Joseph Abraham

About Joseph Abraham

Joseph Abraham is the founder of Maui Interactive, LLC and its child company, Maui Game Studio. While residing in Maui, he enjoys building his businesses and participating in outdoor activities: surfing, paddling, hiking, etc.

Posts by Joseph Abraham:

November 22 2022

History of Nitto Tires and Tomo Mizutani, Part 2

Joseph Abraham Modifications, Off-road, Tires 0

Welcome to part 2 of the first in our new series about the history of automotive modification companies. If you want to read part 1 of this article, go to the link at the bottom.

Nitto Entering the Truck Market

Nitto’s success with the car market was multiplied when they started focusing on the truck market. Many truck tire sizes were not available in the market at this point. Rims were even being produced by rim companies, like AMT Forged Alloys, with no compatible tire sizes. In the late 90s and early 2000s, Nitto began partnering with many enthusiast-friendly wheel brands.

Before Nitto innovated in the 2000s, one of the greatest difficulties with large tires was balancing. In the early 2000s, Nitto made many breakthroughs with tire balancing, which made tires quieter and more durable. These innovations included thinner strips of material in the spiral wound and jointless construction.

Aesthetically, Nitto answered the market’s demand for a more aggressive-looking tire. Nitto released the Dune, Terra, Trail, and Mud Grapplers. The Mud Grappler left a signature tread mark, which was a hit with customers and enthusiasts alike. Many Nitto enthusiasts were using the tread designs in their hairstyles. People were even getting tattoos that referenced the tread designs. While the more aggressive tread was louder while driving than stock tires, it was quiet compared to competitors with comparable treads.

Nitto Today

In 2016, Nitto introduced the ridge grapplers, arguably the most exciting product they have ever released. The Ridge Grapplers offer offroad tread but were tested to be quiet and smooth. In testing, many could not tell Ridge Grapplers apart from stock tires.

In 2004, the Nitto brand was worth more than 100 million dollars. In 2018, Nitto was evaluated at 600 million dollars. Currently, Nitto is believed to be valued at over a billion dollars (estimated). Tomo Mizutani currently sits as President and CEO of Nitto. Nitto went from being close to bankruptcy to being considered the highest-quality provider on the market.

Their engagement on social media exceeds all other tire companies. They even have a larger social media following than both Honda and Toyota. While Nitto was born in Japan, Nitto is currently based in the United States. The company’s future is looking bright.

Nitto tires were even featured in the Transformers movies. They also sponsor the Dodgers baseball team. They support STEM programs for youth throughout the country.

The youth market has less interest in automobile modification than during the 90s. They will continue to focus on the United States, as they believe their customer base is strong in the USA.

Nitto in Hawaii

In Hawaii, Nitto tires stand as our top recommended tired brand at Intense Motorsports Maui. While they are not the cheapest, we record almost no returns on Nitto products, and they easily make up for the difference in price with the increase in quality. Our story is similar to Nitto’s in that our business changed when we started working with truck modification, as trucks now account for most of our revenue.

If you are nearby and want to see the tires, we have all of them at our physical location and our online store. Check it out! Aloha. Thank you for reading.

History of Nitto Tires and Tomo Mizutani, Part 1

October 20 2022

History of Nitto Tires and Tomo Mizutani, Part 1

Joseph Abraham Modifications, Off-road, Tires 0

We are starting a new series about the history of automobile modification brands. Today we are going to talk about Toyo’s little brother, Nitto. This article will be split into two parts. A link to the second article will be available at the bottom of this post.

The History of Nitto

The Early Years of Nitto

Nitto arrived on the scene in 1949. Initially, Nitto mainly exported bias ply truck tires and a limited selection of standard-size car wheels. By the 1960s, Nitto was sending tires throughout the global market. Most Nitto customers were in the Middle East and the United States in the 60s. Later, Nitto hit a wall and even hit came close to bankruptcy. More on that later.

