Hawaii, known for its safety, serene beaches, and generally warm Aloha spirit, has been unsettled by recent incidents that may raise concerns for visitors and residents alike. It definitely caught our attention as we traveled around the islands for the Beat of Hawaii. It’s something we’ve personally never really thought about before in Hawaii, where we’ve talked about there being no place to run to if you steal a car or rob a bank.
Two high-profile carjackings already in 2024 have highlighted a potential risk that everyone needs to be aware of while exploring the islands. We certainly hope that it doesn’t become a growing trend.
Recent Maui carjacking incident.
The most recent incident, on June 4, 2024, occurred when a California couple’s Hawaii vacation took a terrifying turn while driving on the remote Piilani Highway on Maui. Lead photo is our own photo from driving that highway.
Christopher Helmer, a 35-year-old with a decades-long serious criminal history, allegedly forced the couple out of their Ford Mustang rental car at gunpoint.
It’s been reported he returned to the scene looking for the couple who were now hiding, fired a gun, and left. The couple eventually started walking toward the summit of Haleakala and, 24 hours later, were rescued by hikers and park rangers. Luckily, no harm ultimately came to them when they were eventually rescued by hikers and park rangers.
Helmer was arrested when he was seen driving their stolen car with a loaded firearm. He faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree robbery and firearm offenses. Authorities are investigating potential accomplices in this crime as well.
Helmer’s extensive criminal background dates back decades. It includes charges of kidnapping, sex assault, robbery, and terroristic threatening. Just a month before this carjacking incident occurred, he was released on bail following another kidnapping case.
This incident has brought significant attention to the safety of tourists on Maui, prompting local authorities and community members to rally in support of the victims.
We drove the Piilani Highway years ago after leaving Hana, which continues around the island and then to the Upcountry. It took us longer than expected, and we only remember one or two cars during the long stretch of road. Sunset came, and we were still driving. Our point is that this is a remote highway, and you should use caution if traveling alone.
2024 Waikiki carjacking incident.
Earlier in 2024, Waikiki was the scene of another alarming carjacking incident, and it remains unclear who all those impacted were, including residents and visitors.
Travis Coloma was arrested following an alleged carjacking that caused a multiple-vehicle pile-up on Kapiolani Boulevard. The chaotic and dramatic Waikiki event ended with Coloma crashing into six cars leading to his ultimate capture by police.
This incident, which resulted in three people being hospitalized, plus six vehicles damaged, underscores the dangerous and unpredictable nature of such crimes. Coloma was ultimately charged with robbery, auto theft, and outstanding warrants.
Could carjackings become a trend in Hawaii?
These incidents raise the question of whether carjackings could become a growing threat that tourists and residents of Hawaii need to be concerned about. Heck, until less than twenty years ago, we never took the keys with us when we left the car and frequently just left them in the ignition. So it’s a far stretch from that to being concerned about driving around Maui, as we are doing right now.
While thankfully, carjackings are quite rare compared to other petty crimes, their occurrence, especially when involving tourists, can significantly impact Hawaii’s image as the safe travel destination that it “almost” always is.
Authorities still emphasize that violent crimes are exceptions rather than the rule, as we would concur. However, the perceptions of over-tourism and the strain on the local community have occasionally led to some spikes in crime.
More frequent types of Hawaii crimes.
Far less significant yet concerning crimes include a rise in vehicle break-ins, especially at places including Electric Beach on Oahu and hiking spots on Kauai’s North Shore, for example. Thieves often target parked cars for valuables left inside. Authorities recommend not leaving items in vehicles, parking in well-lit and well-trafficked areas, locking cars, and reporting suspicious activity. Similar incidents across the islands highlight the need for more awareness and preventive measures to protect personal belongings.
And, at Electric Beach, you’ll recall the drowning and car theft incident last year: After a drowning incident where the victim was influenced by social media posts to go there, their rental car was also stolen. The beach is known for its dangerous conditions and lacks a permanent lifeguard station. This tragic event also points to risks associated with incomplete safety information on social media and highlights the need for visitors to exercise caution and be well-informed.
Are additional safety measures and community response needed?
As a result of these incidents, the Hawaii Tourism Authority and local law enforcement agencies are contemplating more robust safety reassurances. Increased patrols in popular Hawaii tourist areas may be possible, community awareness programs, and collaboration with other organizations that aim to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors.
The recent carjackings serve as a sad but necessary reminder for tourists and residents to not take safety entirely for granted, even in Hawaii, and to take precautions while traveling. Simple steps like avoiding isolated areas, especially at night, and staying aware of your surroundings can help mitigate risks.
While Hawaii remains a largely safe and welcoming destination, these carjacking incidents highlight the importance of staying informed and cautious. The community’s response and the swift actions of law enforcement demonstrate a commitment to maintaining the islands’ safety. Visitors can continue to enjoy the beauty and hospitality of Hawaii with an added awareness of the potential risks.
Just a thought: Extensive criminal background, outstanding warrants, bail. Go figure!
I drove Piilani Highway on my only trip to Maui. My biggest concern wasn’t crime, but not getting my rental car trashed by the couple of large pickup trucks headed the opposite way on the very narrow dirt portion. Yes, it is slow going.
