This quick 20.7-mile drive from Makakilo City to Honolulu in Hawaii takes about 31 minutes, making it an ideal day trip. The majority of your journey, about 68% highway, will be on the Queen Liliʻuokalani Freeway and HI 78 before transitioning to Kamehameha Highway. With a modest estimated fuel cost of $4, this route is very budget-friendly for a single day of travel. You won't need to split this drive or plan for an overnight stay, offering plenty of flexibility for your schedule. The entire trip stays within the state of Hawaii, providing a straightforward and efficient connection between these two locations.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
10.3 miles from Makakilo City, HI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 13m into the drive
.
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience for this 20.7-mile trip, with 68% of the drive utilizing major roadways. You'll encounter a significant uninterrupted stretch of 9 miles on the Queen Liliʻuokalani Freeway, offering a consistent pace. The route transitions from freeway driving to surface streets as you approach your destination. This mix means you'll experience both the efficiency of highway travel and the more local feel as you enter Honolulu.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Queen Liliʻuokalani Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Queen Liliʻuokalani Freeway and HI 78. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.3 miles in near I H1 / Queen Liliʻuokalani Freeway.
Route Complexity8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 20.7 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.3 miles (I H1 / Queen Liliʻuokalani Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
1.3 mi into trip|~2m in|I H1 / Queen Liliʻuokalani Freeway
Merge onto I H1 / Queen Liliʻuokalani Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
10.2 mi into trip|~13m in
Take the exit toward Waimalu, Pearlridge
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 10
Toward Waimalu, Pearlridge
9
10.5 mi into trip|~14m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Waimalu, Pearlridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward Waimalu, Pearlridge
6
12.5 mi into trip|~17m in|HI 78
Take the ramp onto HI 78 toward I H201 East, I H1 East: Honolulu
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I H201 East, I H1 East: Honolulu
7
18.6 mi into trip|~27m in
Take the exit toward HI 98 East: Vineyard Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 20B
Toward HI 98 East: Vineyard Boulevard
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Makakilo City, HI and Honolulu, HI, road signs point toward Waimalu, Pearlridge, I H201 East and I H1 East: Honolulu.
Waimalu
10.2 mi in|~13m
Pearlridge
10.2 mi in|~13m
I H201 East
12.5 mi in|~17m|via HI 78
I H1 East: Honolulu
12.5 mi in|~17m|via HI 78
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Queen Liliʻuokalani Freeway
9 mi
11m
HI 78
5.1 mi
7m
Kamehameha Highway
1.4 mi
2m
I H1
1.1 mi
1m
North Vineyard Boulevard
0.9 mi
1m
Makakilo Drive
0.7 mi
1m
South King Street
0.3 mi
<1m
Kaahumanu Street
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Queen Liliʻuokalani Freeway
— 9 mi, about 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Makakilo City, HI and Honolulu, HI.
1
Start on Aoloko Street
0.1 mi·26 sec·Aoloko Street
2
Turn right onto Makakilo Drive
0.7 mi·1 min·Makakilo Drive
3
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I H1 East: Waianae
4
Merge onto I H1
9.0 mi·11 min·Queen Liliʻuokalani Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi·25 sec
Exit 10Toward Waimalu, PearlridgeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward Waimalu, PearlridgeUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
7
Turn straight onto Moanalua Road
0.2 mi·24 sec·Moanalua Road
8
Turn right onto Kaahumanu Street
0.3 mi·28 sec·Kaahumanu Street
9
Turn left onto HI 99
1.4 mi·2 min·Kamehameha Highway
Use the left / straight lanes.
10
Take the ramp onto HI 78
5.1 mi·7 min·HI 78
Toward I H201 East, I H1 East: HonoluluUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I H1
1.1 mi·1 min·I H1
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.1 mi·15 sec
Exit 20BToward HI 98 East: Vineyard BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
13
Continue on HI 98
0.2 mi·16 sec·Olomea Street
14
Continue on HI 98
0.9 mi·1 min·North Vineyard Boulevard
15
Turn right onto Pali Highway
0.2 mi·20 sec·Pali Highway
16
Continue on HI 61
0.2 mi·33 sec·Bishop Street
17
Turn left onto South King Street
0.3 mi·59 sec·South King Street
18
Turn left onto Likelike Street
308 ft·27 sec·Likelike Street
19
Turn left
298 ft·22 sec
20
Turn right
131 ft·9 sec
21
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the short 31-minute duration, you have a lot of flexibility with when to depart. Leaving in the morning or late afternoon can help you avoid potential peak traffic as you near Honolulu. With no recommended stops and a quick journey, you can easily complete this drive in one go. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, though the estimated cost is only $4, it's always wise to start with a full tank. A good tip for this route is to be aware of the transition from HI 78 to Kamehameha Highway, as this is where the driving environment will change most noticeably.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 10.3 miles from Makakilo City, HI, or about 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 9 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 20.7 miles or 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 10.3 miles or 13m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Honolulu, HI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Makakilo City, HI so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Makakilo City, HI
This is one driving day of about 20.7 miles and 31m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Makakilo City, HI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Queen Liliʻuokalani Freeway for about 9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 10.3 mi from Makakilo City, HI
· 13m into the drive
The midpoint is around 10.3 miles from Makakilo City, HI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Honolulu, HI
The final approach into Honolulu, HI usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Honolulu, HI.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
National Memorial
At Pearl Harbor National Memorial, we honor the lives affected by the December 7, 1941, attack. This pivotal moment in global history marked the United States' entry into World War II, impacting natio...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$4.49 one way
$8.97 round trip
$5.51/gal25.4 MPG avg7 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.79
$4.72
$9.44
premium
$5.98
$4.87
$9.75
diesel
$5.61
$4.57
$9.14
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$29–$54
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 7.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $2 in charging
· 0 stops
· 71% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
6.2
0
$2.17
$0.99
Efficient EV
5.2
0
$1.81
$0.83
EV Truck/SUV
8.3
0
$2.90
$1.32
Gas CO2
7 kg
EV CO2
2 kg (71% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast data refreshed 3 hours ago
Origin
Makakilo City, HI
Afternoon
in Makakilo City on Tuesday
Local time
4:17 PM
HST
Current temp
70°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Honolulu, HI
Afternoon
in Honolulu on Tuesday
Local time
4:17 PM
HST
Current temp
83°F
Scattered Rain Showers
SSE 3 to 9 mph40% chanceLive forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
13 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
31m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Makakilo City, HI to Honolulu, HI covers 20.7 miles and takes about 31m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Queen Liliʻuokalani Freeway, HI 78, Kamehameha Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 10.3 miles from Makakilo City, HI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $4.49 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 20.7 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.3 miles (I H1 / Queen Liliʻuokalani Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Makakilo City, HI and Honolulu, HI, road signs point toward Waimalu, Pearlridge, I H201 East and I H1 East: Honolulu.