Nitto grew rapidly throughout the 60s and 70s, expanding to a California-based sales office. Toyo acquired Nitto in 1979. During the 1980s, Nitto pulled out of the Japanese market due to poor sales in Japan. They showed 6 million dollars in sales in 1992, but again very little from Japan. Most of their revenue came from the United States.

Nitto in the 90s

Tomo Mizutani, the owner of a service shop in Yokosuka, Japan, was a vehicle modification enthusiast. Toyo handpicked Tomo to either fix Nitto or bury it.

After joining Nitto, Tomo traveled to the United States to work at the Nitto US headquarters. At this point, Nitto only had three staff members. He recalls requesting less than ten dollars for a 3-ring hole puncher from Office Depot. He was denied by Toyo’s Japanese office and spent money from his pay on the hole puncher. He recalls this was his first investment since moving to the United States.

He later decided to travel to motor vehicle enthusiasts’ events throughout the United States and hear what potential customers had to say. He started by visiting automotive shops and later attended automotive events. He funded this traveling with his pay as he knew Toyo was more interested in closing down their Nitto branch than investing in his market research.

Learning the Market

He spoke to thousands of potential customers and auto enthusiasts. The most consistent request from enthusiasts was a greater selection of tire sizes. Many enthusiasts said they didn’t care about the brand as much as customizability. The interaction with customers was the turning point for the company. A Japanese company that spoke directly to customers in the United States was somewhat unheard of in the 90s.

In 1995, Tomo was invited to a garage sale in Anaheim. He met the owner of a rim manufacturing company. Since they were not competitors, they shared their market research. This contributed to why Tomo started chasing the younger and hipper auto modification market. Nitto began making products from drag racing and modified Japanese imported cars. While this was a step in the right direction, it didn’t quite give Nitto the revenue it needed.

Nitto released a comic talking about the origin and rise of the company. Check it out.

https://ourstory.nittotire.com/pdf/Nitto_Comic_Final.pdf

Nitto Close to Bankruptcy

During extensive research by Tomo and his team, they were told they had about six months left before bankruptcy with current revenue predictions. With seemingly little to lose, Nitto focused on the enthusiast-friendly products requested by automobile enthusiasts around the United States. This time Tomo wanted to enter the off-road truck market. He saw great potential.

Tomo pleaded with Toyo. He knew that there was an emerging lifted truck trend in the United States. In the late 90s, he requested 25 million to manufacture a new line of truck tires called Grapplers. He was rejected many times by Toyo. Finally, after years of pleading, he agreed that he would resign if the new truck tires weren’t sold.

Mahalo for Reading

Did Tomo end up being able to stay with Nitto, or was he replaced? Check out the next article to see How Nitto pulled through nearly going bankrupt.

History of Nitto Tires and Tomo Mizutani, Part 2

September 9 2022

Best Hiking Spots, Haiku to Keanae, Maui

Joseph Abraham Hiking, Maui 1

This will be our fifth hiking post. They have been quite popular. We brought back blog comments, so feel free to say hello at the bottom of this post. Also, feel free to check out our previous hiking posts.

Today’s post will cover Haiku, Maui. To be clear, this post considers everything from Pawela to Keanae to be ‘Haiku.’ Without further ado, let us get started.

Twin Falls

Over the years, Twin Falls has become more and more commercialized. Occasionally parking comes at a cost, and nearby areas no longer allow public parking. The trail and waterfalls are as beautiful as they have ever been. Just be prepared to pay a bit when parking at this legendary spot.

There are multiple ways to enjoy Twin falls, but at a minimum, it’s a bit under 2 miles out-and-back. Depending on the weather, this trail can have a fair share of mud. Dogs are welcome if they are leashed. Be careful not to stray from the path.

As a child, I remember the parking lot had issues with vandalism and theft. While I prefer the parking to be free, at least paying decreases the chance of vehicular damage. The area is also subject to seasonal closure due to heavy rains.

Distance: 1.8+ miles

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Google Maps

Garden of Eden Arboretum

This trail is not free. It comes at a $15 per person cost. It’s very short, taking about 20 minutes. It’s great for hiking or walking. Dogs are not allowed.

