I'm absolutely thrilled that I had the experience of working with Jesse. It helped me so much to finally get my U.S. driver's license. I have a license from another country, but it is not convertible to American driving license, so I had to basically go through the entire process again. I honestly thought it wouldn't be a big problem... until I faced the reality. There were so many technicalities on the driving test that I couldn't pass it. To the point that I started to doubt myself and developed driving anxiety. That's when I realized I needed to try something different. I needed help from a professional. And that's how I found Hoku Driving School. That was one of the best decisions I've made. Jesse is everything in one person. Super positive, encouraging, and also very informative. After just the first lesson, I felt a big shift in my confidence. I stopped doubting myself. And it wasn't just feel-good talk -- he gave me very practical, helpful info that actually made me a better driver. But what really made the difference were all the little tips and tricks on how to pass the test. On top of that, he's just a great person to spend time with in the car. We talked about different things, he kept my nerves down. He was cheering me on till the day I had a test. I really felt like someone was on my side, rooting for me. It was absolutely worth the investment, and now I'm recommending him to anyone who's going through this process. Don't struggle alone. Just hire a professional and save yourself the tears and the stress. read more

Hoku Driving School - Happy me with my driving license - Driving Schools Near Me

This man was illegally parked in my neighborhood, so giving him the benefit of the doubt, I asked him if he knew he was illegally parked. His response to me was to mind my own business...I told him that my neighborhood is my business and pointed at the sign he should've read. As most petty people do, he tried to change the subject and told me to pick up after my dog, who I was walking at the time...so I showed him the bags I always keep in the pockets of all my shorts & pants, and then asked him, "what happened to minding one's business?" All he had to do was say, "oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize." and I would've told him, "mahalo" and we'd both go on with our days. I have never left a Yelp review, but it just didn't sit right with me that this man, while in the course of his job (he had a student in his car) where he's supposed to be teaching a student how to navigate Hawaiʻi's roadways, yet ¹ parks illegally, ² doesn't read posted signs, ³ and feels that the rules don't apply to him. I had a driving instructor year ago, and she made me abide by every single law you could think of, everything was by the book, and in the few times that she was wrong about something, she wasn't too proud to admit it and would correct herself. In case anyone is wondering, we live a couple hundred feet from a school and an adjacent public park...so we have kids running around all the time, and illegally parking often limits what drivers can see on the road. You'd think that a driving instructor would understand that, but clearly Hoku doesn't...or maybe he does, he just doesn't care? I don't know, I just know that I wouldn't want my kid to be learning how to drive from someone who can't even abide by posted signage himself, and when made aware of his infraction, responds poorly and in a petty manner. read more

Hoku Driving School - Hoku's car parked AFTER the stop sign...in the other photo is the "no parking any time begin" sign, showing this area as a no parking zone. - Driving Schools Near Me

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Parallel parking! If you can not do it he will teach you how. I was terrible at parallel parking could not figure it out. Met with Jesse and I was able to parallel park on the first try. We practiced multiple times so I could really get it down and I passed my driving test on the first try. If you need help with any kind of parking for your test or in general I recommend him. read more

After numerous terrifying attempts to teach my daughter Amelya how to drive, I realized I needed help -- for both our sanity and safety! I contemplated hiring someone for extra driving hours as her big day approached. I turned to Yelp to find the best driving schools and came across several options, but Hoku Driving School stood out. Jesse, the owner, replied to my inquiry within just a couple of hours, giving me a thorough overview of his services. The analyst in me did a deep dive into reviews and everything pointed to Jesse being the best -- and now, after our experience, I can confidently say that's absolutely true! I booked several lessons with "Uncle Jesse" (as my daughter lovingly calls him) and it was truly a blessing. Jesse is one of the most patient, empathetic, and kind individuals I have ever met. He didn't just teach Amelya how to pass the test -- he taught her the correct and safe way to drive. His calm demeanor, clear communication, and genuine care made all the difference. After just four, hour-long lessons, my daughter is now a licensed driver! I cannot express enough how grateful I am to Jesse and Hoku Driving School. If you're looking for someone who will treat your child like family while teaching them the right way to drive, look no further. Jesse is simply the best! Mahalo, Uncle Jesse! read more

Jesse, or uncle Jesse as I'd call him - was the absolute best instructor! As an experienced DMV examiner prior to instructing, he knew exactly what the road test requires at multiple locations on island! From Kapahulu to Kapolei after I moved, he was able to cater to all my nerves around driving and was very patient each lesson. He made them fun and efficient, 90 minutes would pass by incredibly quickly as I became more comfortable and confident in my driving skills. After trying out lessons with instructors in NYC and Hawai'i, I knew I would pass my test with Jesse and I would highly recommend you seek him for your lessons/road test preparation! I'm sad I won't be driving with him anymore but excited to see him on the road soon!! Mahalo Uncle Jesse :) read more

Love my driving instructor!! Jesse is incredible patient and helpful very encouraging!!!

Hoku Driving School is a hidden gem on Oahu!! Jesse, a retired HPD Sargent/detective & former DMV examiner, is just an amazing, easy-going, friendly, patient, encouraging & knowledgeable driving instructor. My road sessions with Jesse were a joy! He really helped me build my confidence behind the wheel & improve my judgement and reaction skills. His casual style was beyond empathetic of my instructional needs and his flexibility with working around my work schedule was a huge plus!! He throughly taught & prepared me for everything I could expect on the Kapolei road test & I passed on my first try!! - If you belong to the 18+ club and wanna get your driver's license too, I highly recommend giving Jesse a call!!! read more

Hoku Driving School - Contact info of a great driving instructor!! - Driving Schools Near Me

I had great experience with this school and specially great Mahalo to the instructor Jesse!

