Rip-offs & Bargaining, Honolulu

It's always tempting to try to travel the cheap way and stay at a hostel or some scummy motel. But in Honolulu it's always better to go with a dependable brand name that you know you can trust. Then you can spend the rest of your worrying deciding whether to go to the beach or snorkeling.

Be aware of the many people, mostly men who are walking around Waikiki/Honolulu streets with parrots on their shoulders. These people will insist on getting your picture taken with you holding their parrots and then ask for a "donation", usually at least $5 and will be upset if you give less. They may also use their scheme as a distraction to pick your pocket.

There are several scams running whereby you purchase a boat ticket to an offshore island, thinking you have a return ticket. But instead, you are forced to pay up large once you are there, in order to get back!