The trial is included in this list because I wanted to ensure that people know the course is not free. It’s also worth noting that the trail is an Arboretum, thus indicating that there is a level of upkeep afforded to the track.

Distance: 0.6 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Google Maps

Waikamoi Ridge Nature Trail

This is a beautiful trail that includes stunning scenery and pristine waterfalls. It’s less than a mile out and back. Dogs welcome. Some bird watching here, so please be considerate.

Distance: 0.9 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps

Ke’anae Arboretum

No dogs allowed. This trail features a few paved areas. Like many tracks on this list, it’s a brief walk, usually taking less than a half-hour to complete. Trail is open year-round and beautiful anytime.

Distance: 1.0 mile

Difficulty: Easy

Google Maps

Pakaoa and Puu Ulaula Trail

White Hill and Red Hill Trail

Trailers will witness lots of cattle and reservoirs. The trail also goes very near the shore, offering a variety of scenery.

Distance: 1.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps

Private Trails

Bamboo Forest and Wailua Iki Trails

While these hikes are commonly visited, tread carefully if you attempt one of these popular trails. They are not public, so it stands to reason that visitors would need permission to hike them. It’s necessary to mention these two hikes in this post because they are two of the most popular hikes in the area.

Mahalo for reading. Check back for more later.

August 15 2022

Best Hiking Spots, West Side, Maui

Joseph Abraham Health, Hiking, Maui, Travel 0

This will be our fourth hiking post. People love them. Feel free to check out our previous hiking posts.

Today’s post will cover Maui’s West Side. To be clear, this post considers everything between Ma’alaea to Honalua to be the ‘West Side.’ Without further ado, let us get started.

Honolua Bay Access Trail

This trail is open year-round Dogs are not allowed. The path is a beautiful daily hike. Though popular, you may find privacy if you catch the track at the right time. The route usually runs for about fifteen minutes.

Distance: 0.6 Miles

Difficulty: Easy

Google Maps

Kapalua Coastal Trail

This trail usually takes just under an hour. This trail is famous for both walking and running. You will most likely see others on this trail. No dogs are allowed on this trail. This is also a great spot to see a bird. Free parking is available.

Distance: 2.5 Miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps

Kapalua Village Walking Trail Lake Loop

This trail is excellent if you are already in the Lahaina area. You may want to monitor your noise level as many people who frequent this trail are bird watchers. Runners and walkers are both welcome. This loop trail is open year-round.

This trail originated from golf cart tracks before the golf course was abandoned. Many areas are paved, but erosion has caused a few steep spots. Sometimes the route may not seem straightforward, so there is a slight chance of getting lost if explorers are not careful.

The trail could be approached with a stroller or even a wheelchair, but the difficulty would be severe. Wheelchair visitors should venture into this trail alone.

Distance: 4.2 Miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps

Mahana Ridge Trail

This is a longer trail for this seeking a bit more adventure. This trail is a full-day affair. This is a very popular trail, so that you will see other hikers.

This trail starts at D.T. Fleming beach and continues to Maunalei Arboretum. It eventually connects to the Honolua Ridge Trail (referenced earlier in this post). Generally, the trail is obvious, but a few spots may be slightly overgrown. A nearby hotel offers a shuttle that can reduce the trail length by a few hours.

Shuttle info here: https://www.kapaluara.com/docs/ShuttleServiceModifications.pdf

Distance: 10.4 miles (7 with shuttle)

Difficulty: High

Google Maps

Kaanapali Trail

Near Lahaina, this is a popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so expect to see plenty of people. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.

The boardwalk starts at Canoe Beach and then passes Hyatt, Marriot, Waler’s Village, Sheraton Black Rock, Royal Lahaina Golf Course, Airport Beach, Westin, and Honua Kai. Certain parts of the trail are paved.

