Hawaii is generally considered a safe destination, with violent crime rates well below the USA average. However, property crimes are somewhat more common, particularly in busy tourist areas. NeighborhoodScout reports that most Hawaiian communities see relatively low crime, with the state’s violent crime risk reaching up to only 1.87 per 1000.
Some of the safest areas of this state include small towns and military zones such as Kalaupapa. In contrast, islands and cities with higher tourist traffic, like Honolulu, tend to report more incidents.
Beyond crime, visitors should also be aware of the natural hazards, which can raise some safety challenges. Read till the end to find out “Is Hawaii safe?” with data on specific islands, natural hazards, and practical safety tips.
Why You Can Trust This Guide About Hawaii Safety?
We have based our analysis on official crime data and authoritative sources to answer the “Is Hawaii safe to visit?” question. State and federal statistics, including the Hawaii Attorney General’s reports and the FBI Crime Data Explorer, provide verified crime rates.
We also reference reputable research platforms like NeighborhoodScout, SafeWise, and CrimeGrade for localized insights.
Is Hawaii Safe? A Quick Answer
Hawaii is safer than many places in the United States in terms of violence. State data show that only 218 incidents per 100,000 people have happened in 2024, which is well below the country's average. NeighborhoodScout similarly finds Hawaii’s overall crime risk lower than the median, with only a 1 in 535 chance of a violent crime and 1 in 60 for any crime.
Even the Honolulu Police Department stated that property crime decreased in 2024 in this relatively crime-heavy Hawaii island. The safest areas of this state tend to be rural or small communities, such as the Big Island’s Waimea.
Is Hawaii a Safe Place to Live? A Safety Overview
Overall, crime in Hawaii is mostly property-related. In recent years, Hawaii saw roughly 2685 violent crimes and 23962 property crimes statewide. NeighborhoodScout notes the chance of being victimized in Hawaii is relatively low, as explained above. SafeWise’s 2025 Hawaii report finds the following statistics:
| Survey Metric | Hawaii Statistics |
| Feel safe in the community | 40% |
| Worry about property crime | 69% |
| Experienced property crime (past 8 months) | 29% |
| Experienced violent crime (past 8 months) | 22% |
| Believe crime is rising | 71% |
| Experienced gun violence (past 8 months) | 13% |
Along with these statistics, Honolulu’s Police Department also confirms property offenses are most common, with shoplifting making up many incidents. In contrast, murders and assaults are relatively rare, which answers the “Is Hawaii Safe” query.
What are the Main Safety Concerns in Hawaii?
In addition to crime, Hawaii’s biggest safety issues arise from its environment. The islands are subject to powerful natural forces, including ocean and volcanoes, as well as opportunistic crime. Tourists should follow Hawaii safety tips for these specific hazards.
Natural Risks
Hawaii’s natural landscape can be dangerous if not respected. You should be aware of:
- Ocean Hazards
In Hawaii, strong currents, unexpected waves, and shore-breaks routinely cause accidents. On average, about 40 people drown in Hawaii each year. Plus, it is the 5th leading cause of death in the state.
For example, in 2017, the North Shore’s powerful winter waves resulted in many fatalities. To tackle this challenge, always swim at guarded beaches and heed warnings.
- Volcanic Activity
The Big Island has active volcanoes (Kilauea, Mauna Loa) that occasionally erupt. In 2018, a Kilauea eruption destroyed at least 26 homes in the Leilani Estates.
Fortunately, such volcanic eruptions move slowly and tourist areas are far away. Still, visitors are advised to check Volcanoes National Park alerts for ash or closures.
- Wildfires
Within some Hawaiian islands, drought and dry vegetation make wildfires a rising threat. The worst recent example was the August 2023 Maui fire, which destroyed over 2,200 structures and killed around 100 people.
- Hurricanes and Storms
Direct hits by tropical cyclones are rare but possible. For instance, Hurricane Lane battered the Big Island with 52 inches of rain, the second-highest USA tropical storm total on record, causing major flooding but few casualties.
