If you are traveling to Hawaii (HI) for a vacation or planning to move to one of the islands, safety is at the top of your list of concerns.
After all, there are many islands to visit, and the safest one would be the best one for most families.
Overall, aggravated assault is the number one problem with this being nearly 60 percent of all crimes.
Fortunately, murder is at the least of your concerns with only one percent of violent crimes in Hawaii.
When visiting Hawaii, you want to have paradise and peacefulness along with the sounds of the seas.
Here are some tips on doing just that including where to visit and to avoid it when you want to stay safe in Hawaii.
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10 Safest Cities in Hawaii
Kalaupapa, Molokai
In Kalaupapa, HI, there is a small community with single-family households present.
This is also rated the safest city in the entire state of Hawaii according to Neighborhood Scout.
The city is on the northern island of Molokai, one of the eight major Hawaiian islands.
This is also the fifth most populated island and it is well-traveled among visitors from the mainland US and abroad.
There is also a lot of native heritage here on the island of Molokai.
As for Kalaupapa, the crime rate is 58.66 violent crimes per 1,000 residents.
Choose to visit the southeast area of the city for the safest neighborhoods and shops.
Kula, Maui
The small town of Kula, Hawaii on the island of Maui has few residents with only 7,621 people as of 2020.
The touristy parts of the city are Kihei and Lahaina, which are where most of the locals reside and work.
Here you also have a far lower rate of crime with only one in 534 violent crime victims annually.
The rates for property crime are higher at one in 68 crimes per year.
Kalaheo, Kauai
In Kalaheo, Kauai, the crime rate is 24.1 property crimes per 100, and 8 violent crimes per 100.
This puts Kalaheo at the safer end of the spectrum for travelers to Hawaii.
Kalaheo North and ‘Ele’ele are the two safest communities in Kalaheo.
If you are on the eastern side of Kalaheo, your chance of being involved in a violent crime is as high as one in 298, so these areas are to be avoided.
Anahola, Kauai
The small town of Anahola is on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.
The name Anahola is translated from “deadly winds” in Hawaiian and is home to 2,311 people as of 2020.
This is a place well known for tourists interested in snorkeling and swimming.
As a result, it is more of a touristy town that is not overly populated with would-be criminals.
The winds might be deadly, but the rate of violent crimes in Anahola is nothing but mild at 7.86 crimes per 1,000 residents.
Laie, Honolulu
Laie in Honolulu County, HI is on the island of Oahu.
The name Laie means “ie leaf” and the town had 4,585 residents as of 2020.
The community in this Hawaiian city is mostly Mormon, which might have something to do with the low crime rate.
The crime rate of Laie is 10.19 crimes per 1,000 residents.
Stay away from the southwest areas of Laie, and visit the northwest parts if you want to call Laie your vacation destination in Hawaii.
Wailea, Maui
Wailea, Maui is one of the most scenic and tropical places in all of Hawaii.
Visitors flock here to see the golf courses, beaches, and luxurious accommodations.
It is three times the size of Waikiki and offers plenty of fun and relaxation.
So how does Wailea measure up in terms of crime?
The crime rate for Wailea, HI is 63 percent lower than the rest of the US and you have a one in 116 chance of being involved in a crime when visiting this Hawaiian resort paradise.
Kailua, Hawaii
Kailua is a small unincorporated city that has 11,975 residents as of 2020.
On the Big Island of Hawaii, Kailua is close to the Kona International Airport and sees ample travelers.
Kona is the largest town in Hawaii, and you may see Kailua-Kona as one name.
However, these are actually two different cities.
As for the crime rate in Kailua, there is a one in 1,158 chance that you will be a victim of a violent crime here.
However, property crime is a bit more rampant with one in 60 fallen victims of this type of crime.
Kilauea, Kauai
The Kauai city of Kilauea has the greatest fame for being the location of the youngest of all the Hawaiian volcanoes, as well as the most active.
As a result, tourists come to Kilauea for the other world scenery and outdoor activities that include surfing and kayaking.
But what about the crime?
In Kilauea, the crime rate is 56 percent lower than in the rest of the US.
You have a one in 98 chance of being the target of a victim while in Hawaii if staying or visiting Kilauea.
East Honolulu
East Honolulu, Hawaii is located in Honolulu County.
There are far more residents here, with a population of 50,922, and East Honolulu is the second most populated Hawaiian city.
Honolulu is the most populated and far most well known among travelers.
As for the crime rate of this heavily populated place, there is a one in 87 chance that you would be a victim in East Honolulu.
This rate has also decreased in the last year by 15 percent.
Overall, you are 51 percent less likely to be involved in a violent crime here.
Makaweli, Kauai
Makaweli is a very small and sparsely populated town with only about 600 residents.
