North America/USA

Is Kona Safe for Tourists in 2026?

Kona is generally safe for tourists relative to other popular destinations. Our database documents 10 scams, with only 2 rated high severity. Standard travel awareness applies — staying alert in crowded areas and using vetted transport covers the majority of documented risks.

See all 10 documented scams in Kona

Overall verdict

Generally Safe

Lower scam risk compared to similar destinations

Scams documented

10

High severity

2

Medium severity

6

Top risk type

Tour & Activities

Priority warnings

High-severity risks in Kona

These are the most serious documented scams — rated high severity based on frequency, financial impact, and confirmation across multiple sources.

Timeshare Activity Kiosk Bait

high

Street-level kiosks along Ali'i Drive in Kailua-Kona offer free or heavily discounted activity vouchers — snorkel gear, whale watching, or helicopter tours — in exchange for attending a "short 90-minute resort presentation." The presentation is a high-pressure timeshare sales session that routinely runs three to five hours. Sales agents are trained to isolate couples, wear down resistance through extended back-and-forth with managers, and pressure visitors into signing financial commitments on the spot. Victims frequently report losing an entire vacation day.

How to avoid: Book all activities directly through tour operators or your hotel concierge. Decline any offer that requires attending a presentation. If you accept a freebie, know the presentation will be far longer than advertised and legally binding contracts may be presented.

Where: Along Ali'i Drive in Kailua-Kona between Kailua Pier and Keauhou Shopping Center; kiosks also operate inside the Coconut Grove Marketplace and near the King Kamehameha Hotel lobby entrance.

Rental Car Pre-Existing Damage Fraud

high

Multiple documented cases at Kona International Airport (KOA) involve rental car agents charging tourists for damage that was pre-existing or fabricated. In documented TripAdvisor and FlyerTalk reports, agents at Budget, Sixt, and Avis have presented invoices days or weeks after return — citing photos allegedly taken at pickup — for damage the customer never caused. One documented case involved a $450 charge for "excess interior sand" from a beach visit; another resulted in a nearly $1,000 invoice that was only dropped after a BBB complaint.

How to avoid: Before driving away, photograph every panel, bumper, wheel, and the interior from multiple angles with timestamps enabled on your phone. Email the photos to yourself immediately so they are server-timestamped. Decline the rental company's own damage waiver and instead use a credit card that provides primary rental car coverage. If an agent rushes your walkthrough, slow them down — take your time.

Where: Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) rental car pickup and return area, approximately 7 miles north of Kailua-Kona on Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway (Route 19).

By traveler type

Is Kona safe for you specifically?

Scam risk varies by traveler profile. Different types of visitors face different documented threats in Kona.

Solo travelers

Standard risk

Solo travelers are more frequently targeted because they lack the deterrent of a group. Stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share itineraries with someone at home, and avoid deserted areas at night.

First-time visitors

Higher risk

Unfamiliarity with local pricing, transport, and norms makes first-time visitors prime targets. Read the full scam database for Kona before arrival — knowing what scams exist is the single most effective protection.

Families with children

Lower risk

Families with children are less commonly targeted for scams involving nightlife or bar areas. Standard precautions apply: use vetted transport, keep documents secured, and brief children on not accepting gifts from strangers.

Budget travelers

Higher risk

Budget travelers spending time in hostels, using street food, and booking last-minute tours face increased exposure to accommodation scams, fake tour operators, and currency exchange fraud.

Where risk concentrates

Areas to be cautious in Kona

These locations are specifically cited in documented scam reports for Kona. Exercise heightened awareness in these areas.

Timeshare Activity Kiosk Bait

Along Ali'i Drive in Kailua-Kona between Kailua Pier and Keauhou Shopping Center; kiosks also operate inside the Coconut Grove Marketplace and near the King Kamehameha Hotel lobby entrance.

high

Rental Car Pre-Existing Damage Fraud

Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) rental car pickup and return area, approximately 7 miles north of Kailua-Kona on Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway (Route 19).

high

Fake "100% Kona Coffee" Product Fraud

Roadside stalls and souvenir shops along Ali'i Drive in Kailua-Kona; coffee farms and stands on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) between Captain Cook and Holualoa in the Kona coffee belt.

medium

Green Sand Beach Unofficial "Shuttle" Fee

South Point Road (Kalae Road) trailhead near Ka Lae (South Point), approximately 11 miles off Highway 11 near Naalehu on the southern tip of the Big Island, about 60 miles southeast of Kailua-Kona.

low

Fake Online Activity Booking Site

Online — fake sites target searches for "Kona manta ray tour," "Big Island snorkel charter," and "Kona whale watching." Victims typically discover the scam upon arriving at Kailua Pier or the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor.

medium
Risk breakdown

What types of scams occur in Kona?

