How to Drive a Jeep with Confidence (Even If You’ve Never Driven One Before)
Renting a Jeep in Hawai‘i sounds awesome, until you’re on a steep gravel road wondering what 4H or 4L even means. If you’ve never driven a Jeep or SUV before, it can feel a little intimidating at first, especially if you’re planning to explore rougher roads or remote areas of the Big Island.
The good news? Jeeps are built for this kind of terrain, and once you understand a few basics, they’re really fun and easy to drive. This guide is all about helping you feel confident and comfortable so you can focus on enjoying the ride, not worrying about knobs, gears, or inclines.
First Off, Why a Jeep?
On the Big Island, a Jeep or high-clearance SUV isn’t just a stylish choice, it’s a practical one.
The island has:
- Lava-rock roads and unpaved access trails
- Steep inclines and unpredictable weather
- Areas where 2WD just doesn’t cut it
A Jeep gives you better ground clearance, four-wheel drive options, and rugged tires that handle the terrain. That means fewer road limitations and more access to those out-of-the-way gems.
Get Familiar Before You Drive
Before you pull out of the lot, take 5 minutes to get to know your Jeep.
Check:
- Where the 4WD controls are
- How to adjust the side mirrors, seat height and seat recline (pull the strap)
- What each gear means on the shift knob
- Where your lights, wipers, and hazard lights are located
- That your spare tire and jack are in the back
Also, if it’s a or convertible soft top Jeep, make sure it’s latched down properly. Hawai‘i wind does not play around.
Understanding 4WD (Without Freaking Out)
Most rental Jeeps come with a shift-on-the-fly 4WD system. Here’s what the settings mean in simple terms:
- 2H (Two-Wheel Drive High): For regular road driving. Smooth highways, town cruising, normal weather.
- 4H (Four-Wheel Drive High): Use this when the road gets rough. Gravel, mud, sand, or rain-slicked roads. For Mauna Kea Summit use this gear when driving up the mountain once you reach the gravel part.
- 4L (Four-Wheel Drive Low): For slow, steep, or technical terrain. Only use this on very rough trails or when crawling downhill. For Mauna Kea Summit use this gear when driving down the mountain until you reach the paved part.
How to shift into 4H:
- Keep the vehicle moving under 55 mph
- Shift from 2H to 4H by simply pulling the lever or turning the dial
- You don’t need to stop the vehicle, but take it slow
To go into 4L:
- Come to a complete stop
- Shift the transmission into Neutral
- Then shift into 4L
- Switch back to 2H once you’re back on stable ground
You probably won’t need 4L unless you’re on a serious off-road trail, which most visitors won’t be.
Driving Tips for New Jeep Drivers
Once you’re rolling, the ride is smoother than you’d expect. But there are a few things that help:
1. Take It Slow on Rough Roads
Let the Jeep do the work. Drive steady and smooth over potholes, rocks, or gravel. Avoid sharp turns or quick stops.
2. Use Low Gear When Going Downhill
Even without 4L, shifting into a lower gear (like L or 1 on an automatic) helps control your speed without riding the brakes.
3. Mind the Height
Jeeps sit higher than most cars, which is great for visibility. Just remember that height when parking under trees or in tight garages.
4. Watch Your Corners
The turning radius on a Jeep is wider than a small car. Take corners a bit slower and wider, especially in parking lots.
5. Use Your Mirrors
You’ll rely more on your side mirrors since rear windows can be smaller or blocked if you’ve got gear in the back.
Helpful Features That Come With Most Jeeps
Many rental Jeeps are newer models with a bunch of features that make things easier, like:
- Hill Start Assist to help on steep inclines
- Backup cameras for tight spaces
- Traction control to prevent wheel spin
- Tire pressure sensors so you don’t have to guess
- Touchscreen with navigation (download offline maps just in case)
Not sure how something works? Ask the rental company before you leave. It’s way better to ask up front than to figure it out in a panic.
