameha Highway
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2
Exit the roundabout onto Kahekili Highway
4.4 mi · 10 min · Kahekili Highway
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3
Turn right onto Likelike Highway
2189 ft · 43 sec · Likelike Highway
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4
Take the exit slight right toward I H3 West: Pearl Harbor
1 km · 2 min
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5
Merge slight left onto John A. Burns Freeway
8.1 mi · 12 min · John A. Burns Freeway
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6
Keep slight right to continue on I H1 West: Pearl City
1.2 km · 2 min
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7
Merge slight left onto Queen Liliʻuokalani Freeway
4.1 mi · 6 min · Queen Liliʻuokalani Freeway
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8
Keep slight left to continue on Queen Liliʻuokalani Freeway
9.2 mi · 11 min · Queen Liliʻuokalani Freeway
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9
Continue on Farrington Highway
10.2 mi · 21 min · Farrington Highway
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Farrington Highway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Punalu‘u and Waianae.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Kamehameha Highway
Start on Kamehameha Highway
11.2 mi · 00h 24m
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.
Scattered Rain Showers leaving Punalu‘u and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers near Waianae.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Punalu‘u to Waianae?
The road trip is about 49.1 miles (79 km) and usually takes 01h 14m 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?
Hālawa Heights is a useful midpoint, sitting about 24.5 miles from Punalu‘u and 24.5 miles from Waianae.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 21.9 miles (35.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.2 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 4:00 PM HST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.57 one way or $17.13 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Scattered Rain Showers around Punalu‘u and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers near Waianae.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Punalu‘u and Waianae. Straight-line distance: 21.93 mi (35.3 km).
#1 Punalu‘u
Census-designated place in Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States of America
| Population | 1,164 |
| Coordinates | 21.5704500, -157.8755700 |
| Altitude | 3 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Waianae
Census designated place in Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States
| Population | 13,177 |
| Coordinates | 21.4378500, -158.1855500 |
| Altitude | 5 |
| Country | United States |
End: Farrington Highway (-158.185572, 21.437844)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 79 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 13m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 36m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $8.57 | $17.13 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $9.23 | $18.47 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $9.63 | $19.26 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $11.01 | $22.03 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.