I had no idea there were so many Hot Rodders in Hawaii.
Not only on Oahu but there are car people on the Big Island (Hawaii), Kauai and Maui too.
I took a trip to Hawii last weekend. Guided by MOONEYES Authorized Dealer "Pacific Rod & Street" owner Tad, we visited some cool garages and checked out a couple cruises on the beatiful island of Oahu.
First we visited Hawaiian Metal Fabrication’s George Kruse and got a tour of his personal garage.
From the right is George Kruse, Allan Kruse and Tad Matsuno.
Inside his garage are all kinds of machines and metal working shop tools. He works from sheet metal to the final coating all right here in his shop/garage. He has a reputation as the Island’s #1 in Metal Work.
Next, we visited Allan Kruse’s place. Allan and George are related. Allan has a ’62 Ford Falcon and a ’33 Ford Coupe. Look at these two cars! Everything done up by himself except interior work. Listening to their stories, they would buy parts from the Mainland (continental US) via mail order and install, paint and complete it themselves.
I was really impressed and happy to see that Allan’s car had a lot of MOON parts!
Then we visited Kenny’s garage to see his ’27 Ford roadster. This ’27 was spotless, but checking out the chassis and undercarriage it was even more incredible! Before he goes out on cruises and such, the car goes on the stand for a full detail beforehand.
He said you can’t help getting stuck in passing showers (especially Hawaii) but when it rains, the car doesn’t go out. Naturally.
As we were in his garage, his friend Marshall came driving up in his muscle sounding ’55 Pro Street Chevy.
There hasn’t been a legal Drag Strip on Oahu for some time now and that is still one thing many complain about.
He drives his Pro Street, Hawaiian Style with "slippahs" (flip-flops).
Over on the lawn was a red 1969 Chevy Impala FOR SALE with 30,000 original miles.
The sound of the door closing was as if it were brand new. I want this!!
Next we visited Morgan and his 1963 Chevy Impala. He’s not even 30 yet. Just as the younger generation his choice of large diameter wheels, slammed with audio in this ’63 is an excellent choice! He said it is his dream to bring this car to the Yokohama Show.
Next, they said a bunch of guys were meeting at the Burger King parking lot so we headed over there and there were at least 10 Hot Rods there. Their car club is called "Hawaiian Isles Classic and Hot Rod Club".
The owner of yellow 1953 Chevy is Kalei, the Vice Prisident of the Car Club.
He set up this little meeting just for Mooneyes. Thank you very much!!
Falcon Gasser and Anglia were radical.
They said they all came because MOONEYES from the mainland was coming.
Thank you very much.
Finally, we visited the home of Lisa and Bryan.
He visits MOONEYES in California all the time.
Bryan is also a big Rat Fink Fan!
Just look at this showcase. Right on!
This weekend they were going to Pomona for the NHRA Winternationals so perhaps we’ll see each other again.
The next day, my friends Jason & Tracy took us for a ride in their Chevy to "La Mirana" restaurant near Honolulu.
The interior was decorated with Tiki and the atmosphere was really nice.
After that we headed for the windward side of the island (Kailua), to Aikahi Park where every first Saturday of the month lots of people gather for "Aikahi Park Shopping Center Cruise Night".
They say about 100 on average gather for this cruise night, all kinds of cars, new and old. I also met Steve, a nice car guy and owner of a CQQL orange ’32 Ford. He has been very helpful with Tad and MOON in Hawaii. Mahalo (Thank you) Steve.
Here are just a few of the cars that night:
Within the few days, I got to meet a lot of new people and hang out. They all showed me how people of the islands have a warm heart and I truly enjoyed spending time with them. You really do feel the aloha spirit. For anyone that has a chance to go to Oahu, I highly recommend checking out this cruise if you can. It is worth it! If you do get a chance, I’m sure they will welcome you with Aloha.
Leaving Honolulu in the afternoon, you arrive in LA at night, but arriving in LA at night, you get to see this spectacular night view!
A long time ago when there weren’t many flights from Japan direct to LAX, we would leave Tokyo at night and head to LAX via Honolulu and arrive at night just like this picture.
When I saw LA at night I thought, "I’m home again."
It’s been a long time but the view reminded me of those days and it was nice to see it again.
Well, 2 nights and 3 days, it was a Quick Hawaii Visit. With Tad, Jason & Tracy and a bunch of Car Guys, it was a memorable experience. To everyone in the islands, thank you very much.
I think MOONEYES shoud have a car show in Oahu someday!!
’til then, Aloha!
