LIHUE — The Meet N Beep car show, Sunday was the perfect venue for motorists to meet the crew of the AutoZone Lihue store during the store’s grand opening celebration.
“We have a dispensing machine in their store, so they asked us to help out,” said Ralph Suniga, the Kauai Coca Cola distribution manager. “One of our reps is here to help with the food and refreshments.”
The AutoZone Lihue store is the second AutoZone store to open on Kauai and brings the total number of store in Hawaii to 11, seven being located on Oahu, one on Maui, and one on the Big Island.
“We have to come and support,” said Clifford Pimental whose 1933 Ford was participating in last week’s Father’s Day show at the Kukui Grove Center. “It doesn’t matter if it’s raining, or not. We just need to come out to support.”
The car show was coordinated by Speed Image with special guest Disc Jockey Mauka Beats doing the prize distributions, announcements, and spinning tunes for the show that included imports, classic cars, bikes, Jeeps, trucks, and a lot more.
“We’ve done other shows before,” said Leo Cariaga of Speed Image. “But it’s not just a one-man show. We had a lot of help from people, including Jaime Dela Cruz, David Ching, Sonny Suniga, Justin Tanicala, Arnold Aguzar, and more. We’re looking at doing another show closer to the holidays.”
Cade Williamson had his 1994 Mitsubishi on display with other imports.
“There’re not too many car shows out there,” Williamson said. “When I found out this was going to happen, I had to make sure to bring out the car.”
In addition to the imports, most of them modified beyond stock, a fleet of overssized pickups rolled into the parking area.
“Look at him,” said LJ Yadao, the owner of a 2017 F250 rig modified to sky above the field. “Lennox wanted to sit there. We just set him up with his water and cookies. Look at him, now — he’s ready to roll.”
More car shows are on the horizon as The Shops at Kukuiula hosts a preview of classic cars, Wednesday during The Kauai Culinary Market between 3:30 and 6 p.m. The preview is ahead of the Kauai Classic Cars Club Cruise &Show that takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the south parking lot of The Shops at Kukuiula.
The AutoZone Lihue store is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday hours are from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