The most destructive hurricane in recent memory was Hurricane Iniki on Kauai, which caused billions in damage. Travelers in storm season (June to November) should always monitor NOAA forecasts and be ready to seek shelter if warnings arise.
Security Concerns
Hawaii is not free of theft, especially in popular tourist areas. Residents and tourists in this state should be worried about:
- Car Break-ins
Visitors often leave valuables visible in parked cars, making them targets. Honolulu Police note that areas like Halona Blowhole and Makapu‘u are notorious for smash-and-grab thefts.
- Theft from Beach or Rentals
Leaving phones or wallets unattended on the beach leads to several theft incidents in Hawaii. Reports of stolen beach gear, cameras, or luggage prompt tourists to take precautions. Never leave belongings unattended, and use locks in rentals if available.
- Home Burglaries
According to SafeWise, over 50% of burglaries occur at residences in most of the USA states, including Hawaii. Therefore, homeowners are wise to reinforce doors and alarms with advanced products from eufy.
- Scams and Frauds
In Hawaii, consumer scams target both residents and tourists. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office recently warned of fake charities and lottery scams. Some other common ploys include fraudulent ticket sellers or rental offers, and impersonators calling about false fines.
Island-Wise Crime Scores for Hawaii
Hawaii’s safety varies by island and locale, so we have gathered the crime data for different counties. Following statistics from the CrimeGrade website will surely answer the “Is Hawaii safe to visit?” question.
1. Hawaii (Big Island)
Hawaii County’s violent crime rates are modest, while total crime (driven by property offenses) is relatively high. Hawaii County has a D+ overall rating with a B- violent grade and D- property grade. In some cases of assault or robbery, property crimes like theft and burglary are much more common.
These incidents contribute to an estimated 41 crimes per 1,000 residents each year. The overall cost of crime in Hawaii County is projected at around $91 million annually, underscoring the need for continued community safety efforts.
2. Honolulu
This island comes in with a B- overall safety rating, meaning it is somewhat safer than the average United States city. Overall, Honolulu faces about 21.6 crimes per 1,000 residents each year. Property crime, such as theft and vehicle theft, is more common, totaling about 16.2 per 1,000 people.
Other non-violent offenses are also present but less frequent. Neighborhoods in the northeast are generally considered among the safest, so the cost of crime per household in Hawaii is only $900 annually.
3. Maui
Maui County’s CrimeGrade profile is complex after the 2023 wildfire disruptions. Its violent crime rates are relatively low (B+ violent grade), while total crime and property crime metrics are notably higher in some data slices. Lahaina and the southwest tourist corridor historically saw more incidents like property vulnerabilities.
The cost of crime in 2025 is estimated at about $67.4 million, which roughly works out to $408 per resident. So, visitors should remain cautious about rental-property security and avoid leaving valuables in cars.
4. Kauaʻi
Kauaʻi is the safest island in Hawaii, with the B+ violent-crime rating. With about 2.84 violent crimes per 1000 residents in a typical year, major acts of violence are not that common. Among these crimes, assault is the most frequent, followed by rape and robbery.
The northern part of the county is generally viewed as safer than some of the western regions. The financial toll of violent crime in Kauai is estimated at roughly $11 million annually, which works out to about $459 per household.
5. Kaunakakai
With the overall D- crime rating, Kaunakakai ranks in the 9th percentile for safety among United States cities. Its residents face about 50 crimes per 1000 people annually, with assault and theft being the largest contributors.
However, murder on this island is rare, with a much lower rate than many other crimes. Cost-wise, crime is projected to cost Kaunakakai about $2.86 million in 2025 altogether.
6. Lānaʻi
Lanai City has an F overall crime rating. Its violent crime rate is around 4.854 per 1,000, with even higher numbers for property crimes. The statistics reflect a tiny resident base where a handful of incidents strongly affect per-capita rates.
Moreover, its resort areas see advanced security, so most tourist interactions are safe. Thankfully, the higher numbers are concentrated in small town neighborhoods, so visitors staying at resorts face minimal risk.
