SintraX

My wife and I just returned from a 2 week visit to Kauai and had a fabulous time. Thanks fodorites!

Warning to future visitors at Pono Kai condos in Kapaa. If you stay at any of the ground level units BEWARE....We were robbed!

We are normally cautious and aware of our surroundings. I went out for a morning jog, wife stepped into the bathroom to blowdry her hair (5 mins), heard the screen slam shut and BAM the culprit was in and out within seconds. Took a wallet on the kitchen counter w/creditcards, DLs and $200 in cash (it wasn't even in plain site)

The front desk said we warn all our visitors to keep the sliding door locked when not on the lanai (NEVER Mentioned once). Their reaction was very casual as if it happens all the time (confirmed by housekeeper). The police officer said there has been an increase of similar crimes on Kauai. <poor economy?>

It didn't ruin our vacation, but thought I'd warn everyone here.

Thanks

margot55

Thanks for that warning, SintraX - very disturbing news, indeed, as we are 18 days away from our trip to Kauai. We will definitely be more vigilant than usual there (et tu, Kauai?!). In any case, how was your weather there? This will be our first time to Kauai in the summer, so we're curious about what different weather conditions we'll encounter...

RichinPA

To all:
It is a sad case but true of just about any Condo facility not just on Kauai, but everywhere. First floor units are easy prey if you aren't vigilant in keepng doors locked. Yes, people, there is crime in Paradise. Act as if you were at home, lock all doors, keep valuables out of site, especially in rental cars parked at popular viewing sites, shopping malls and restaurants. Be alert, use common sense.

islandmom

How awful! Just glad nothing happened to your wife! How did you get on the plane without your DL? Any level needs to lock their lanai. We've had building climbers in Honolulu before.

Rusty

Sounds like you are trying to blame the condo for your own failure to exercise common sense.

iceeu2

Thanks for the warning SintraX. I was telling my husband about this, and we did the same thing as you....One of us inside the condo (ground level) and the other out walking.........or, both walking! Isn't it a shame you can't relax and not worry about things? Remember those many, many years ago when we didn't even lock our doors at night? Glad you didn't let it ruin your vacation because Kauai is oh so beautiful...and Pono Kai is certainly priced right for the facility.

SintraX

My wife and I are not new to travel. We travel to Kauai 3x per year 3 week stays and the atmosphere has definitely changed.

Isn't it something........here we were victimized, sending out a warning to others yet now we're being blamed.

For god sakes, MY WIFE WAS IN THE CONDO!!! How many of you, while relaxing on your lanai momentarily step inside to go to the bathroom or get a drink - would think that someone would enter your unit and rob you????

My only recommendation to PonoKai was that ALL ground floor units should have wall safes.


RichinPA (aka self proclaimed Fodors Kauai xpert).........duhhhhhh!!!

RichinPA

TO SintraX: I don't inderstand the hostility. I was not blaming you at all. I said is is regrettable, but crime happens everywhere. Sorry if that was offensive to you.

Rusty was the one who gave you the jab.

And I never ever expressed any expertise in Kauai knowledge. I learn something new everytime I visit this wonderful island. I have my personal preferences and enjoy sharing with others.

I totally agree you had a terrible experience, sorry it happened.

iceeu2

Our ground floor unit did have a wall safe at Pono Kai. And I'm with Rich, why the hostility? Wow man, hang loose.

TxTravelPro

Another tip... make sure you do not leave anything in the hotel/resort dining area while you are going to the buffet. Very common for people dressed like tourists (or business people) to walk out with your laptop, bag, etc...

Kal

Unless the place had notice of an existing problem and failed to warn or provide security, safe, post warnings, etc?
Unless hotels have limited liabilities in Hawaii?

Did the Mgr's name start w/ "R"?
Just curious.

I did see a professional burglar inteviewed recently on TV (OK-I admit it-He was on Oprah while we were recovering in San Diego) and he said he preferred robbing houses that were occupied since neighbors figured since someone's home, not a problem.

Kurious Kal
[email protected]

TxTravelPro

The hotels in the Silicon Valley area used to warn travelers about the restaurant thieves...

Kal

Crime in San Jose? NO way!

Heartburn3

SintraX, I am glad your wife was not harmed. It is a shame we live in a world of such crime. Count your blessings -- "things" can be replaced, but your wife is priceless. God was watching out for her that day.

SintraX

You betcha I blame Pono Kai Resort. As Kal mentioned there is nothing posted at the facility anywhere, not even in any of the units we've stayed in.

.....as for Rich, I frequent several travel boards and I will in fact name Pono Kai. Why would I just say, "oh be careful when you go to Kauai" ???? I always stay in Kapaa, but people need to be warned that particular area needs more caution. Do you own a unit there?

Margot, the weather was in the 80s, slight humidity and no trade winds. I have heard the winds are back this week.

Islandmom, we always carry our passports (just a habit since 9/11). The police department will also issue you a temp DL to get you on board your flight.

Thank you Heartburn3 for your sensitivity. I always exercise extreme caution, and I'm grateful my wife wasn't harmed, even though she was a bit shook up. They didn't get the bulk of our cash and we had add'l credit cards. That and our PP were all hidden in our bedroom - a wall safe would have been better. I love Kauai and NOTHING would deter me from returning!

RichinPA wasn't your lecture a no brainer and goes without saying?

SintraX

sorry, I meant "As for Rusty" not Rich up there.

Kal

Since we're coming clean, I hope I didn't sound too flip for my last comment. >-

We know how scary it could be if you would stumble into a break-in.
All I have to say is that the punk that broke into our house years ago was lucky I wasn't 5 mins. earlier!

Sarah

just curious if you came on here before your trip why is this your only posting?

RichinPA

My Lecture??

I'm sorry if you took it that way, but don't we post on these forums to sek advice, offer opinions. I lecture no one. I stated a few facts, if you took them as no brainers, sorry, but if they safe some one the same terrible experience you had, god bless.

I just don't understand the hostility, but this is the last I will say on the subject. A little too intense for me.

Corina

I've been visiting Kauai for 20 years (lately every 2/3 months) and stayed on every part of the island ranging from condos, cottages & homes. I usually stay at Pono Kai because of it's convenient location and you can't beat the prices on their ocean front units. Like SintraX I was also robbed in one of their ground level units about 6 months ago. As a woman frequently traveling alone, I no longer rent those. The management's reaction was indifferent. I think it happens often and they don't like to advertise it.

For those of you wondering- my doors were locked. They need to focus their security on the beach area units and install safes.