A slightly tongue in cheek solution would be to rent cars with manual transmissions. Car jackers seem to have no clue how to drive them, but neither do most others these days. Yes, I drive one.
Like how hard is it to figure out for locals the percentage of cars that leave a Hotel Resort is probably a rental car. My guess 90%. Especially if the occupant’s are dressed like they are from somewhere else. Be safe take a taxi,Uber,Lyft,ride share, or public transit and avoid the whole problem. That’s the risk you take when you travel with billboard license plates.
Actually, there are quite a few locals at Resorts, at least in West Maui, where I live. However, the story about the couple who had their rental car stolen was in an area where there is no public transportation nor Uber or Lyft. Your comments make me think you have never been to Maui. Also, the police did find the car and the hijacker and he is back in prison.
Easy fix. Don’t rent cars with rental car plates that identify it as a rental vehicle. Tourist’s carry valuables in rental cars and they don’t have personal registered owners. Maybe consider ride share or Uber or Lyft.
Company name plates make it harder for authorities to identify the exact vehicle to apprehend.
The safest way to avoid crime Hawaii is simple don’t go!!!!!
In the state of Wisconsin, there is a rash of car thefts. Many end up crashed and trashed. Mostly being done by teens. If caught, they’re arrested for….. “using a car without the owners consent”. I’m not kidding! Slap on wrist and back on the streets the next day
On a lighter note, why would anyone think Hawaii is safe with popular TV shows glorifying crime like 5-0, NCIS, White Lotus, etc.?
Who knows. Maybe this was a scare tactic story setup by some government agency to shoe away blue collar tourists. If a tourist isn’t renting a limo or chaffered type of paid high dollar tour group then weed out the non welcomed rental car crowd. Someone of this criminal history should have not been released in the first place which don’t make any sense to me. How did the person even get a gun? I thought guns were illegal for civilian’s to possess in Hawaii except law enforcement personnel. Are trackers put on rental cars? Who’s really tracking them if they are? Who can you really trust?
The 1st sentence of your comment is unbelievable. As I mentioned in my comments, a college of mine was assaulted at gun point near Makawao. We live here, not sure where you live thinking there is a government agency setting this up on purpose…wow!
My state don’t denote which type of tourist’s are wanted or welcomed either. In my state we even try to take care of the homeless in providing housing etc. Rich people don’t rent cars.
They are choffered or take a limo or pay to be taken places.
Ummm…Hawaii has crime like any other state in the nation. It might be a little lower per 100,000 in population than some other states, but it’s not Japan. You better lock your front door and your car door like everywhere else in the U.S.
Hawaii IS the 50th State. As a state, the citizens have all the rights of citizens of any other state – including the right to bear arms. Again, it’s not Japan where it is illegal for civilians to own guns.
Hawaii has the usual plethora of crimes, including robbery, arson, rape, assault, drugs, extortion, embezzlement, and yes, even murder and organized crime. The rate might be a little lower per 100,000 in population than some states, but it’s by no means the safest. You better lock your front door and car door when you’re there.
This article is a little misleading, as to read it, the reader may have the false assumption that carjackings are rare, and when they happen, they only happen to tourist. It doesn’t just happen to tourists.
You are right on one point, Japan doesn’t allow citizens to bear arms which is why they have less crime. In the US, not all states allow it and those that have the least restrictions have higher crimes. I think Alabama is on top of that list. We are still much safer in Hawaii than most other US states.
Liberal bail laws lead to massive increases in crime. Just ask anyone in CA, NY, OR or WA.
This guy was out on bail after kidnapping. I bet the bail wasn’t even that high ND with a bondsman you only need 8% so 100k bail means fronting 8k.
With his extensive criminal past why would they grant him bail for Kidnapping?!? Because liberal states are running themselves into the ground.
I was carjacked at gun point on a test drive in 2000 when it was at epidemic levels in California. Let me tell you I’m fortunate to be alive and able to write annoying posts here on BOH.
All kidding a side a week after my jacking another salesperson was jacked at a different dealership and was murdered. That one hit home with me.
If the jackers on Hawaii get away with their crime or if the media glorifies the jackers then yes it could become a problem.
Hi Richard.
Thank you!!
Aloha.
Thanks BOH, been running hard all day first chance to see your response.
As a side note the fellow that jacked me was caught and found guilty, but unfortunately for him he later found out that my dear wife was employed by California’s department of corrections. Needless things didn’t go well for him while in prison.
I agree with most of the replies on here as they are mature responses and I can not add anything better said. I did see a social media post on my fb account and was appalled by the blaming of the victims. I immediate deleted that account as it was run by the same moderator that made the statement and I will not return to that social media site. I love that I can read mature reviews on BOH. I feel bad for the victims, I feel bad that the bad guy does not get help to change his ways and I feel bad for the world that the governments will not lock these people up. Yes, trend is the new word and it will be trend until people pay for their crimes committed.
Judges and parole board members need to be financially liable for their poor decisions. A doctor can be sued for malpractice causing harm. Why not a judge who carelessly releases someone likely to re-offend?
I like that idea!