Is Honolulu Safe for Tourists? + 2024 Travel Tips
With its breathtaking beaches, lively culture, and balmy temps, Honolulu is a leading destination for a wealth of reasons. But is it safe for tourists? You’re in the right place. As an avid Oahu traveler who frequents Honolulu, I know a little bit about this amazing city.
In a word: Yes, Honolulu is safe—as long as you exercise caution, common sense, and respect.
From keeping a close eye on your valuables to steering clear of certain areas after dark, there are a host of ways to stay safe in the Aloha State’s gorgeous and electrifying capital.
Dive in as we explore the savviest ways to relish your Hawaiian vacation with minimal risk.
Is it safe to travel to Honolulu?
Absolutely! Honolulu is not only the 4th safest large city in the United States but the Hawaiian Tourism Authority just announced that Honolulu was named the safest city in the world.
Yet, it’s vital to remain aware of your surroundings regardless of where you go—even in paradise. While Honolulu has a relatively low crime rate of violent crime, it sees its fair share of petty theft and, on rare occasions, assault—to say nothing of the hazards you might encounter in the natural world.
Having a handle on the precise precautions you should take while visiting Hawaii’s signature city is the key to a stress-free holiday.
What areas should I avoid in Honolulu?
Whether you plan to bliss out in an Airbnb in the ever-lovely Kahala district or you booked a room in the heart of Waikiki, rest assured that many of Honolulu’s most popular spots are well-policed.
This is thanks in part to recent efforts like the city’s “Safe and Sound” program— a collaborative approach to curb crime in the region between Ala Wai Harbor and Diamond Head.
That said, there are a few places you may want to dodge after one of Honolulu’s stunning sunsets:
- Chinatown – Chinatown has gone through a major resurrection in recent years. At once gritty and vibrant, it features a thriving arts and culture scene and a bevy of chic restaurants and bars to match it.
(The Pig & The Lady is a must if you have a penchant for Vietnamese eats.) But Chinatown’s somewhat seedy past as Honolulu’s former red-light district persists post-midnight.
My advice? Uber it back to your accommodations after you’ve had your fill (and long before the bars close at 2am).
- Kalihi – Located on the northern edge of Honolulu, Kalihi is notorious for crime, particularly vandalism and larceny.
While kama’aina (or locals) are actively working to repair the neighborhood’s reputation, it’s best to avoid this area—an easy feat considering that it isn’t on most visitors’ radars.
Also, if you’re staying in Waikiki, aim to remain on Kalakaua Avenue after dusk—and sidestep Kuhio Avenue.
Tips for Staying Safe in Honolulu
Staying safe in Honolulu isn’t just a matter of tapping into your street smarts: it also entails approaching all of your activities with a healthy degree of mindfulness. Here are few of my best travel tips for you before you go.
1. Don’t swim alone
Waikiki Beach—the crown jewel of Honolulu—is coveted for its crystalline waters and ample opportunities for swim seshes and longboarding lessons.
But don’t be fooled by Waikiki’s seemingly benign waves: Summer swells closer to June to August are common, and a dip can turn dangerous. Make sure you swim with others—and stay in sight of the lifeguards.
2. Avoid the ocean at night
Savoring a swim under the stars might be at the top of your bucket list, but this, too, is a potential peril: While shark attacks are relatively rare across the Hawaiian Islands—-roughly 5.8 attacks occur per year—sharks do head inshore to feed at night.
3. Tourist Scams: If it’s too good to be true, it probably is!
The luxe district of Waikiki hosts more than four million visitors annually. As such, it brims with tourist scams—yes, even on an island famous for its aloha spirit. The biggest ones to beware of include:
- Timeshare presentations
- Discounted tours
- “Authentic” Hawaiian art
- “Exclusive access” to overpriced luaus and exhibits (stick with the free things to do instead!)
4. Refrain from walking alone at night
Walking alone in Honolulu during the day is seldom an issue—particularly if you remain near the crowds—but going for a solo trek in some places at night may place you in harm’s way.
