25 Years of Honest Service
Family-owned since 1999, we've built our reputation on doing right by our customers.
Our Story
Island Auto Works started in 1999 when Mike Tanaka took a leap of faith and opened a small two-bay shop in Aiea. After years of working at dealerships, Mike was frustrated by the pressure to upsell unnecessary services and the impersonal assembly-line approach to repairs.
He believed there was a better way. Treat customers like family, explain what's really wrong with their car, give them honest options, and stand behind your work. Simple ideas, but revolutionary in an industry known for the opposite.
Word spread quickly. Customers appreciated being told "your brakes are fine, just dirty" instead of being sold a brake job they didn't need. They told their friends. Those friends told their friends. And Island Auto Works grew.
Today, we have a 6-bay facility with a team of ASE-certified technicians, but our approach hasn't changed. Every customer is still treated like family, every repair is still done right the first time, and every invoice still reflects honest work at fair prices.
What We Stand For
These aren't just words on a wall. They're the principles that guide every repair, every interaction, every day.
Honesty
We'll never recommend a repair you don't need. Period.
Quality
We use quality parts and stand behind our work with a real warranty.
Community
We're your neighbors, invested in keeping Hawaii's families safe on the road.
Efficiency
We respect your time and work to get you back on the road quickly.
Meet the Team
Our technicians have over 65 years of combined experience. They're not just certified. They're passionate about what they do.
Mike Tanaka
Owner & Master Technician
30+ years experience
Mike started working on cars at his father's shop in Wahiawa. After earning his ASE Master certification, he opened Island Auto Works in 1999 with one goal: provide honest, quality repairs that people can trust.
Certifications
Danny Reyes
Lead Technician
15 years experience
Danny specializes in diesel trucks and heavy-duty vehicles. When he's not under the hood, he's restoring classic cars and coaching youth baseball.
Certifications
Kenji Yamamoto
Senior Technician
12 years experience
Kenji trained at the BMW Performance Center before joining our team. He's our go-to for European vehicles and complex electrical diagnostics.
Certifications
Leilani Wong
Service Advisor
8 years experience
Leilani is the friendly voice you'll hear on the phone and the first face you'll see at the shop. She's committed to making sure every customer understands their repair options.
Certifications
Our Journey
Mike Tanaka opens Island Auto Works in a small 2-bay shop in Aiea
Expanded to current 6-bay facility to meet growing demand
Became AAA Approved Auto Repair facility
Added hybrid and electric vehicle service capabilities
Named NAPA AutoCare Center of the Year - Hawaii
Upgraded to latest diagnostic equipment and added online scheduling
Celebrating 25 years of service to Hawaii's families
Our Facility
State-of-the-art equipment in a clean, professional environment.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
See for yourself why thousands of Hawaii families trust Island Auto Works with their vehicles.
Schedule Your First Visit