Imagine a future where electric vehicle (EV) travel across Hawaii becomes as seamless as it is on the mainland. That future is closer than you think, thanks to Tesla’s ambitious plan to more than double its Supercharger network across the islands. But here’s where it gets exciting: Tesla is quietly revolutionizing EV infrastructure in Hawaii, with three new Supercharger sites currently navigating the permitting process on the state’s two largest islands. If approved, these projects will not only transform long-distance travel for residents and tourists but also address a critical gap in the state’s charging network.
Newly uncovered permits, thanks to the investigative work of Supercharger enthusiast Marco (https://x.com/MarcoRPi1/status/2009720079223861424), reveal Tesla’s plans for two major installations on the Island of Hawaii and one on Maui. In Hilo, a proposed 24-stall Supercharger site at the Target and Safeway parking lot (391 E Makaala Street) is set to become the largest on the Big Island, valued at $400,000 and currently under land-use review. This would significantly improve charging access on the island’s east side, a game-changer for EV owners.
On the west side, a 16-stall Supercharger installation is planned for another Target location in Kailua-Kona (74-5455 Makala Boulevard), valued at $500,000 and also under review. Together, these sites will add 40 new stalls to the Big Island, which currently has zero Tesla Superchargers. And this is the part most people miss: the Big Island’s vast distances and limited charging options have long been a barrier to EV adoption, making this expansion a pivotal step forward.
Maui isn’t being left behind either. A 16-stall Supercharger site at the Shops at Wailea (3750 Wailea Alanui Drive) has already been approved, putting it ahead of the Big Island projects in the development pipeline. This long-awaited south Maui location will complement the existing 12 stalls in Kahului, further solidifying Maui’s charging infrastructure.
In total, Tesla’s expansion will add 56 new Supercharger stalls across three locations, boosting the statewide total from 39 to 95. Currently, Hawaii’s Supercharger network is concentrated on Oahu, with 50 stalls in Aiea, Kaneohe, Waikiki, and Kahala, and Maui’s 12 stalls in Kahului. The new projects mark Tesla’s first serious effort to bring fast-charging to the Big Island, addressing one of the last major gaps in its Hawaii network.
But here’s the controversial part: With Hawaii’s growing EV population and limited public DC fast-charging options, is Tesla’s expansion coming fast enough? While these new sites will undoubtedly improve accessibility, some argue that more aggressive infrastructure development is needed to keep pace with demand. What do you think? Is Tesla doing enough, or should they be moving faster?
For those considering a Tesla, if our content has helped guide your decision, use our referral link (https://www.tesla.com/en_ca/referral/darryn55317) to get three months of Full Self-Driving (FSD). Let us know in the comments: Do you think Tesla’s Hawaii expansion is a game-changer, or is there still more work to be done?
