Driving the Islands: Short Distances, Salt Air and Steep Dirt Roads

Even on the largest island, most daily driving is measured in minutes, not hours. Honolulu's traffic is slow and its parking is tight; Kahului and Kailua-Kona are easier but still reward a vehicle that is simple to maneuver. That works in favor of the compact end of the lineup.

The Jeep Compass starts at $29,990 with four-wheel drive standard, a 200-hp turbo four, and a rating of 21 city and 29 highway. The Jeep Cherokee hybrid, from $35,130, is rated by Jeep at up to 37 mpg combined and its small battery charges through braking, so you never need a plug. In a place where fuel costs more and trips are short, efficiency tends to matter more than towing.

A big three-row can still make sense for a family, but think about parking garages and narrow streets before you commit. The Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Wagoneer are large vehicles with large turning circles.

Every new vehicle sold in Hawaii arrives by ship. That affects the buying process in a few practical ways. Supply can lag the mainland, specific trims or colors may take longer, and the exact vehicle you see online may not be on the island yet.

This guide does not quote shipping costs or taxes. Ask your dealer in writing what is included in the price they quote, whether freight and delivery are separate, and when the vehicle is expected. Starting MSRPs shown on this site are manufacturer figures before destination and may not reflect island pricing.

The state's vehicle registration and inspection processes are administered by the counties. Check with your county motor vehicle office for current steps, and ask the dealer which paperwork they handle. Do not rely on a third-party summary for anything involving fees or deadlines.

Because supply can be limited, it helps to be flexible on trim and color, and to have a second choice ready.

Salt-laden air and frequent rain are hard on exposed metal, brake parts, undercarriages and connectors, especially for vehicles parked near the ocean. Regular rinsing, particularly of the underside, helps, and so does parking out of direct spray when you can.

Many Jeeps and Rams come with skid plates, tow hooks and underbody protection, but those are protection against rocks, not corrosion. Ask whether a rust-inhibitor or undercoating treatment is worth it for your situation, and read the corrosion portion of the manufacturer warranty so you know what it covers.

Electric vehicles have less exhaust and fewer fluid systems to corrode, but their underbody, connectors and wheels still face salt. The Jeep Wagoneer S, from $65,200, lists a range of up to 294 miles, which is far more than most island drives require, and home charging overnight is simple if you own or rent a spot with an outlet or charger.

Hawaii's driving surprises are mostly about grade and surface. The road to Haleakala climbs steeply, the Saddle Road crosses high terrain on the Big Island, and many beach and trailhead roads are rough, rutted or red clay that turns slick in rain. Some rental agreements prohibit certain roads, so check any that apply to you.

For rough access, ground clearance and four-wheel drive are the first things to compare. Wrangler pricing opens at $36,635, and clearance tops out at 12.9 inches on the four-door Rubicon with LT315 rubber. The Wrangler's water fording tops out at 34 inches, which suits stream crossings after heavy rain, though a flooded road is never safe to drive.

For a more civilized all-rounder, the Jeep Grand Cherokee starts at $39,730 and reaches up to 11.4 inches of clearance with its air suspension raised. Both can tow a small boat or jet-ski trailer to the ramp.