It is located on the Kauai shore to the south of the island.
The crime rate of Kauai County is 31.26 crimes per 1,000 residents.
The violent crime rate in Makaweli is also lower at only 8.31 crimes per 1,000 residents.
There are 2.08 assaults that occur per 1,000 people in Makaweli, too.
The neighborhoods in the central part of the city are considered the safest for travelers and locals.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Hawaii
1. Stay in a Resort
If this is your first time traveling to a tropical paradise like Hawaii, consider staying in an all-inclusive resort.
Everything is paid for ahead of time and you have meal vouchers rather than having to use a credit or debit card anywhere.
This also helps you reduce how much cash you carry, which makes it safer to travel in Hawaii.
You are less likely to be the target of pickpockets, too, when you are staying at a resort that has restaurants, shopping, and scenery.
2. Book Through a Travel Agent
And get insurance!
Both of these tactics will ensure your safety.
You will be going to a hotel or resort that is vetted and approved by a third-party travel company.
This can be protective and offers a layer of security, as someone else is there to deal with any problems you might incur while staying in the accommodations and when traveling to Hawaii.
The travel agent will also help you to choose the safest places to visit and activities to do for your family while in the state.
While hiking a volcano sounds exciting, as does a luau, these might actually not be best suited for your family, especially if you have infants and toddlers, for example.
As a result, having someone there to guide you to make the safest travel decisions is a smart choice.
3. Go to Only One Island
One of the biggest considerations you make when planning a trip to Hawaii is where to go.
Since there are several islands, big and small, you cannot possibly visit them all.
Logistics and pricing are partly to blame, but you actually would need to live in Hawaii to have this type of experience.
Therefore, for your own safety and wellbeing, travel to only one island when visiting Hawaii, especially for your first trip.
By sticking to one island, you avoid any risks associated with traveling by water or air while in Hawaii.
This includes leaving your luggage in a hotel on one island while traveling to another or having to board with all of your belongings for a one-day island hopping.
This, too, puts your safety in jeopardy when traveling.
4. Learn Some Hawaiian Words and Phrases
A lot of people who visit Hawaii, even from within the US, do not realize that the islands have their own language.
“Aloha” meaning hello is only one word from Hawaii.
Learn some words and phrases to help you get along a lot more easily.
This goes with both communicating with people who you meet in Hawaii, but also when reading signs and traveling.
You will be able to understand and interpret these signs and warnings in an appropriate manner if you are already familiar with the language.
Thank you is “mahalo,” while the phrase welcome, come in is “e komo mai.”
5. Wear Minimal Jewelry and Carry a Small Purse
As an island, Hawaii is most famous for its beaches, sands, and waves.
If you are going to wear a bikini or swimming trunks most of the time, then anything else you have on your body will stand out to a would-be criminal.
This includes diamond rings, smartphones, and expensive handbags.
Leave all of these flashy items behind if you want to stay safe while traveling to Hawaii, especially if you are going to be sunbathing.
If you do have these items, be discreet and avoid going into large crowds, including at shopping malls, where pickpockets are more prevalent.
Hawaii Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Hawaii Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most dangerous city to visit in Hawaii?
The most dangerous city to live in in the state of Hawaii is Fern Forest.
It is the poorest city according to Sperling and has a violent crime rate of 38 of 100.
When is the safest month of the year to travel to Hawaii?
May is the safest month to travel to Hawaii.
This is when all of the spring break and holiday tourists from the winter season have gone home.
May sees the fewest visitors; it is not hurricane season, and there is not a lot of heat or rain during this month.
Which island in Hawaii is the safest?
The northern part of Hawaii is the safer area of the state to live in.
This includes the islands of Kauai and Niihau in Honolulu County.
I’m looking to move to Hawaii for health reasons my arthritis is getting worse. And I need a place with water and sunshine.
I’m a senior so I’m on a fixed income is there someone that could possibly help me
Hawaii is too damp so go to Palm Springs. It’s dry and perfect for arthritis. Plus, you’re on a fixed income which means that your bank account will get sunburned in Hawaii.
You mentioned Kilauea, Kauai is safe but has an active volcano…. Kauai is the oldest island in the Hawaiian Island chain. Kaua’i does not have any active volcanos… The only island that does is Hawai’i Island (big island).
I love the idea of exploring Hawaii! Safety is always a top priority when planning a trip, and knowing the top 10 safest cities is incredibly helpful. I’ve been to a couple of them, and the serene atmosphere coupled with the welcoming locals make for an unforgettable experience.
Hawaii has always been on my travel bucket list, and safety is a major consideration for me. Thanks for this informative post!
I’m excited to explore these secure destinations and experience the unique charm each one has to offer.