Tour & Activities

Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping.

4

40% of reports

Street Scams

Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas.

2

20% of reports

Online Scams

Fraudulent booking sites, phishing, fake reviews, and digital cons targeting travelers.

2

20% of reports

Restaurant Scams

Inflated bills, hidden charges, tourist menus, and food service tricks.

1

10% of reports

Other Scams

Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors.

1

10% of reports

How serious?

Severity breakdown for Kona

2 High — 20%
6 Medium — 60%
2 Low — 20%
Before you go

Quick safety checklist for Kona

01

Before booking any tour or activity in Kona, verify the operator has verifiable reviews on multiple platforms.

02

Tour & Activities scams are the most documented risk in Kona — review those warnings specifically before you arrive.

03

Use app-based transport rather than street taxis, especially near Kona's main tourist attractions.

04

Keep a physical copy of your passport, travel insurance policy number, and embassy contact in a separate location from originals.

05

If you are approached by someone offering unsolicited help, tours, or currency exchange, politely decline and walk away.

06

Report any scam to local police and to your country's embassy. Even if recovery is unlikely, reports help maintain accurate travel advisories.

Common questions

Is Kona safe — answered

Is Kona safe for tourists in 2026?

Kona is generally safe for tourists based on our database of 10 documented scams. 2 of those are rated high severity. The most common risks are tour & activities, street scams, online scams. Millions of tourists visit Kona safely each year — preparedness is the key differentiator.

Is Kona safe for solo travelers?

Kona is generally navigable for solo travelers with standard precautions. Key advice: stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share your itinerary with someone at home, use app-based transport at night, and avoid isolated areas after dark. Review the full scam list for Kona before traveling alone.

What are the most dangerous areas in Kona for tourists?

Based on documented incident reports, the highest-risk areas in Kona include: Along Ali'i Drive in Kailua-Kona between Kailua Pier and Keauhou Shopping Center; kiosks also operate inside the Coconut Grove Marketplace and near the King Kamehameha Hotel lobby entrance.. Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) rental car pickup and return area, approximately 7 miles north of Kailua-Kona on Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway (Route 19).. Roadside stalls and souvenir shops along Ali'i Drive in Kailua-Kona; coffee farms and stands on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) between Captain Cook and Holualoa in the Kona coffee belt.. These areas are associated with tour & activities, other scams, street scams incidents.

Is Kona safe at night?

Nighttime risk in Kona is primarily concentrated around bar and nightlife districts, where overcharging, spiked drink incidents, and fake police are more common. Using official or app-based transport after dark and staying in well-lit, populated areas reduces risk significantly.

Is Kona safe for female travelers?

Kona is broadly accessible for female travelers with standard precautions. General guidance: use verified accommodation with secure entry, avoid sharing ride details publicly, dress in line with local customs to reduce unwanted attention, and keep emergency contacts accessible. Travel communities like r/solotravel and r/TravelHacks have current firsthand reports.

What scams should I watch for in Kona?

The top documented scams in Kona are: Timeshare Activity Kiosk Bait, Rental Car Pre-Existing Damage Fraud, Fake "100% Kona Coffee" Product Fraud, Green Sand Beach Unofficial "Shuttle" Fee, Fake Online Activity Booking Site. The full database covers 10 individual scams across 5 categories. Reviewing each scam's description and avoidance tips is the most effective pre-trip preparation.

Should I get travel insurance for Kona?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for any trip to Kona. Beyond scam-related losses, insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and theft — all documented risk categories here. Look for policies that include 24/7 emergency assistance and explicit coverage for mugging or pickpocketing. Compare policies on comparison sites before purchasing.

Is USA safe to visit in 2026?

USA as a whole is a popular tourist destination with documented scam activity across multiple cities. Kona specifically has 10 documented scams with a generally safe safety rating. Check the full USA country guide for a regional overview and safety comparisons across all covered cities.

Editorial note: This safety assessment for Kona is based on 10 verified scam reports in the Before You Go database, compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Safety conditions change — always cross-reference with current government advisories before travel. Read our methodology →