We have a 9 day trip - 4 nights at a friend's North Shore Oahu place, then 4 nights at a Kauai B & B. My guidebooks refer to robbery as a real possibility.

1) Guidebook says several tourists have been robbed in braod daylight waiting for TheBUS at an Oahu North Shore bus stop.

2) Guidebook says rantal car agencies often recommend leaving rental car doors UNlocked beacause roberry of rental car is so rampant that when doors are locked and robbed, the rental cars get damaged.

I already know the rental cars stick out like a sore thumb (they do everywhere!). My friend with Hawaiian connections says this is more true on the islands because locals' cars are typically quite old and run down, and often are rusted from salt air. So the new, nice condition rental cars are really obvious. I already know from several sources and friends the cardinal rule: Do NOT leave anything in the car (no backpack, lunch sack even -- nothing) cause a thief might think it is of value). But is that enough? These stories of robbery of people at a remote bus stop (North Shore) in broad daylight, and the whole rental agency attitutde of "Oh just leave the doors unlocked, let them take it" concern me.

Hey, I've been to the grab my a** pickpocket capital of the world with local Italian friends (Rome), I've been attempted robbed in broad daylight outside Germany's Brandenberg gate (my aggressive "No! No! NO!" shouts prevented successful robbery, but a male collegaue from a Kenya was robbed blind by 3 "gypsy" girls and was terrified). I have grown up in an urban area, so I am very "street savy" but I am also a realist and don't take stupid chances. I want to be safe and know the deal before I get there.

Any info anyone can provide on the validity of bus stop robberies and/or car rental theft would be appreciated. You won't deter my travel plans or scare me, just help me to be safe and prepared and make appropriate transportation plans on the islands. Hope this post didn't scare anyone, that's not my intent.

With your urban senses you will be fine. I too read some of the warnings before out trip to Hawaii last year. I can honestly say I have never felt safer or more secure than here. Oahu may have crime, but Kauai was absolute Paradise. We cautious but don't sweat it. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!

I think the bus stop robbery you are referring to happened several years ago. It is not a common thing on Oahu.

However, like anywhere, you should be careful and aware of your surroundings.
Do not wear expensive jewelry and flaunt your possessions. There is safety in numbers, so a totally deserted beach is not the safest place to be. The north shore is country and the bus stops are isolated out on the main road. If you are a single traveler, you might consider renting a car.
Theft from cars is a problem. Try to park where there are lots of people moving past your car. lock the car, but don't load all your valuables in the trunk AFTER you've parked, as then the thieves know what you've got. Leave some old newspapers or junky stuff in the car to make it look "lived in" vs "rental". Do not leave your purse or camera on the beach unattended.
Despite the beauty, the west side of Oahu (Makaha) has a much higher crime rate. Luckily Hawaii has a very low violent crime rate compared to most places. Most of the crime involves theft of unattended possessions. Use common sense, and you should be safer than you would be at home.

I found hawaii very safe, but I couldn't believe it when I saw people leave their purses sitting on their towels while they go in the water! They'd never do that a home, but somehow they think its okay on vacation. Also girls who will go on a night walk on the beach with a total stranger, or men who take a prostiute into their hotel room. What are people thinking?

It's just as bad when I see so many women getting out of their car and walk to their trunk with purse in hand and plop it in. Do they really think a trunk is that hard to break into?

Rental car company is right about leaving car doors unlocked.

We had our convertible top slashed so they couldnget into the trunk. Left extensive damage to the car.

Then, with all other cars in Hawaii we left doors unlooked and windows half open to show nothing of value was in car.

Cars at beach parking lots and trailheads are the worst. If you look around, you can frequently see kids sitting in trees watching people. They know that once you leave the car, they have plenty of time to break in.
An if actually caught, they know that most tourists won't show up for the trial.

Wow, this is sort of freaking me out! Will the rental car companies hold you responsible if there is damage from a theft? We have our own insurance and we pay with our gold card....does that offer enough protection? Please advise!

You are not only responsible for the actual damage, but they assess you the daily rate(to cover lost revenue) while the car is in the shop. In addition they may charge you a processing fee.

You need to check with yorucredit card. If you own a car, typically your insurance company will pay the damage claim. Any deductibles or revenue loss would be covered by many charge cards( but not all)

The real pain in the ass iis being told you have to file a police report

We plan to check out of our Wailea area cottage, stow all our stuff in our rental car trunk, drive to Hana and stay there for two nights. Is our stuff at great risk during the drive to Hana? I'd hate to think I can't stop along the way! Guess we better pack lights so we don't have to use the back seat for anything! Sheesh!

Your stuff is not at risk during the drive.

It MAy be at risk when you make stops.
I wouldn not leave anything in the back seat unless I was only going to be away from my car for a few minutes.

Our car was broken into n the road to Hana when we stopped to take short hike to a waterfall. Police say it is very frequent occurence. Also, on beach we heard of several cases of car broken into and all luggage stolen.

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER leave your wallet or other valuables in your car for "safekeeping") while at the beach. It is much safer to have them on the beach.