We are going to Maui in April and have read in Maui Revealed that you can't leave anything in the trunk of your car...it even says to leave the car doors unlocked to show that you aren't trying to hide anything valuable. What is the crime and/or theft like in Maui for tourists? Do we really need to empty everything out? I'm thinking that the only time this will affect us is on the road to Hana. We might have things that we'll want to leave in the car/truck such as coolers, towels, etc-nothing of great value. Has anyone had anything stolen from them?

We do not do anything differently from what we do on the mainland, which is to avoid leaving valuables in the vehicle and to lock and close the windows and doors and have not had any problems in our two trips there.

I recall someone suggesting the application of bumper stickers (preferably magnetic) may deter thieves from thinking your vehicle is a rental.

A bumper sticker is not going to fool anyone unless you also remove the Rental Car company's ID, which is not easy and which the rental car company will not appreciate, especially if the paint is damaged in the removal process.

Rusty is right, the locals can spot a rental from a distance. While biking down Haleakala, our guide knew instantly which cars were local and which rental.

I have had my car broken into in Maui. That's when I learned to leave the car unlocked and windows down.

The most common areas for theft seem to be in beach parking lots and at trailheads. Many times you can see kids sitting in trees watching people.

If you must store valuables in your trunk, do so BEFORE you get to the parking lot.

Reply to Dick,
I recall others raising this issue previously, that if you leave a rental car unlocked, the rental company may hold you responsible for things that occur as a result of unfettered access to others, such as vandalism and theft.