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Levi May's Volkswagon van provides him freedom

A man in a van
Photo by Josh Mason

Vans are the most convenient mode of transportation in Hawaii, said students. Other strong incentives to purchase a van are the ease that they allow activities such as surfing, hanging out, and camping, as well as their cost efficiency and the freedom it gives the owner.

Levi May, a junior from Wyoming studying international cultural studies, said he is proud owner of a Volkswagen 1987 Wolfsberg edition van.

“I got the van for free from my auntie and uncle,” he remembered. “They tried to get rid of it about the time I moved out to Hawaii. I just had to put the money in to get the transmission work done. It ended up being the same amount of money as buying a car, but this is the car I wanted.”

He has gone on adventures with friends among Oahu’s wonders, and the van is an expression of his personality. “It was back in the '60s and '70s when they first started having Volkswagen mini busses,” May recalled.

“It was an American icon they adopted for people who were exploring different lifestyles and doing big road trips.”

May said he believes if you don’t explore different ways of thinking and perspectives, you are not going to find out for yourself what’s right and what’s wrong. The van reflects his values of mobility and freedom. “I don’t like feeling trapped,” he added.

“Having a van like this gives you a certain kind of freedom. You don’t have to go home at night if you are out doing something. It’s the same kind of freedom people seek when they travel.”

Mark Gerber, a junior majoring in hospitality and tourism from Nevada, agreed with May’s idea. “There is something to be said about simplicity, getting rid of all the crap you don’t need,” he said.

“I went to Australia for a couple of weeks and slept in a Toyota Corolla. It’s free.”

May responded, “There is so much stuff you have and don’t need. When you get rid of it, you won’t miss it.” May’s equation: less stuff, less stress. “What people want you to think is that more things will make you happier,” said May.

“It’s quite the opposite,” Gerber added.

May continued, “There are essentials that you need,” and with a laugh added, “I have seven surfboards right now.”

Volkswagen are so good, said May, because they are really spacious inside. At the same time, they are easy to drive and park, made for camping and the seat folds down into a full bed.

“I like the old style. The newer cars are all kind of rounded. It seems like a waste of space.”

Malia Parker, a junior from Idaho majoring in education, is the former owner of the famous “Steez” van. “I once fit 30 people in the Steez. It’s like a party around the island.”

May said the van is not very aerodynamic and has a top speed of about 35. “But I live on an island. Where am I in such a big hurry to get to?”

May’s van is also acquiring fame on the North Shore. “I started an Instagram,” he shared, “a few days ago and within two hours I had over a 100 followers. Now I have 500 followers, which is more than I have on my normal Instagram.”

The van has a moped that fits right in the back and is like a little pod racer that he can launch, he said. He can go to town, park the van somewhere and use the moped to go around town without having to worry about reparking the van.

"If I go to North Shore and am coming back, I always look for BYU students at the bus stops. I usually pick them up and we just cram tons of people in here and get them back to Laie. It’s not only a car but it’s also a place to chill. It’s a great place to talk and play cards.”

He concluded, “This van is the best wingman I have ever had.”