How to Avoid Trailhead Ripoffs in Hawaii

Not all trailheads in Hawaii are safe for rental cars, or for that matter, any cars. If you plan to do any hiking in Hawaii, know that your car, and any possessions stored in your car, is at risk at certain trailheads in Hawaii.

I will make reference to hiking trailheads on Oahu in Hawaii. Oahu is the most populous of all the islands of Hawaii. By far, Oahu has the most hiking accessible and hikeable trails in Hawaii. And, Oahu likely has the most automobile ripoffs at trailheads.

Based on personal experience, I have had a vehicle ripped off just once in my 14+ years of hiking in Hawaii. What happened? I had the roof racks (for my kayak) stolen from my Jeep Cherokee at trailhead for Kaau Crater in Palolo Valley. The trailhead is in a spot that is isolated, a prime target for car thieves.

And I hike with pretty good regularity. What I have learned from all that experience is that certain trailheads are more risky than others for vehicle safety.

In addition to the aforementioned trailhead for Ka'au Crater, some particularly risky trailheads on Oahu:

Olomana trail: the usual parking place is along an access road leading to the Luana Hills Golf Course. I would not recommend parking in this spot. Instead, park at Maunawili Park just around the corner.

Kaunala trail: this is located at the end of Pupukea Road. Again, this is very remote. There is a Boy Scout Camp at the end of Pupukea Road but parking is not available there for non-camp users (like we hikers). No good alternatives. The suggested strategy is to keep your vehicle unlocked (yes, unlocked) and free of valuables. If you choose to lock your car, do not leave anything that is or appears to be of value visible in the car. Know that if a car thief wants to get into your car, he will. And the usual methods are [1] smashing a window or [2] using a screwdriver to ratchet open a car door or trunk lock.

Kaena Point hike: whether you are starting from the Waianae side or the Pupukea side, there are big risks due to the isolated locations of these starting points. If you choose to do this hike, I'd recommend starting on the Waianae side and parking in the lot next to the military security check point station along Farrington Highway. While this location offers no guarantee of vehicle safety (know that there are no absolutely guarantee safe spots), it is more safe than at the end of the road.

Aiea Loop Trail: I'd suggest avoiding the uppermost parking area for this hike. Plenty of car ripoffs happen there. Instead, park right near the heiau (ancient Hawaiian rock temple) near the park caretaker's home.

Nuuanu-Judd trail: the area closest to the trailhead is sparsely populated and remote. I would suggest parking further down Nuuanu Pali Drive by some homes and then walking to the trailhead.

Hauula-Papali Loop Trail: I recommend avoiding the parking right by the trailhead. This is a remote spot and a target for thieves. Instead, park under a large tree along Kamehameha Highway by Hauula Homestead Road. A 7-11 store is a short distance away. The trailhead is a five-minute walk from the highway to the top of Hauula Homestead Road.

Waianae Kai and Ka'ala trails: Great hikes but unfortunately the trailhead is in a very, very remote spot and a primo theft location. No good parking alternatives. I recommend removing all valuables and keeping your vehicle unlocked.

I don't want to dissuade anyone from hiking in Hawaii, particularly at the trails I've noted here. Just know that there are ripoff risks, especially at certain trailheads. If you take precautions, you will decrease the chance of being a victim.