ENEOS On The Road: Exploring Hawaii’s Deep-Rooted Car Culture at Ted's Automotive Machine Shop
The latest installment of the ENEOS On The Road series takes viewers to the island of Honolulu, Hawaii, where automotive passion runs as deep as family tradition. Surrounded by stunning scenery and a uniquely tight-knit community, the episode highlights how Hawaii’s isolation has helped create a car culture unlike anywhere else in the world — one built on preservation, craftsmanship, and pride of ownership.
At the center of the visit is Ted’s Automotive Machine Shop, a long-standing family business that has been serving Hawaii’s automotive community since 1944. Hosted by ENEOS Ambassador Faruk Kugay, he visits with Craig, whose father Ted founded the shop more than 80 years ago. The interview offers a glimpse into the dedication and resilience that keep Hawaii’s vehicles — and automotive traditions — alive.
A Legacy Built Over Generations
Ted’s Automotive Machine Shop began as a general repair business before evolving into one of Oahu’s trusted engine machine shops. Over the decades, the company steadily expanded its capabilities, adding equipment and expertise as demand grew from repair facilities, dealerships, performance enthusiasts, and everyday drivers alike.
Craig recalls childhood memories of riding a tricycle through the shop while family members worked together to build the business. That sense of family remains central to the company’s identity today. The shop continues to provide complete engine machining services, quality parts, and practical advice for customers looking to maintain or rebuild their vehicles.
Hawaii’s Unique Automotive Environment
One of the most interesting themes throughout the episode is how Hawaii’s geographic isolation shapes its automotive industry. Shipping parts to the islands can be expensive and time-consuming, making repairs and rebuilds more practical than replacement in many cases.
That environment has created a culture where vehicle owners often take exceptional care of what they have. According to Craig, many do-it-yourself enthusiasts seek out premium products and trusted expertise to extend the life of their engines and vehicles. The rising cost of new vehicles has only reinforced that mindset. As a Japanese OE supplier with premium products, ENEOS is a natural fit for Hawaiian shops like Ted’s.
The episode also highlights how local businesses like Ted’s Automotive Machine Shop have become essential resources for the community. Their specialized knowledge and ability to provide both machining services and parts support make them a cornerstone for Hawaii’s repair shops, dealerships, and performance enthusiasts.
The Spirit of ENEOS On The Road
The ENEOS On The Road series is designed to spotlight the people, businesses, and communities that keep automotive culture thriving across the country. Rather than focusing solely on vehicles themselves, the series emphasizes the stories behind the shops — the generations of experience, the craftsmanship, and the passion that fuel the industry every day.
In Hawaii, those values are especially apparent. From family-run businesses to devoted enthusiasts maintaining cars for decades, the episode captures a culture built on care, resourcefulness, and pride.
As ENEOS continues traveling to different regions, On The Road offers viewers a closer look at the unique automotive communities that make the industry so dynamic. The Hawaii visit serves as a reminder that no matter how isolated the location may be, a shared passion for cars has the power to connect generations and keep traditions alive.