Distance: 4.2 Miles

Difficulty: Easy

Google Maps

Makaluapuna Point

Most can finish on another trail near Lahaina in just over 30 minutes. The course is popular, but there have been days when I didn’t see anyone while hiking the trail. Dogs are welcome with a leash.

Distance: 1.4 Miles

Difficulty: Easy

Google Maps

Mahalo for reading. Check back for more later.

July 11 2022

Best Hiking Spots, Kahakuloa, Maui

Joseph Abraham Hiking, Maui, Travel 0

A bit ago, we published our first two hiking posts, ‘3 of the Best Hikes on Maui‘ and ‘Best Hiking Spots, Upcountry, Maui,’ and it was a tremendous success. Our blog in general boast about 20-thousand views per year.

The trails mentioned on this post will be located off 340 Highway, between Kahakuloa Hawaiian Congregational Church and Honolua Bay.

Waihee Ridge Trail

I took someone special to this trail this year. Many have made this trail a daily hike for themselves. Thus, Waihee ridge is very popular and populated, which makes it a bit safer. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed.

If you are trying to find this location, there is a red sign that says ‘Camp Maluhia,’ off of Kahekili Highway. Camp Maluhia and the Waihee Ridge Trail are both located in the West Maui Forest Reserve.

The dramatic scenery is great on a clear day but beware of the muddiness that comes with recent rain. Be prepared for moderate sun exposure. The trail is suited both for running and walking alike.

If bringing children, make sure to be careful as there are a few places with steep cliffs just off the trail. Parts of the path do go through private property so make sure to stay on the trail and respect the agreement from local landowners which provides public access to the trail.

Distance: 4 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps

Olivinne Pools Trail

Photo Credit: https://unodostrae.com/maui-olivine-pools-tidepool-mile-marker-16/

This trail is just over a third of a mile, and starts about 40 minutes from Wailuku. While the trail is short, it is considered moderately challenging, taking roughly 15 minutes each way. A few visitors enjoy birdwatching in this general location.

The pools are more of a swimming spot than a trail. Dogs are not allowed.

Warning: The pools can be extremely dangerous during the winter swell season, specifically in the backmost pool. Please use caution in this location as fatal accidents have occurred at this location in the past.

Distance: 0.37 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps

Makamakaole Stream: 13 Crossings

This trail is just after the turnoff for the Waihee Ridge Trail if you are coming from Wailuku. It is considered moderately challenging and is usually quite muddy. This area is very popular for hiking so you will encounter others.

Distance: 2 mile

Difficulty: Moderate / Easy

Google Maps

ʻOhai Trail Loop

Of all the trails on this list, the ‘Ohai Trail Loop is closest to Lahaina. This is a quick and fun trail, which is also great for sunsets. Minimal elevation changes are nice. Dogs are welcome with leash. Open year round.

Distance: 1.2 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Google Maps

Acid War Zone Trail / Nakalele Blowhole

This trail is two miles out and back. Most will complete in under two hours, this trail is very popular. Trail is open year round and dogs are welcome to be off leash in appropriate parts of the trail.

It’s worth noting that there is a trail a bit further down the road, which is closer to Nakalele Blowhole, which you are welcome to try if you’d like.

Distance: 1.3 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps

Mahalo for Reading

Thank you for reading this post. Make sure to check back often to check for more post. There are many more secrets from Maui left to uncover. Aloha.

April 20 2022

Best Hiking Spots, Upcountry, Maui

Joseph Abraham Hiking, Maui, Travel 0

Maui is known by all for its beautiful beaches and waterfalls. Locals to the island quickly learn that Maui has much more to offer in the area of outdoor activities than they may have originally thought. Here are some great spots to check out Upcountry if you are looking to get outdoors.

For clarification, none of these spots are in the Haiku, Pawela, and Huelo areas, which are considered to most to be part of Upcountry. This post also excludes trails in Haleakala National Park. Both these areas have great hiking opportunities, but for the sake of scope, we will include them in a future post.