7. Waianae
Waianae gets a B overall rating, placing it safer than about 66% of the USA cities. Violent crime is relatively low, earning a B+ grade, but property crime is more of a concern with a C+ grade. Other non-violent offenses, such as drug crimes and identity theft, are moderate, with a grade of A- in that category.
In terms of costs, crime on this island is expected to cost about $8.4 million in 2025 in total, which works out to around $286 per resident. Moreover, neighborhoods in the eastern parts tend to be safer, while the southwest sees higher crime rates.
How to Stay Safe in the Dangerous Areas of Hawaii?
Homeowners should prepare for both crime and environmental threats. Below are some Hawaii safety tips to greatly reduce risk:
1. Reinforce Doors and Windows
Consider upgrading to a eufy Smart Lock, which offers fingerprint access and real-time unlock logs. With the smart solutions, such as eufy Familock S3 Max, you can make break-ins harder and access more secure.
For added security, add a eufy Video Doorbell for motion alerts and two-way talk. Using such advanced doorbells, you will be able to see visitors and deter package thieves. For windows and sliding doors, install security film and anti-lift devices.
2. Use Advanced Security Cameras
Residents need to use outdoor cameras to provide deterrence and evidence if crime occurs. Modern security cameras offered by eufy offer 4K video and local storage, so footage stays private. These cameras even have AI motion detection and smart recognition features to scare away the thieves.
Many Hawaiians already use cameras, as SafeWise found that 48% of property-protecting residents have security cameras. While installing cameras, look for weatherproof models with night vision, such as eufy SoloCam S340.
3. Protect Against Environmental Risks
In some of the safest islands in Hawaii, you may need to fight against natural hazards to keep your family safe. For this, install heat and carbon-monoxide detectors, as wood-frame homes can catch fire easily in drought. Furthermore, use hurricane straps for roof ties and roof clamps for metal roofs.
Apart from that, residents have to secure rain gutters and clear nearby leaves to reduce fire risk. In remote areas, consider a small generator or battery backup in case of outages.
4. Install Advanced Security Systems
For top-tier protection against crime and natural threats, a monitored alarm system is ideal. eufy’s ExpertSecure system combines door sensors, cameras, video doorbells, and motion detectors to detect danger. Its AI-powered hub can verify motion events via camera video and only trigger alarms on real threats.
Alerts are sent to a certified monitoring center in the USA for 24/7 expert monitoring. All video is stored locally to protect privacy. In short, this integrated system offers Hawaii homeowners seamless intrusion, fire, and flood alerts with professional backup.
Conclusion
Hawaii is a relatively safe destination, but like anywhere, visitors and locals should stay alert. Its violent crime rates are low, but theft and property crime do occur, answering the “Is Hawaii safe?” query.
For home security, we recommend eufy security products, including security cameras and the AI-driven ExpertSecure alarm system with expert monitoring. These systems operate well in Hawaii’s climate, helping protect your family and property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to walk around Hawaii at night?
Yes, Waikiki is generally safe to walk at night, especially within the main tourist district. Violent incidents are rare in this tourist zone. That said, petty crime and violent behavior can occur late at night in bars or along Kalakaua Avenue.
Which Hawaiian island is safest?
All islands are fairly safe, but data suggest some differences. Kauai and Maui often rank as very safe, with low violent crime and safe communities. On the other hand, Molokai and Lanai have tiny populations but surprisingly high crime rates per capita.
Are there travel advisories for Hawaii?
No special travel advisory is currently in effect for Hawaii beyond standard USA level-1 guidance. As a USA state, Hawaii falls under the same “Exercise Normal Precautions” advisory as any domestic destination.
Can you drink tap water in Hawaii?
Yes, Hawaii’s tap water is of high quality and safe to drink. In fact, Hawaiian tap water often originates from pristine mountain springs. The Board of Water Supply reports that local water quality is very high. Major municipalities meet all federal and state standards, so you can drink it just as you would bottled water.
