Hawaii is well-known for the paradise that it is, complete with sunshine, Aloha spirit, and rainbows. With such an overwhelmingly positive reputation, you may wonder if there are any safety concerns to bear in mind on your first island trip. Hawaii is generally known to be a safe tourist destination, including for solo female travelers, elderly couples, and families with young children.
Because tourism is Hawaii’s largest industry and a huge economic driver, the local infrastructure does go to great lengths to ensure the well-being of travelers. Hawaii can be considered one of the safest islands in the world, with one of the lowest violent crime statistics in the U.S . If you exercise the same precautions here that you would at any travel destination, including watching your belongings and avoiding walking alone after dark, you will be fine.
That said, there are a few common injuries and risk factors among tourists in Honolulu. Typical petty crimes like stealing, traffic violations, and harassment are as inevitably common in the Hawaiian metropolis as in any other big city. Some neighborhoods are less welcoming than others; Chinatown, sections of Oahu’s West Side, and sections of downtown Honolulu aren’t recommended for your first visit. Honolulu made the list of U.S. cities with the largest homeless population in 2024, and the density of homelessness is higher in some areas. Forbes came out with a 2024 study that denounced Hawaii as the leading state for worst driving behavior; so if you are renting a car, get car insurance and be alert. Overall, practicing normal safety measures and awareness will be sufficient.
The Ocean Is Honolulu’s Greatest Risk Factor
The number one risk factor for tourists in Hawaii should be no surprise. Oahu is a speck of lava and sand in the Pacific Ocean, the strength of which is constantly underestimated. Ocean-related activities claim the highest number of tourist lives, with about 40 deaths per year, and account for 22% of traumatic injuries. Hawaii holds second in the nation for the highest drowning rate, and the activities being performed when these fatalities occurred were, in descending order: snorkeling, swimming, surfing and bodysurfing, falling into the water, free-diving, and scuba-diving. Many of these drownings occurred in less than three feet of water, and Oahu lifeguards rescue about 1100 people annually…