I recently needed an oil change for my 2015 Chevy Colorado, and the timing couldn't have been better--I had a gift certificate for an oil change at A‑1 Auto Repair. I called this past Monday, 3/21/26, and Timo answered. I asked if there was any chance of getting in on Wednesday, 3/25/26, even though I knew it was short notice. He let me know they were pretty booked that day but offered Thursday, 3/26/26 instead. My schedule was full on Thursday, so we settled on Tuesday, 3/31/26. Later that day, my Thursday opened up, so I called back. Timo picked up again and was able to fit me in at 9am. Super easy, super friendly. When I arrived today, 3/26, the owner, Bubba, greeted me right away and welcomed me in. I let him know I had a 9am appointment and that I was a few minutes late because I went to the wrong address. I also mentioned that I'd actually been to them years ago at their old location (funny enough, also with a gift certificate) and had a great experience back then too. Bubba shared that they'd moved to this new spot just about a year ago. He checked me in and asked if I planned to wait or leave. I told him I'd stay, and he gave me the option of sitting outside or heading upstairs to their waiting room with AC and a TV. Upstairs, there's even a window where you can see the mechanics working on the vehicles, which I thought was a nice touch. I got some work done on my laptop while I waited. A little later, one of the mechanics came up to let me know he recommended a tire rotation. He walked me through the estimate he texted over, and I approved it. Not long after, he came back to tell me everything was done, and that I had a zero balance. I asked if he was sure because I was prepared to pay for the rotation, but he said Bubba took care of it. I thanked him and asked for his name, and he told me it was Timo. I mentioned that he was actually the one who helped me over the phone when I booked my appointment, and I thanked him again. That kind of gesture says a lot about the heart behind a business. When I headed downstairs, Bubba even backed my truck out for me so I could pull right out. I thanked him again and was on my way. From start to finish, the service was genuinely great. Everyone was friendly, laid back, and humble. The shop itself isn't fancy, but that's part of its charm--you can feel the honesty and hard work in the way they run things. It's the kind of place where you know you're being taken care of, not taken advantage of. I highly recommend A‑1 Auto Repair and will definitely be returning for future service or repairs. Mahalo to Bubba, Timo, and the whole A‑1 team for the awesome experience! read more

Absolutely first class, world class, 5-stars and any other accolade denoting excellence beyond measure! Price, value, quality, and.... Wait for it.... Honesty!!!! The most reputable, integrity-infused auto repair shop I've encountered in years. There are still a few good ones left on the windward and leeward side but they're disappearing fast as the masters of "autocraft" retire to greener pastures. A-1 is exceptional in many facets but it's the welcoming experience and genuine concern to diagnose your problem correctly the first time that is sublime. They fixed a problem with our Fiat Cinquecento that had baffled most mechanics. But A-1 actually has a certified Fiat repair professional on staff so the results were exemplary. Our go-to shop for now on (not only the foreign cars), and highly recommend you make them yours as well. Veteran owned business who brings the exacting methodology and talents of aircraft engine maintenance down to the consumer automotive market. Bravo Zulu! read more

I have been going to A1 auto for many years but this time I am disappointed that they didn't properly do a quality job I had my brakes flushed and they left 2 of the 4 bleeder covers uninstalled although not a big deal I just purchased new covers and installed them myself. Poor workmanship lazy at these shops rates still I expect perfection read more

Bubba, and his mechanics are top notc. always trying to make my visit painless. considering his shop is the only shop that will work on my 1973 C10 read more

Finally a mechanic in Honolulu that is not afraid to work on classic cars! Had a full coolant system replacement on my 1988 Astro Van. Nice work boys. read more

A-1 Auto Repair - Auto Repair Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I took my car here in a panic when I ran over something on the recommendation of an auto body shop. They were so patient and kind even though it was late on a Friday afternoon. They looked at my car and reassured me it was safe for driving. They are very honest and recommended I take my car to the dealership due to the kind of work and parts my car needed. I will definitely bring my car here again in the future (but hopefully won't need to!). It's hard to find a place with good people you can trust to take care of your car. They made a very stressful situation much less so! read more

