January marks National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, a time to confront a difficult but urgent reality: human trafficking and sexual exploitation are happening right here in Hawaiʻi. While many people assume this is an issue that happens “somewhere else,” local data tells a much more troubling story. Nationally, the average age of first sexual exploitation is around 14 years old. In Hawaiʻi, that number is even younger—often around 11—and on Hawaiʻi Island, cases have been documented involving children as young as eight.
Part of the challenge is misinformation. Movies and television have shaped the belief that trafficking involves kidnappings, white vans, or dramatic rescues. In reality, exploitation today often begins quietly and digitally. Smartphones, gaming platforms, and social media have become common entry points, where traffickers use grooming tactics rather than force. This means some of the greatest risks aren’t in dark alleyways—but in online spaces many families consider safe.
Local advocates say awareness and education are critical to prevention. Exploitation is frequently hidden in plain sight, and it doesn’t always look the way people expect. By moving away from Hollywood myths and toward reality-based understanding, communities are better equipped to recognize warning signs, protect youth, and report concerns before harm escalates…