Destinations › United States › Honolulu › Scams
Honolulu, United States
10 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Honolulu, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.
Holiday-let listings taking deposits for properties that are unlicensed for short-term letting and unavailable on arrival.
Vehicle break-ins at beach car parks and trailheads, frequently in daylight and within minutes.
Activity desks on the main tourist strip selling tours and luaus at commission-heavy markups over booking direct, sometimes for operators that do not run.
Timeshare presentations sold as free luau, activity or tour vouchers, with several hours of high-pressure selling before the 'free' item is released.
Snorkel and watersport operators taking payment for trips cancelled without refund when conditions or numbers do not suit.
Dynamic currency conversion at card terminals and independent cash machines at poor rates.
Imitation 'Hawaiian-made' crafts, jewellery and shirts sold as locally produced when they are imports.
Restaurants applying automatic gratuity plus separate service charges, with tipping prompted again on the total.
Drivers taking extended routes from the airport and applying flat fares well above app-quoted rates.
Beach photographers and 'lei greeters' offering a service as complimentary then demanding payment afterwards.
