Street Scams in Kona, USA
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Kona — 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
2
Street Scams Scams
10
Total in Kona
How it works
Roadside stalls and small shops near Kailua-Kona sell bags labeled "100% Kona Coffee" that contain as little as 10% Kona beans mixed with cheaper imported beans from Central America or Brazil — the minimum legal threshold for a "Kona blend" under Hawaii law. Some sellers misrepresent blends as pure Kona, charge pure-Kona prices ($30–60 per pound), and rely on visitors having no way to verify the contents on-site. A federal case prosecuted in 2025 involved a Kona cafe operator on Ali'i Drive who earned millions selling mislabeled beans for over a decade.
How it works
Papakolea Green Sand Beach near South Point (Ka Lae) is one of only four green sand beaches in the world and requires a 2.5-mile walk each way from the end of South Point Road. Locals with pickup trucks position themselves at the trailhead and offer rides, representing their service as the only way to reach the beach safely or implying the walk is restricted. Tourists have paid $20–30 per person round-trip for an unsanctioned service on public land, sometimes being dropped far short of the beach. The walk itself is on public land and requires no fee or permit.
See all scams in Kona
10 total warnings across all categories