How far is Wailua, HI from Wailea, HI?
The driving distance from Wailua, HI to Wailea, HI is about 48.2 miles (77.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 39m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 22.6 miles (36.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 18m 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 39m.
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
Mostly Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Wailua and Wailea.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wailua and Wailea.
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1
Start on Hana Highway
33.2 mi · 1 hr 8 min · Hana Highway
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2
Turn left onto Kahului Airport Access Road
1.4 km · 2 min · Kahului Airport Access Road
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3
Turn left onto South Puunene Avenue
61 m · 8 sec · South Puunene Avenue
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4
Continue on Maui Veterans Highway
6.4 mi · 11 min · Maui Veterans Highway
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5
Continue on Piilani Highway
1.9 mi · 4 min · Piilani Highway
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6
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Piilani Highway
36 m · 2 sec · Piilani Highway
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7
Exit the roundabout onto Piilani Highway
4.7 mi · 10 min · Piilani Highway
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8
Turn right onto Okolani Drive
2762 ft · 1 min · Okolani Drive
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9
Turn left onto Wailea Alanui Drive
2926 ft · 1 min · Wailea Alanui Drive
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10
Turn right
24 m · 8 sec
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11
Exit the roundabout
158 m · 46 sec
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12
Turn left
103 m · 25 sec
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Wailua and Wailea.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Hana Highway
Start on Hana Highway
33.2 mi · 01h 08m
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 Mostly Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers near Wailea.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Wailua to Wailea?
The road trip is about 48.2 miles (77.5 km) and usually takes 01h 39m 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?
Paia is a useful midpoint, sitting about 24.2 miles from Wailua and 23.9 miles from Wailea.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 22.6 miles (36.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 25.6 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 3:12 PM HST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.42 one way or $16.83 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Scattered Rain Showers around Wailua and Mostly Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers near Wailea.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Wailua and Wailea. Straight-line distance: 22.59 mi (36.35 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 Wailea
City in Maui County, Hawaii, United States of America
| Population | 5,938 |
| Coordinates | 20.6897300, -156.4419000 |
| Altitude | 17 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-156.4422, 20.689725)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 78 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 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 | $8.42 | $16.83 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $9.07 | $18.15 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $9.46 | $18.92 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $10.82 | $21.64 |
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.