Kalakaua Transmission

I am writing an updated review about a reputable business, which was accountable for themselves when they made an error, and corrected the situation to satisfy the customer (me), & admitted they made a mistake which seems very rare now days.
A while back, if you had a chance to check out my review about Kalakaua Transmission, I took my rod into this transmission shop to install a new BBK clutch cable & quadrant kit. Upon having the items installed, the shop owner Alan Lum mentioned to me that my clutch was worn, and that I should eventually have my clutch replaced.
I drove my rod for a while & it ran fine, but in the back of my mind, I knew Alan was probably right about the clutch, and that I should look into having it replaced.
A few months later, I decided to bite the bullet and have my clutched replaced (Clutch jobs are quite expensive! As you’re looking at about $ 1200.00), as I was planning on keeping this old ride for a few years to enjoy, until & decide on what I wanted to do next.
I made an appointment to have my clutch replaced, as well as having the flywheel resurfaced/​or replaced.
Took the rod into the shop…3 days later I got back my rod… the rod now worked even better, but I noticed a slight vibration coming from the clutch pedal. I mentioned this to Alan, but he told me to let the clutch break in, as the vibration was probably coming from the springs in the new clutch.
After driving my rod for about a month or so, I noticed the vibration from the clutch pedal was getting worse, so I took the car back to have him reexamine the work they did on my rod.
Turns out when the mechanic who did the work on my rod overlooked the fork & pivot assembly, as it was worn out too. This was the cause of the excessive vibration on the clutch pedal.
To remedy the situation, Alan had another clutch installed, thinking it was defective, but later found out that the clutch was fine, only to find the fork & pivot assembly was worn out. He replaced the necessary parts to my rod, & let me know what he had found.
What impressed me about with Alan’s business was his HONESTY… he let me know his mechanics made a mistake and overlooked the work done on my clutch, as they had missed the fork & pivot assembly.
He purchased the additional parts for my rod, & was originally not going to charge me, but I told him that I would pay for the additional parts needed for my rod, as he should not take the loss on them.
I only asked that they cover the additional labor, as the mechanics overlooked the worn items while they were doing the clutch job, which he gladly did.
What a breath of fresh air when you find a business that does honest work!
Every now and then, you will come across a business that made a mistake… but what you do to rectify the situation tells you what kind of character this person has, and the type of business he runs. Mahalo Alan! You da bestest!
If you ever need any transmission work done on your car, or clutch work… don’t hesitate to check out Kalakaua Transmission!

The clutch on my 2004 GTO was making awful noises. We were referred to Alan Lum (owner) by our regular mechanic. My husband and I always talked to him personally and he explained what we needed so that even I could understand it. Great customer service and easy to talk to. He put in a new clutch in at a reasonable price. Not to mention they work SUPER FAST! Our car was done in 36 hours! When we picked it up, Alan gave us tips on how to drive our car better, which we really appreciated him taking the time. I will highly recommend him and any transmission problems we have in the future we will definitely use him again.

Took my Isuzu Rodeo here since the engine in this doesn’t have a trans fluid dipstick … have to simply fill it from the fill plug on the trans pan (what a pain). Anyway, the trans was making an awful rattling sound and when they got it on the hoist the diagnosis was «No bolts» … as in 6 of the bolts that hold the trans case to the engine were missing! Anyway, Alan (the Mgr) blessed us with a VERY reasonable repair bill. I was so impressed I immediately went to 7 – 11 and brought them Haagen-​Daaz ice cream bars. Alan saw us same day. I just wish they did more than trans work … I’d have all my car work done here.

I brought my old 2002 Subaru here for a much needed clutch replacement. Alan was very helpful over the phone he gave me a quote for my parts and after he did the repairs he charged me what he said he would.
A week later I had trouble driving my car to the point where I could no longer shift. Alan took my car back as soon as I explained the problem. He gave me a one year warranty on the work he did so he was able to replace the defective part at no cost. He did the repair right away so I was able to drop my car off after work and pick it up the next day.
The work was done in a reasonable amount of time and my new clutch is working perfectly! Subaru was going to charge me an additional $ 800 to $ 1,000 and keep my car for two weeks Alan was able to do the repair in five days.
Alan is very knowledgable and is honest about the work that is needed and doesn’t try to rip you off! I would definitely recommend this place!

2004 Nissan Quest. Problem wasn’t going to 3^rd or 4^th gear… Took it there in July 2012 to get checked, very honest on problem and time frame of how long it’d take. He also gave me an estimate and spent about $ 300 less… was very pleased with his courtesy and professionalism. Thanks Allan

Car: 2003 Mazda Miata
I decided to get a second opinion when the dealership said the noise was a transmission problem and it would cost $ 1000 just to open it up with repairs being an additional charge. I am so glad I cam to Kalakaua Transmission. After hearing my description over the phone, Alan suggested that it might be a clutch problem. His inspection confirmed this and he made the needed repairs. I had to wait a few days to get my appointment, but it was well worth the wait.

I was recommended Kalakaua Transmission by a friend and I wasn’t disappointed. The owner, Alan, is a wonderful guy. Took my truck in, last minute, he fit it into the schedule no problem. Unfortunatley the transmission needs to be rebuilt, but he didn’t try to sell me something I didn’t need and didn’t even charge me for the inital diagnosis. I have worked in dealerships and know my way around trucks/​cars, but because I am female I almost always get treated like I have no clue what’s going on. He was one of the few that didn’t talk to me like I was stupid.
I would highly recommend this shop.

Honest, straight-​talking folks who will do their best to diagnose and fix your car problems. As you may have guessed, they specialize in transmissions. In my experience, their work is worth every penny!