Kona Impact does not offer full-vehicle wraps. We do a lot of vehicle graphics, but we’ve found that Hawaii’s intense UV rays and heat cause hood, roof, and trunk graphics to deteriorate quickly. We have found that the greatest durability and return on investment come from vehicle graphics rather than full wraps.

If you want a full wrap, please read this blog post and consider carefully your goals and budget. Unfortunately, we do not have any local recommendations for full wraps. There are some companies on Oahu, so that may be the place to look.

We get this question at least three times a week from local Kona business owners: “Should I go all-in on a full vehicle wrap, or just get some basic graphics on my truck?”

It’s a smart question. Your work vehicle is probably sitting in traffic on Queen K or parked at Costco right now, where hundreds, maybe thousands, of potential customers are walking past. The question isn’t whether vehicle advertising works (it absolutely does). The question is how much you should invest to make it work for your business.

Let’s break down the real costs, the actual impact, and how to make the right choice for your budget and marketing goals here in Hawaii.

What’s the Difference Between Vehicle Graphics and a Full Wrap?

Before we talk dollars, let’s make sure we’re comparing apples to apples.

Vehicle Graphics (also called spot graphics or partial wraps) are exactly what they sound like: strategic placement of your business name, logo, phone number, and maybe your website on specific parts of your vehicle. Think of it as the essentials. Clean lettering on your truck doors, a logo on the tailgate, maybe some accent stripes to tie it together. You’re still driving a white truck: it just has your business info on it.

Full Vehicle Wraps transform your entire vehicle into a rolling billboard. We’re talking complete coverage: hood, doors, roof, bumpers, windows (with perforated vinyl so you can still see out). Your truck goes from “generic white work vehicle” to a branded experience that turns heads at every stoplight.

Both options get your name out there. The difference is in coverage, investment, and visual impact.

The Price Breakdown: What You’ll Actually Pay

Let’s talk real numbers, because that’s what matters when you’re running a business.

Vehicle Graphics Cost in Kona:

Basic door lettering (business name + phone): $300–$600
Logo addition and accent graphics: $500–$1,000
Partial coverage with multiple elements: $800–$1,500
Vehicle magnets (removable option): Around $100

Full Vehicle Wrap Cost in Hawaii:

Compact cars and small trucks: $3,500–$5,500
Standard sedans and mid-size SUVs: $4,000–$6,000
Large trucks and commercial vans: $5,500–$8,000
Premium finishes (metallic, chrome, color-shift): $5,000+

Most of the vehicle graphics projects we do for Kona businesses come in under $1,000. It’s a one-time investment that starts working the moment you pull out of our shop.

Full wraps are obviously a bigger commitment. But here’s the thing: that investment generates between 30,000 and 80,000 impressions per day according to industry research. That’s more eyeballs than most local businesses could afford with traditional advertising.

ROI Reality Check: Which One Actually Pays Off?

We’re not going to tell you that everyone needs a full wrap. That wouldn’t be honest or helpful.

Vehicle graphics are the smart entry point for most small businesses in Kona. If you’re a solo contractor, a new coffee farm, or running a small service business with one or two vehicles, simple graphics give you a massive bang for your buck. You’re getting professional branding and constant exposure for less than what most businesses spend on a single month of Facebook ads.

The ROI is immediate and obvious. Your truck was already driving around town anyway: now it’s actually working for you.

Full wraps make sense when:

You have multiple vehicles and want a cohesive fleet look
Your budget allows for the bigger investment upfront

The Hawaii Factor: Why Materials and Installation Matter Here

This is where being local really matters. Vehicle wraps in Hawaii face challenges that wraps on the mainland never see.

The Kona sun is brutal. We’re talking intense UV exposure year-round. Cheap vinyl or poor installation will fade, crack, and peel within a year. We’ve seen it happen. Someone gets a “good deal” from an inexperienced shop, and six months later, their wrap looks like it’s been through a war. The hood, roof, and trunk have faded and oxidized to white.

Salt air is the other enemy. If you’re anywhere near the coast (which, let’s be honest, is everywhere in Kona), the ocean air constantly attacks adhesives and finishes. Low-quality materials just can’t handle it.

This is why we only use premium cast vinyl and cast overlaminate. Properly installed graphics with quality materials on vertical surfaces should last 5-6 years in Hawaii conditions, not the 1-2 years you’ll get from budget options.

And here’s something most people don’t think about: if something does get damaged (a shopping cart ding, a branch scratch, whatever), we can usually repair or replace individual panels quickly. Full vehicle wraps are very, very difficult to replace, and you’ll have to go to the original installer for this. That’s the advantage of working with a local shop that keeps materials in stock and knows your vehicle.

Making the Decision: A Simple Guide

Still not sure which direction to go? Here’s how we help our clients think through it:

Choose Vehicle Graphics If:

Your budget is under $1,500
You need something done quickly (we can often complete graphics in 1-2 days)
You want the flexibility to change messaging seasonally
You’re testing the waters with vehicle advertising
Your business is established through word-of-mouth and you just need basic visibility

Choose a Full Wrap If:

You’re ready to invest $4,000–$8,000
Your business relies heavily on first impressions
You’re building a fleet and need consistent branding
You’re willing to commit to the design for 5+ years

Not Sure? Start Small and Scale Up

What About Wrapping Just Part of the Vehicle?

Good question. Partial wraps are kind of the middle ground: more coverage than basic graphics, but less investment than a full wrap.

You might wrap just the sides and back of your truck ($2,000–$3,000), leaving the hood and roof in the original color. This gives you significant billboard space for more complex graphics and messaging without the full wrap price tag.

It’s a solid compromise, especially for businesses that want more storytelling space than simple door graphics allow, but aren’t ready for the full investment.

The Bottom Line

There’s no universally “right” answer here. A landscaping company with three trucks probably doesn’t need full wraps: clean graphics on all three vehicles creates more impressions across town than one fancy wrap.

What we can tell you is this: your vehicle is either working for your business or it’s not. And in a place like Kailua-Kona, where locals and tourists are constantly out and about, every trip you make is a marketing opportunity.

Whether you start with $500 in door graphics or invest in a $6,000 full wrap, you’re making your vehicle work harder for your business. That’s a win.

Ready to Get Your Vehicle Working for You?

We’d love to show you some local examples and talk through what makes sense for your specific situation. No pressure, no sales pitch: just honest advice from people who’ve been doing vehicle wraps in Kona for years.

Stop by our shop in the Kailua-Kona industrial area, or give us a call. We’ll take a look at your vehicle, hear about your business goals, and give you a straight answer about what we think will work best.

Your competition is already out there advertising. Isn’t it time your truck started pulling its weight?