How far is Wailua, HI from Makawao, HI?
The driving distance from Wailua, HI to Makawao, HI is about 24.9 miles (40 km), with a travel time of about 01h 06m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 11.4 miles (18.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 13m 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 06m.
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
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Wailua and Makawao.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wailua and Makawao.
-
1
Start on Hana Highway
18.1 mi · 42 min · Hana Highway
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2
Turn left onto Kaupakalua Road
5.4 mi · 13 min · Kaupakalua Road
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3
Continue on Makawao Avenue
1.1 mi · 2 min · Makawao Avenue
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4
Turn right onto Baldwin Avenue
1290 ft · 31 sec · Baldwin Avenue
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5
Turn left onto Ukiu Road
47 m · 7 sec · Ukiu Road
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6
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Ukiu Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Wailua and Makawao.
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
Start on 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.
Scattered Rain Showers leaving Wailua and Sunny near Makawao.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Wailua to Makawao?
The road trip is about 24.9 miles (40 km) and usually takes 01h 06m 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 Wailua and 12.4 miles from Makawao.
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 4:16 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 Scattered Rain Showers around Wailua and Sunny near Makawao.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Wailua and Makawao. Straight-line distance: 11.42 mi (18.38 km).
#1 Wailua
City in Kauai County, Hawaii, United States of America
| Population | 2,254 |
| Coordinates | 20.8486100, -156.1363900 |
| Altitude | 70 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Makawao
City in Maui County, Hawaii, United States of America
| Population | 7,184 |
| Coordinates | 20.8569400, -156.3130600 |
| Altitude | 481 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ukiu Road (-156.312864, 20.856653)
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.