Origin
Makawao, HI
Afternoon in Makawao on Tuesday
Local time
4:08 PM
HST
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Makawao, HI to Wailuku, HI
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
28m
Distance
15.1 mi
24 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$3
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 26m
★
6 AM
0h 29m
8 AM
0h 34m
10 AM
0h 30m
12 PM
0h 30m
3 PM
0h 31m
5 PM
0h 33m
8 PM
0h 27m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Makawao, HI
Wikimedia Commons
Wailuku, HI
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
If you are looking to travel from the upcountry town of Makawao to the central hub of Wailuku, this 15.1-mile journey is a quick and manageable trip. You can easily complete the drive in about 28 minutes, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day outing. Budgeting around $3 for fuel should be sufficient to cover the distance, allowing you to focus on the transition between these two distinct Hawaiian locations. Because the entire route is within the state of Hawaii, you will not encounter any complex regional border crossings. This simple, direct path is ideal if you need to move between these areas efficiently without the need for an overnight stay.
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
7.6 miles from Makawao, HI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 14m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that keeps you engaged behind the wheel rather than drifting through a monotonous interstate grind. You will navigate a series of local roads, including the Haleakala Highway, the Hana Highway, and Kaahumanu Avenue, as the route contains zero percent traditional highway travel. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 5.3-mile section on the Haleakala Highway, which provides a brief reprieve from the frequent turns. As you progress from the higher elevation of Makawao toward the coastal area of Wailuku, the road layout demands your full attention. It is a practical, functional transit route that prioritizes local connectivity over high-speed travel.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 14 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Baldwin Avenue is one of the defining roads on this drive.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple — set it and forget it for most of the drive.
Route Complexity
1/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Makawao, HI to Wailuku, HI is easy. At 28m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Makawao, HI to Wailuku, HI is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Baldwin Avenue | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Makawao Avenue | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Kula Highway | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Old Haleakala Highway | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Haleakala Highway | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Hana Highway | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Kaahumanu Avenue | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| East Main Street | Unavailable | Refreshing |
Per-road distance and duration are being refreshed from OSRM for this route.
Longest stretch:
Baldwin Avenue
— detailed segment metrics are refreshing.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Makawao, HI and Wailuku, HI.
1
Start on Ukiu Road
154 ft
·
9 sec
·
Ukiu Road
2
Turn right onto Baldwin Avenue
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
Baldwin Avenue
3
Turn right onto Makawao Avenue
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Makawao Avenue
4
Turn right
125 ft
·
5 sec
5
Turn right onto Kula Highway
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Kula Highway
6
Continue on Old Haleakala Highway
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
Old Haleakala Highway
7
Continue on Haleakala Highway
5.3 mi
·
8 min
·
Haleakala Highway
8
Turn left onto Hana Highway
2.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Hana Highway
9
Continue on Kaahumanu Avenue
2.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Kaahumanu Avenue
10
Continue on East Main Street
0.2 mi
·
40 sec
·
East Main Street
11
Turn right onto North Market Street
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
North Market Street
12
Turn left onto Kahawai Street
0.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Kahawai Street
13
Turn right onto Makua Street
253 ft
·
28 sec
·
Makua Street
14
Arrive at your destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a short, 15.1-mile trip with zero planned stops, you have maximum flexibility in your schedule. You do not need to worry about splitting the drive across multiple days, so you can easily fit this transit into a busy morning or afternoon. Be prepared for the turn-heavy nature of the local roads by checking your tire pressure and ensuring your vehicle is ready for frequent steering adjustments. Given the $3 fuel estimate, you won't need to stress over complex refueling logistics along the way. Your best bet is to plan your departure around local traffic patterns in Wailuku to ensure your 28-minute travel time stays on track.
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 7.6 miles from Makawao, HI, or about 14m into the drive.
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 15.1 miles or 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 7.6 miles or 14m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Wailuku, HI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Makawao, 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 Makawao, HI
This is one driving day of about 15.1 miles and 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Makawao, 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.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 7.6 mi from Makawao, HI · 14m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
8 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 15.1 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 7.6 miles from Makawao, HI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Wailuku, HI
The final approach into Wailuku, 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 Wailuku, HI.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$3.27 one way
$6.55 round trip
$5.51/gal
25.4 MPG avg
5 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.79 | $3.44 | $6.88 |
| premium | $5.98 | $3.56 | $7.11 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $3.33 | $6.67 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$28–$53
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 5.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 60% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 4.5 | 0 | $1.59 | $0.72 |
| Efficient EV | 3.8 | 0 | $1.32 | $0.60 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 6 | 0 | $2.11 | $0.97 |
Gas CO2
5 kg
EV CO2
2 kg (60% 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.
Destination
Wailuku, HI
Afternoon in Wailuku on Tuesday
Local time
4:08 PM
HST
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live 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
3 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
28m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Makawao, HI to Wailuku, HI covers 15.1 miles and takes about 28m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Baldwin Avenue, Makawao Avenue, Kula Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 7.6 miles from Makawao, HI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $3.27 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.
The drive from Makawao, HI to Wailuku, HI is easy. At 28m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Makawao, HI to Wailuku, HI is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
The route from Makawao, HI to Wailuku, HI does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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