Olinda Forest

Waihou Springs Trail

This trail is great if you want a relaxed trail. The simple loop is relatively easy to navigate. Waihou Spring Trail is dog friendly and many elderly residents regularly enjoy the trail. If you decide to walk to the springs, pay heed. The trail to the springs is more difficult than the rest of the trail.

You will not likely be able to see the sunset from this trail so it’s best to avoid coming too late, or even too early. If your priority is to bring your dog, this trail is the best choice of the spots listed on this blog.

Distance: 2 to 5 miles

Difficulty: Easy, Moderate if you decided walk down the trail to the springs.

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/ZZCRXfDhaqyb992D6

Thompson Road

Thomspon Road is world famous because of some real estate toward the end of the trail is owned by Oprah Winfrey. Thomson is more of a walk than a hike. Its road terrain is great for strollers, wagons, skateboards, roller skates, and street bikes. Many regard Thompson as one of the best sunset walks on the island, as you can see the West Maui Mountains. Of the spots featured on this list, Thompson road is the winner for most romantic. Especially during sunset.

Distance: 3 miles (1.5 each way)

Difficulty: Easy

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/WNQiSoy5Jb1CSupK6

Kahakapao Trail Loop

Na Ala Hele

The Makawao Forest Reserve sits at nearly 4000 feet evasion. This trail is remarkably well maintained. There are many dirt bike paths, which are not intended for hikers so be careful to stay on the main trail. The trail has an elevation gain of nearly 1000 feet fo be careful to plan accordingly. This trail is a bit harder to find than the others discussed thus far.

Distance: 5.75 Miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/XLVVBp2CCB9Hdmm9A

Frisbee Golf Trail

Poli Poli

While a frisbee golf trail is not a traditional hike, playing the actual course is optional. At 6000 feet elevation, this course is unique because it features radical elevation changes, which is unusual in frisbee golf. It’s also complemented by the panoramic view of the ocean and the West Maui Mountains. It’s said to be private, but I have never had to make reservations to use the course. Let us know if you have an issue.

Distance: 3ish miles

Difficulty: Easy – Moderate

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/sE4oWxxroN3SMN5KA

October 10 2020

3 Tips for Buying a Used Car on Maui

Joseph Abraham Modifications 0

Buying a car on Maui can be a bit daunting, especially coming from the mainland. Because of the smaller market, car prices jump up and down quickly. On the mainland, used car prices tend to be more stable. The following are some general considerations if you are thinking of purchasing a used vehicle here on Maui.

Talk to Others

Talk to others about the market value. Maui is a small pool of people. Hopefully, you have some other residents you can speak to about car prices. You wouldn’t need to get together, you can just send a text or a Facebook message with a link to info about the vehicle you are considering. Extra points if you are messaging a mechanic or even someone who sells used cars.

Try to get references on both the owner of the car and the car itself. Because Maui is such a tight community, you may know someone who knows the car owner. You can get a quick and casual character reference by asking around. While rare, if someone is known to have been dishonest around the island it’s likely they will not be straightforward about their vehicle.

Check the Local Market Value Online

Checking websites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist is a great way to get a quick idea of a vehicle’s local market value. Cars on Maui tend to have more ware per mile when compared to cars that were used on mainland freeways. I currently drive a car with over 200k miles. The last 20k miles have been here on Maui. Driving around upcountry Maui has vastly accelerated my vehicle’s deterioration.

Car History Websites

Check the Vin with vechiclehistory.com and Carfax to check your car history.

Get the Vehicle Inspected by a Professional

Have the car inspected by a local mechanic. Many potential issues will be instantly recognizable to a mechanic. Additionally, the mechanic will likely have a grasp on the local market value of a vehicle. They will know if the deal if fair. Come talk to us at Intense Motorsports Maui if you intend to have a used car modified. We will give you a quote and let you know if the car might be a lemon.

Test-drive the Car

I know it may sound obvious but many car owners do not test-drive their car and pay for it later.

Mahalo for Reading

Hope you enjoyed this post. More to come. Aloha.