I had a spectacular experience! The staff are very genuine, honest, and sincere. My tire popped in front of their shop when I was picking up my kids and their staff checked on me to make sure I could safely get my kids home. I was stuck. My tire was flat and my spare tire had a hole in it. Long story short, they went completely out of their way to help me change my tire so that I could get me and my kids home safely. I want to say thank you and you all will definitely get future business from me. read more

I really don't want to give a review because when you find the right mechanic(s) and shop that offers top notch mechanical service and expertise, reliable and honest customer service and value pricing, it's like having your favorite local eating place getting featured Triple D! - the word gets around fast (especially in Hawaii) and soon the the place becomes VERY popular. Bubba and staff are the repair shop I have dreamed of finding in Hawaii after so many other places that fail to deliver on so many levels. They also one of the few shops left that will work on vehicles 20 years older - and have the experience to handle it as well. My previous fave shop was awesome but the owner has been around for so long and has earned a very well deserved semi retirement and doesn't do a lot of the most intensive services anymore, and I get it and can't blame him one bit. But back to A1 and Bubba and his crew... Can't say enough about how much I like this shop, if it isn't broken, they're not going to try get you to fix it. Superior communications and always a complete breakdown on what your vehicle needs, whether it is an absolute need to fix now, can wait a little bit, or can check at your next oil change or safety check- oh yeah they do safety checks as well with no hassles. Comfortable but tight customer waiting area with a great AC if you need to hang for a bit. My first visit was on a recommendation from another highly recommended shop but they no longer work on anything older than 20 years and pointed me to A1. I called them up and drove directly there as my truck was having an issue that needed immediate attention. Other shops had quoted me outrageous prices and labor costs. I was pleasantly surprised by the estimate and they had a slot open that day. Bubba never over promises and is just a straight shooter! They not the the cheapest priced shop, but they deliver quality value added service and always put the customer first even when shorthanded! You will not be disappointed! read more

A1 is a great place to keep your car running smoothly. The price is fair and the techs are very talented. Bottom line, they are good people that are good to their customers. Bubba runs a good shop! read more

I've never had service like this at an auto repair shop. Bubba and his team really go above and beyond. Had an extra issue come up with my car right before closing and they stayed open for two more hours to fix it. Fair value for parts and labor, would recommend A-1 to anyone on island read more

1/17/2025: CAR SERVICE, SAFETY CHECK: I needed a vehicle safety check and was referred to Bubba of A-1 Auto Repair Hawaii. As you may know or remember, when you ship a car to Hawaii state, you have to get a safety check which will automatically fail since the car is not yet registered in the state of Hawaii. (then you go to the DMV to register your out-of-state vehicle, then go back , in this case to A-1 Auto Repair, to complete the safety check. This circle of go here, then go there is just part of the state administrative must-do. PROFESSIONAL STAFF, BUBBA & TIMU: Bubba and work colleague, Timu, were professional, yet personable, credible in their knowledge, yet humble, calm yet effective and efficient in their workmanship and very patient. GREAT TIP ABOUT NEARBY DMV OFFICE TO REGISTER CAR I really appreciate that Timu took the time to let me know that getting my car registration at the nearby Kapalama DMV on Dillingham would expedite the safety check/registration process. It sure did! Timu's suggestion/tip of entering the door on the right side of the DMV building saved me time! (be sure that you book a car registration appt with the DMV). I am so glad that I got my safety check at A-1 Auto Repair. UPDATED WEBSITE, APPOINTMENT SYSTEM AND REMINDERS: I like that you can book an appointment with them so that there is no unnecessary waiting and their web savvy, appointment system sends you reminders, special deals and relaxed yet helpful messaging. THEIR NEW ADDRESS BY MARCH 1, 2025 (or sooner) WILL BE...: These folks are popular and busy yet treated me like I was their most important client. Their current location at 740-D Moowaa Str, in Honolulu is a snug parking lot full of other car-related shops but all seem to understand the need to drive this way and that way to get to Bubba's shop. MOVING to NEW LOCATION by March 1, 2025 or sooner, to new location of 1810-A Kalani Street, in Honolulu, HI 96819. I would definitely return to A-1 Auto Repair Hawaii for future car problems to be solved. You can contact Bubba and Timu via their website, or phone 808-842-7700, or, text them at 808-445-6405. Fantastic people and service. Much appreciated. Been telling many people about A-1 Auto Repair Hawaii. :) read more

