Traveling in Hawaii can be both exciting and challenging — from finding good places to stay to charging your EV in time.
Here are four smart apps that make your trip smoother and more enjoyable:
1. Turo — Your Personal Car-Sharing App
I didn’t have enough time to prepare for travel. So everything should be real quick.
This was absolutely my MUST app. Without this I would be in trouble.
Instead of renting from big agencies, try Turo.
You can rent cars directly from local owners — from Teslas to surf vans — often at lower prices.
Perfect for exploring Oahu at your own pace.
2. Airbnb — Stay Like a Local
Almost everyone uses Airbnb these days, and after several trips, it’s easily become one of my favorite apps.
It’s ideal for finding cozy local homes or beachfront stays.
You can filter by amenities like EV chargers or family-friendly spots — a great way to feel at home in paradise.
My journey in Hawaii lasted 13 nights and 14 days — quite a long stay, and an expensive one to manage.
What made it possible was, without question, Airbnb.
If I had stayed at the Disney resort in Ko Olina, I might have gone bankrupt halfway through the trip.
Finding the right Airbnb can change everything; sometimes, it gives you far more than just a place to sleep — it gives you a story you’ll want to remember.
3. Grok — Ask Anything, Anytime
Need quick info about a restaurant, a hidden beach, or a tip about Hawaiian culture?
Grok uses AI to answer questions instantly — like a smart travel buddy that learns from what you ask.
I first heard about Grok from the owner of a Tesla Model Y I rented through Turo.
It turned out to be the perfect companion for Tesla drivers.
Not only does it respond to your voice, but you can even choose the tone or personality of the voice itself.
In my case, I picked a calm, storytelling voice — something that made every drive feel like a small podcast about Hawaii.
If you own a Tesla or just love AI tools, I recommend giving it a try at least once.
I rented a Tesla Model Y for this trip, so this app quickly became a must-have for me.
Driving electric in Hawaii sounds easy — but in reality, it takes a bit of planning.
PlugShare shows all available charging stations (including Tesla Superchargers), real-time status, and even user reviews.
It became my lifeline.
I’ll write a separate post about EV charging in Hawaii soon, because it’s something travelers really need to know.
To put it simply — it’s not easy.
There are only two Tesla Superchargers near Waikiki, and chargers are limited in most areas.
That’s why I found myself checking PlugShare constantly, planning my routes around charging stops.
If you’re driving electric in Hawaii, trust me — this app will save your trip more than once.
Stay tuned for that detailed post; it’s not all sunshine and smooth charging.
Tip:
Use Turo + PlugShare together — rent an EV and enjoy Hawaii sustainably!