December 30 2019

3 Famous Maui Residents

Joseph Abraham Maui 0

Title Photo by Sean M. Hower.

For today’s post, we are going to talk about a director, an actor, and a musician. What do they have in common, other than being tremendously successful in entertainment? They are all current or past Maui residents. Since this website is primarily about cars and trucks, we are also going to speak briefly about their cars.

Destin Cretton

Unlike the others on this list, Destin Cretton was born and raised in Haiku. His father is a retired firefighter and his mom runs a Maui BnB. Destin is a sign to Maui kids that they can do whatever they want and make their dreams come true. The future has no limits. As a teenager, Cretton was said to have one of the ugliest trucks on the island. This is quite a feat considering the multitude of rusted trucks on Maui.

This is Destin with his brother, sister-in-law, father, and mother at home in Haiku.

“He had the ugliest trucks on the island, and they’re like 90 percent rust,” she said laughing. “It was the most embarrassing thing.”

Quote from Destin’s sister taken by the Maui News.

Cretton acquired a Toyota after moving to California. He drove his Toyota until the odometer cycled back to zero. Then he drove it some more. Currently, Destin is said to be working on the Marvel Movie, Shang Chi. Speaking of Destin, he has relatively recently collaborated with another famed Maui resident, Woodly Harrelson.

Woody Harrelson

This world-renowned actor requires little introduction. Harrelson has been sighted on the east side of Maui for years. He picked up my hitchhiking brother many times. My brother said that Woody is one of the nicest people he has ever met.

Harrelson has been known to drive a diesel-powered Volkswagen Beetle, which he powers exclusively with bio-diesel. He was known in the past for traveling on a bus he named the mothership. Inside the bus, only cork wood was used alongside hemp fabrics.

Here is Woody Harrelson with another famous Maui resident prior to buying a new Maui home.

Harrelson’s, environmental activism fits well with Maui culture. While he keeps a low profile while on Maui, we welcome him.

Willy Nelson

Willy can regularly be seen in Paia, sometimes dropping in to play a few songs at Charlie’s Restaurant and Saloonl. Willy has been a regular here on Maui for at least forty years. Nelson has released 300 albums and wrote over 2,500 songs.

Dreams come true
In blue Hawaii
And mine could all come true
This magic night of nights with you
– Blue Hawaii, Willie Nelson

As is appropriate for most country singers, Nelson has written many songs about trucks.

Mahalo for Reading

Thank you for visiting our website. What other famous Maui residents have you seen around the island? Feel free to talk to let us know on social media or in the comments section below. It’s been a wonderful year and we are looking forward to 2020. Until next time!

November 26 2019

Why So Many Tacomas On Maui

Joseph Abraham Maui, Off-road 0

Maui loves Tacomas. We at IMM know of Toyota’s prominence on the island more than anyone. So why is the Toyota Tacoma, Maui’s favorite vehicle? People from the mainland are generally surprised by Toyota’s popularity in the islands. This post is our attempt to explain why Hawaii loves Toyota Tacomas.

Diversity

Hawaii is a unique place in United States, with our intensely diverse culture. Before Hawaii’s annexation to the United States, we had people coming to Hawaii from all over the world for a variety of opportunities. Early Portuguese and Hispanic immigrants began ranching in Hawaii before Texas and California were part of the United States. Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, and Koreans flooded the islands to work for sugar and pineapple plantations. Many families came to Hawaii as missionaries and still are a central part of the culture here over a century later.

So in relation to Toyota Tacomas. Toyota is originally a Japanese company. In Hawaii, we think Japanese companies are great. Ford’s F150 is the most popular truck in the rest of the United States. Because of various reasons, people in Hawaii may not see their vehicle as a form of national loyalty. Thus, perhaps Ford is less popular on the island because a different interpretation of patriotism.

Toyotas Are Reliable and Long-lasting

While, there is a level of debate to how long Toyotas last, most would agree that they would expect their Toyota to last longer than an equivalent Ford. The F150 is generally agreed to have better gas mileage and power than the Toyota Tacoma. The F150 is also generally understood to be more powerful. Perhaps the people of Hawaii are more concerned with durability, than the advantages Ford is understood to offer.