I've been calling around for a reasonably priced oil change for my 4 cylinder Hyundai Elantra, and everywhere I called averaged about $90 to $100. I continued to search auto repair shops that also do oil changes. Fortunately I stumbled upon this auto shop, A1 Auto Repair! I called around 12pm, and they were able to give a very fair quote and schedule me for an oil change at 1pm. The owner also allowed me to bring in my own oil filter and synthetic oil, which helped reduce the cost even more! Seems like I'll be coming back here for my routine oil changes and possible other issues when/if they arise. Oh and they finished the oil change in about 20 minutes. Thank you to the team at A1 for an honest, reliable, and speedy experience! - Alvin read more

Great service, honest, quality work! Highly recommended. Support local small business, you can feel the aloha.

Great service and reliable. Had oil leak that other shops could not do for a fair price. Thanks to Timo for being their in detailing what will happen to my vehicle since the first time I requested their service. read more

They're really helpful. If you ever have difficulties finding parts for your vehicle that you aren't able to find in regular stores like auto zone/O'Riley's/ etc, GO VISIT THESE GUYS! They most likely have the part you're looking for! Great customer service skills. They're all about finding the problem, and fixing the problem when doing the job They gave my dad, uncle and I some refreshments while we we're waiting. Utmost understanding of their trade, and gave us great deals. I'm a mechanic for the Navy, and it's nice to talk to people who actually understand what they're talking about AND who actually have the parts on hand to do it. Highly recommend. read more

A-1 Auto Repair - Auto Repair Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Honest, prompt, and reliable. The British bloke has a great sense of humour! They saved my friend a good deal of money compared to the dealership prices. They will not sell you unnecessary services. read more

I came in for a suspected brake leak, but it turned out to be the differential leaking fluid all over the rear components. Mr. Pete, the professional mechanic, did an excellent job explaining and repairing my vehicle. I'm grateful for this shop and Mr. Pete, you guys are awesome! I can't imagine what the cost would have been at a dealership. read more

Guys were super helpful and got me in early. Very helpful and informative and let me know every step of what was being done. Highly recommend. read more

We took our 2013 Hyundai Accent in to assess a couple items of concern. Bubba was very accommodating and was able to squeeze us in same day. Bubba and Adam were able to diagnosis and repair within a few hours at a fair price. We will definitely be back and highly recommend A-1 for your future repair needs. read more

A-1 Auto Repair - Auto Repair Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Top notch shop thanks bubba and his team for taking care of my car. Even though they are short handed but they get shit done!

Bubba and his team of experts offer an above & beyond fair price with unbeatable professionalism and expertise! They can do it all whatever you need so give 'em a call and you too can say, "I've found my honest mechanic!!!!!" God bless you guys! 'O Iesu pū! Kani'ala Kim & family! read more

Contacted A-1 to schedule my safety check and was able to get an appointment for the following day. When I arrived at the shop, the gentleman I had scheduled my appointment with on the previous day walked me to their office. After pulling up my appointment and seeing I was there for my scheduled safety check, he said they could not perform my check because their printer was broken. I was disappointed to hear that - and to not have received a call prior to my appointment to save me a trip. The same gentleman promised me a call as soon as their printer was repaired. Since then three weeks have passed and I never received a phone call. Not sure if they ever fixed their printer, but obviously I'm glad I went somewhere else to get my safety. On a separate note, something seemed off with the employees from the minute I arrived at the shop - i can't put my finger on what, but I strongly got a sense of not being welcomed. Overall disappointing. read more

