Accommodation Scams in Kauai, USA
Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud. Below are the accommodation scams scams reported in Kauai — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like New York, Tijuana, and Cozumel.
Last updated: April 9, 2026
1
Accommodation Scams Scams
10
Total in Kauai
How it works
Fraudulent rental listings for Kauai properties — particularly beachfront homes on the North Shore near Hanalei and Princeville, and Poipu Beach condos — are posted on Craigslist and cloned onto fake booking sites using photos stolen from legitimate VRBO or Airbnb listings. Victims wire a deposit or pay via Zelle, then arrive to find no property exists or the unit is occupied by the actual owner. Hawaii ranks second nationally for vacation rental fraud, and Kauai police report a consistent uptick in Craigslist-sourced scams each tourist season.
See all scams in Kauai
10 total warnings across all categories