Less Cars On Maui in General

Maui lends itself to off-roading. Many families live off the mainstream power-grid, powering their homes with solar and wind power. It’s very common for people to only be able to access their home with a four-wheel-drive vehicle on Maui. Furthermore, even the roads tend to be a bit more broken down than one might see in California. Our weather conditions tend to damage roads fairly quickly. Thus, it’s nice having a truck on Maui.

Tourism is the leading industry in Hawaii. Because of Hawaii’s unique visitor to resident ratio, a very high percentage of the full-time residents here work in a construction related field. Many others work in industries where a truck may be preferable to a car. My father owns a ranch and consistently needs to transport animals, which would not be possible with most cars.

Thanks for Reading!

We know we likely have not covered every base on this topic. We hope you liked reading it as much as we liked writing it. Feel free to let us know what you think about the topic.

October 28 2019

Can I Put a Lift Kit On My Car?

Joseph Abraham Maui, Modifications, Off-road, Tires 0

In Maui, the roads can be rough, especially in some of the wetter areas of the island. While trucks are very popular here, a significant portion, of Maui’s drivers, travel in cars. Our island boasts a high percentage of homesteaders, hikers, shore-fishers, and the list goes on. For many of us, owning a truck makes sense. What if we need a truck, but have a car? What are the options? Let’s talk about it.

Move to a Place Where Off-road Vehicles Are Not Necessary

As Maui grows, we tend to have more living options in some ways. We have fewer living options in other ways. Places out in the ‘country’ tend to bit a bit more affordable, while places closer to the airport tend to cost a bit more. It may make sense to move to Kahului or Kihei, where having an off-road vehicle is less of a necessity than the more rural areas of Maui.

Maui is slowly developing a transit system, which is much more accessible in the more populated areas of the island. Bike lanes are becoming more prevalent. In Kihei, it may be a good option to not own a car at all.

A Second Vehicle, The Maui Cruiser

Lifting any vehicle is a substantial investment. It may be a better option to purchase a second vehicle, if a more all-terrain vehicle is required. Because of the high demand for off-road vehicles on the island, used trucks tend to sell for high prices when compared to the rest of the country. Many people own what locals here call a “Maui cruiser.”

A Maui cruiser is usually an older vehicle that tends only to have the most essential maintenance repairs. Many Maui cruisers either are missing windows, or windows no longer function properly. Maybe a door doesn’t open at all, requiring the driver to use the window or passenger side door to exit the vehicle. Most Maui cruisers tend to overheat on drives up Haleakala Hwy.

Lift Your Car?

Lifting a vehicle that isn’t traditionally used for off-road may be the best option if you need some clearance. When I told my friends that I was planning on lifting my 2004 Volkswagen Jetta, most gave me a confused look. While technically I was simply replacing old suspension parts, I did gain about two inches of clearance after the job. My car shows improved performance on turns, acceleration, and braking as a bonus.

While this may seem like a trivial modification, a few inches of clearance and a stiffer suspension can make a world of difference in Maui’s country roads. I’ve lived on a homestead, usually only accessible by four-wheel drive and I was able to get to my house with my Jetta. We do not officially recommend off-roading with vehicles traditionally not used for off-roading. However, the two inches I have added to my car have been tremendously helpful and helped give me peace of mind when driving through some of Maui’s rougher roads.

Getting Bigger Tires

If your vehicle has the clearance, it is worth investigating the option of getting larger tires. With my car, I could probably add an additional inch of clearance if I were to get slightly bigger tires. Also, having tires with good tread will give much-needed extra grip for off-road driving, especially if you lack 4WD.

Mahalo for Reading

We hope you enjoyed this month’s post. If you have any subjects you would like us to comment on please comment below. Also if you are interested in making an unusual modification to your vehicle, please let us know in the comments below.