I had an awesome fast friendly experience today going there as a walk in for my safety check the guys working at this place is so family oriented interacted with my kids as if family to them I recommend this shop to anyone who wants to feel like family!! read more

I cannot recommend Adam, Bubba, and A-1 enough. I'm visiting from Maui and shipped my car over (cheaper than a rental!) and two days ago, the engine light came on and the car started shaking while I was on the highway. I took my car to the dealership because I didn't know where else to go, and after they quoted me $1200 (honestly for a fix that if I had 15% more confidence, I could have done myself in about 20 minutes), I called A-1 on the advice of a local friend. Adam gave me an estimate, all of my options, and was kind and patient when I asked questions over the phone, and then booked me in for the next day. The costs were exactly what he thought they would be (and half what the dealership was charging, including an oil change), and every single person at the shop was kind, knowledgeable, on the promised time schedule (and Bubba shared a bunch of Reese's with me while I waited). We also walked through the list of recommended repairs from the dealer and they noted which I could do myself, what to keep an eye on, and what I should have someone else do. I wish these guys were on Maui - by leaps and bounds the best auto shop experience I've ever had. And my car is now in fine working order :) read more

Very fast and efficient workers Honest mechanics . Prices are reasonable for considering you're dealing with European vehicles

Good service, Very clean and organized. Make sure to ask for the price first before service. Over priced on the service I received. Most of the auto shops will charge 1/2 the price. read more

Service was excellent. Owner was attentive and understanding. Employee were all experienced. Price was good.

GREAT EXPERIENCE! My wife just picked up her car from A1 and it was a great experience. She called late Friday looking for a quote - 10 minutes in she had a very reasonable quote and was set up with an appointment for today Monday. Took it in at 1 PM and was ready before end of day. Both Adam and Bubba were really helpful and went above and beyond to service. Fully recommend! We have mechanic in the family in mainland so we are used to dealing with peope we trust, so when we move here so far away were worried to find a good option. No issue with this shop! Thanks A1. read more

Thank you for always taking such good care of my Mercedes! I have had my vehicle repaired 3x by them and everytime they do a great job. Thank you! read more

The guys are real friendly and they get the job done. They help with walk in's however it's always best to call before any kind of work you need done. read more

Friendly Service, straight talk about your repairs, good value no pressure to upsell repairs. Military discounts, read more

I highly recommend using these guys for any mechanical needs. They're knowledgeable reasonable priced good quality performance. The owner Bubba is a great guy. read more

My Dually had been out for over 2 years and had been through 4 different mechanics. Bubba and his team had figured out the problems with my vehicle within a reasonable amount of time. They saved my truck and headaches in trying to find another mechanic. Thanks to them I can go on with my projects that had been put off these past 2 years..their service has been a blessing. Thank you and your team.. read more

This is the best auto shop I know on Oahu!! The staff made me feel welcome and were very friendly. If you ever need work done on your vehicle this is the place to be..you can't beat their prices and their speed! read more

I'm going to try to keep this brief because I could write a novel about how remarkable Bubba and staff are. My father gave me a very rare car and it was stolen . Everyone I talked to said I would have to ship it to California as no one here could work on the car . It's a British sports car . 2 people pointed me towards A-1 Auto Repair to see if they would be willing to take it on . I met them and instantly knew my car was in the right hands . I picked up my vehicle a few days ago as the work was completed and I'm still in awe of what they were able to accomplish . As this is a review I won't burden you with the whole story I'll stay on why if your car has broken down you NEED to consult this shop. All of us cringe when our vehicle breaks down or needs work . It's well founded fears of being overcharged , unnecessary repairs or not fixing the issue . Bubba , Adam and the whole crew treated me like family . Bubba is an honest decent and amazingly talented man . They went above and beyond in every aspect of the repairs and despite what I'm sure must have been madness trying to figure my weird car out they fix everything that needed attention and did so with world class quality. My car is running the best it ever has . I'll wrap up but if you need an honest decent and hugely talented repair shop that will treat you fairly and with respect and can fix virtually anything then please do yourself a favor and call them. I can't stress to you the lengths and efforts put forth to get my car back on the road . I'm forever in debt to these guys as I was so sad when my car got stolen and they gave me the hope to realize I can get her back in shape . Endless gratitude to A-1 AutoRepair. Simply the best of the best and I don't say that lightly . read more