I will always 1000% recommend Hoku Driving School! Driving and taking the road test has always been a big fear of mine. Jesse is so incredibly patient and ensures you are ready and confident prior to taking the road test. I passed my drivers test, but will continue lessons to familiarize myself with driving on the freeway. read more

Mr. Jesse is simply the best! Very knowledgeable, patient, and personable. My dad already had an overseas license but needed instructions on the rules of the road in the US. On his 2nd and last session with my dad, he went through multiple rounds of possible routes. Since he used to be a DMV examiner himself, Mr. Jesse knew all the things that one could possibly get tested on. He was empathetic and explained exactly what my dad needed to do--and he tested today and passed! His rates are very reasonable too; I can guarantee lessons with him are well worth every dime. Mahalo nui loa, Mr. Jesse!!! read more

Highly recommended! If I could give more stars I would. Today, my son passed his driving test. Thank you to Jesse for his outstanding training and knowledge for helping my son get out of his comfort zone to drive. Jesse is the best driving instructor you can find. So glad we found him through YELP. I can honestly say that my son is more comfortable driving with Jesse than he is driving with me. Lol! My son always enjoyed his driving lessons with Jesse. If you are looking for a driving instructor, you are in the right place. Give Jesse a call today. read more

Hoku Driving School - Passed! - Driving Schools Near Me

Highly Recommend Hoku Driving School. Instructor Jesse was a great fit for my son. He is knowledgeable, experienced, his car is modified for safe teaching, all creating an environment for the student to learn and build confidence. Can't thank Jesse enough for teaching my son how to drive safely and with confidence...Thank you! read more

Before I drove with Jesse, I haven't driven on the road in about over half a year, so I didn't know what to expect when it came to my driving. Before meeting with him, I let him know when and where my road test is. Additionally, he asks for your availability and tries his best to fit you in to his schedule. Once I met with him, you find out how much of an easygoing guy he is, and a great of a teacher he is as well. He is a former police officer and former road test examiner, so he is a very knowledgeable guy. I only met with him twice, and I passed my road test with him this morning (7/21/2021)! If you are looking for someone to drive with, I highly recommend Jesse. He tells you everything you need to know. read more

I gave Hoku Driving School 5 stars six months ago when my friend first started her lessons with Jesse, and I am writing this review to give an additional 5 stars because Hoku Driving School deserves 10 stars from me! My friend had ZERO confidence in driving when she first started.. and today, she passed her test and received her driver's license!!! She could have passed sooner, but due to a change in her work schedule, she wasn't able to complete her lessons with Jesse in a shorter period of time. The reason why I am sharing all of this is because it feels like a miracle in which I was able to see a person transform from an unconfident, afraid-of-driving, frustrated person to a confident, love-to-drive, happy person all in a period of six months. I am happy that, as a friend, I was able to support and guide her to success. So, if you are reading this review to see if this is the place to get your driving lessons from, take my word for it. I never met Jesse before this, and knew nothing about his school prior to six months ago, so this review is authentic. I am blessed that he was recommended to us... the best recommendation ever!! Thank you Hoku Driving School! read more

Hoku Driving School - Driver License Examiner and my friend after passing her road exam! - Driving Schools Near Me

Best instructor ever!! Little bit about me I was super afraid of driving like paranoid to the max!! Jesse is so nice and super patient with me and my paranoia and he just made me feel so comfortable on the road and helped me so much with building my confidence. He is a retired cop and a former road test examiner so he is very knowledgeable about the rules of the road and makes it so easy to learn. If you are scared like I was to drive or you just need a great driving instructor call Hoku Driving School! Promise you won't regret it! read more

An absolutely amazing teacher! I was able to pass in one try with no problems! Jesse really cares for his students and always encourages his students to always be positive and to believe in themselves. He also tries really hard to bring up his students confidence in driving, which is really important. When I started my classes with Jesse, I was extremely nervous but he has such an easy going dad vibe that it was easy to be comfortable and confident in my driving. I highly recommend going to Jesse as a driving instructor. Thank you again Jesse, I appreciate everything! read more

Went from not knowing how to start the car to road-test-ready in about 5 lessons. My driving instructor, Jessie is extremely knowledgeable, understanding, and professional in his teaching methods. FYI, I am new driver who still haven't gotten my license at 22 years old until after just a few lessons with Jessie. Mahalo! read more

This school is the real deal, Jesse is a very serious man who takes pride in teaching people how to drive safely. I wouldn't waste my time with any other school. Thank you Hoku Driving School. read more

My friend introduced me to this company. I definitely recommend it if you want to learn how to drive. During practice, the driving instructor didn't give me any pressure. He just always gave me driving instructions and was so kind and always praised me. Much of my driving preparations were done at the place where I took the road test, Kapolei. Prior to my Instructor providing private driving lessons, he was a DMV examiner that administered the drivers road test. He's very knowledgeable and assisted in me obtaining my road test appointment, I am glad to have selected his driving services. read more

where do i start? I can't recommend this driving school and instructor enough. Both are incredible! If you want someone who is experienced, priced fairly, trustworthy, honest and truly the best at what they do...LOOK NO FURTHER! read more