Tesla is embarking on an ambitious expansion of its Supercharger network in Hawaii, aiming to significantly enhance electric vehicle (EV) charging options across the islands. Recent discoveries by Supercharger expert Marco indicate that Tesla is advancing with plans for three new Supercharger locations on Hawaii's two largest islands, which, if realized, will more than double the current number of Supercharger stalls available in the state.
The proposed installations include two substantial Supercharger sites on the Big Island and one on Maui. Specifically, a 24-stall Supercharger station is planned for the Target and Safeway parking lot located at 391 E Makaala Street in Hilo. This project, currently undergoing land-use review, carries an estimated value of $400,000. If constructed, it would become the biggest Supercharger station on the Big Island, significantly enhancing charging access for both locals and visitors on the island’s east side.
Additionally, on the western side of the Big Island, Tesla has submitted a proposal for a 16-stall Supercharger at another Target store located at 74-5455 Makala Boulevard in Kailua-Kona. This project is also in the land-use review stage and is valued at $500,000. The combined efforts in Hilo and Kona would introduce 40 new Supercharger stalls to the Big Island, which currently lacks any Tesla Supercharger facilities, marking a substantial improvement in the region's EV infrastructure.
Maui is set to receive significant upgrades as well. Plans for a 16-stall Supercharger installation at the Shops at Wailea, situated at 3750 Wailea Alanui Drive, have been approved regarding land use. This initiative encompasses the setup of 16 Tesla Superchargers and necessary equipment in the existing parking area, streamlining its path to development compared to the two Big Island projects.
Overall, these developments indicate that Tesla's expansion in Hawaii will yield a total of 56 new Supercharger stalls across three new sites, increasing the statewide total from the current 39 to 95, should all plans go ahead as intended.
At present, Hawaii's Supercharger network is primarily focused on Oahu and Maui. Oahu boasts 50 Supercharger stalls distributed among Aiea, Kaneohe, Waikiki’s International Marketplace, and the Kahala Hotel. Meanwhile, Maui offers 12 stalls at the Puunene Shopping Center in Kahului, along with a Wailea site that has long been labeled as ‘in development’ on Tesla's official map.
The recent approval for Wailea confirms that Tesla is advancing with this long-anticipated south Maui location, while the filings for the Big Island signify the company's commitment to establishing fast-charging infrastructure on Hawaii’s largest island for the first time.
Given the significant distances between towns, limited public DC fast-charging stations, and an increasing number of EVs on the road, the Big Island has represented one of the final major gaps in Tesla’s Hawaiian network. The introduction of a 24-stall station in Hilo and a 16-stall site in Kona would create a reliable fast-charging framework across both sides of the island, thereby making cross-island travel in a Tesla much more feasible.
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