Came across these folk last minute about an hour before they closed. Love these guys, real Og, really welcoming, and give honest feedback

I've been taking our vehicles to Bubba for years now. Did my breaks and changes the spring shocks and struts on my truck. Gave me a great deal. Worked on my breaks changed master cylinder basically an entire break job. Bubba is honest and has a great crew, he recommended I take my truck for body damage to Baba's Auto Glass in Waipahu. Best decision I made, worked well with a family run business. People, check out Bubba for your repair needs, no B.S. Straight up guys A1 Service. Like I said my family has been seeing Bubba for years and no disappointment. read more

I cannot emphasize how amazing how the workers are at this place. Their professionalism, dedication, and sincerity on helping you with your vehicle and being so knowledgeable makes them the best. Adam, thank you for helping me plan my appointment but I'm also sorry for me asking a lot of questions and going past 5:30 during our calls. But you were so patient with me because it was my first time going to a shop for a big repair and was helping me every step of the way. For any of the future cars I will own, and currently own, I will be going back to fix my car issues with A-1 auto. (Just hope not anytime in the near future ) read more

I found A-1 from reading Yelp reviews. Location: In a light industrial area of Kalihi...sort of NW of Costco. Use GPS as you probably won't find it on your own. Venue: Small shop that shows a lot of uh... 'character' with equipment everywhere, proving it has been a very active repair shop. The office/waiting room is to the right when you enter. Enter there and Bubba will greet you. Request a quote: I used Yelp's 'request a quote'. I had a leaking power steering hose and needed the front disc brake pads replaced. I wanted to bring in the car and wait. A few hours later I received a quote and permission to bring the car anytime on my preferred days. Prices: Front brake pads and rotor resurfacing is $300 per wheel if you check locally. I had checked Lex Brodie, Firestone and Honda Dealer. A-1's price was less than $300 for both wheels. The power steering needed to be inspected before a quote could be given. But it looked like a hose leak to me. Turned out the labor price was fair and the Honda hose was more expensive than the labor. Repair: Car was inspected quickly, quote finalized, parts ordered from Honda dealer and part pickup arranged. About 2.5 hrs later my car was done and road tested. One year warranty. Waiting room: I spent my time reading, doing social media etc. Although very basic they have made an effort to make it comfortable. I had a good book on my phone. So come prepared. Not bad at all considering you are sharing the office. Communications: So while the shop and waiting room may not win best in class awards...the communications will. Bubba is calm and clear, answers questions directly, explains issues clearly, and provides steady leadership to keep things running smoothly. The result is a friendly auto repair shop with a good honest vibe. I'm a fan and I'll go back. These guys are solid. read more

Bubba and his crew have always done an excellent job with repairing and servicing my vehicles. I've relied on Bubba and his experienced team of mechanics with everything from basic maintenance services to the most complex jobs. It can be difficult to find an auto mechanic you can trust with both workmanship and cost but I have never been let down by A-1 Auto Repair. Most recently I brought in my Lexus for brake work to be done as the ABS and VSC lights on the dash came on. I also requested a tune up and oil changed and to also look over the vehicle for anything that may need attention. Nathan handled everything honestly and professionally. He was easy to work with and upfront with what they needed to do. Nathan is also extremely knowledgeable and trustworthy which are two qualities you need in a mechanic. Bubba and Nathan are good people who take pride in their work. It's very reassuring to have a an auto repair shop like A-1 Auto to rely on. read more