In addition to the areas mentioned above, avoid Ala Moana Park after dusk, as well as the region west of Nuuanu Avenue in Downtown.
5. Prepare for the possibility of natural disasters
Hawaii may be synonymous with beauty and serenity, but it’s also vulnerable to natural disasters—a fact that was underscored by the Maui Wildfires.
Honolulu’s weather is downright idyllic 99% of the time, but the city is also susceptible to severe tropical storms (including hurricanes), flooding, and landslides.
6. Keep your valuables close
You might be tempted to toss your smartphone onto the front seat of your rental car to run into the ocean for a quick swim. Yet, vehicle break-ins are one of the most prevalent crimes in Honolulu—and throughout the islands. Keep your valuables with you (not in the trunk) and always lock up.
7. …and go out and about with limited cash
Setting out for an evening of wining, dining, dancing, and shopping? Leave your stash of cash in your room:
As with any bustling urban area, Honolulu is home to pickpocketers, a problem I know good and well from my Barcelona travels, who tend to flock to tourist-heavy areas (we’re looking at you, Waikiki).
8. Stay out of the water if you have an open wound
Hawaii may be globally renowned for its pristine waters, but swimming in the Pacific with an open abrasion may put you at risk for a potentially-lethal staph infection—specifically, an infection caused by MRSA.
If you have an open cut, steer clear of the water—and this extends to Oahu’s streams, ponds, and rivers.
9. Prioritize sun protection
If you’ve been starved for sunshine, you might be inclined to skip your SPF and soak up as many rays as you can.
Given Hawaii’s proximity to the equator, however, UV radiation is substantially more intense in the islands—and could taint your vacation itinerary by leaving you with a brutal burn.
Visitors from all over the world make the mistake of forgetting to apply or reapply consistently. A brutal burn can lead to, at the worst, illness or hospitalization, and at best, ruin a vacation.
10. Malama ‘aina (care for the land)–and practice respect
Nothing infuriates locals more than tourists who view Hawaii as a mere playground—and treat it, and its people, with blatant disrespect.
While littering, removing lava rocks from heiau (ancient Hawaiian temples), or disrupting the peace won’t threaten your safety, per se, it’s against the islands’ core values.
Understanding and respecting the islands’ core values should be your number one priority while visiting Honolulu. If you’re interested in learning more, try out an around the island tour with a local to learn straight from the source!
Hiking Tips and Safety in Honolulu
From the Manoa Falls Trail to Koko Crater Railway Trail, Honolulu County abounds with spectacular hikes. Whether you opt for a short jaunt or have dedicated a whole day to exploring the great outdoors, ensure your safety by:
- Heeding warning and kapu (or prohibited places) signs
- Sticking strictly to the trail—one wrong turn could put you in a precarious spot
- Remembering to hydrate before, during, and after your hike
- Wearing sun protection and appropriate shoes
- Preparing for abrupt changes in the weather and temps
Last but certainly not least, keep an eye on the time: Some trails—and their adjacent parking lots—close before sunset, while others are dicey to traverse in the dark.
FAQ
Is it safe to walk around Honolulu at night?
Generally speaking, yes, it is safe to walk around Honolulu at night. But it depends on the part of “town” you might find yourself in.
Chinatown, Kalihi, west of Nuuanu, and the streets surrounding the airport should be avoided if you’re traveling on foot alone.
Is it safe to go to Honolulu?
Definitely! Honolulu may boast the largest population of any area in the Hawaiian Islands, but it’s the 4th safest city in the nation.
And yet, it’s important to practice basic safety measures throughout the duration of your vacation. Chief among them? Remaining aware of your surroundings—and reaching out for help if you need it.
What is the safest area in Hawaii?
This depends entirely on the island you’re visiting, but the “safest” areas tend to be either remote locales—such as Hana on Maui—or prestigious neighborhoods.
On Oahu, the residential districts of Hawaii Kai and Kahala are among the safest, while Waikiki is mostly safe—again, if you take the precautions listed above.
Can you walk around in Honolulu?
For sure! It’s an extraordinary (and sun-splashed!) city that practically begs to be walked.
A handful of the most pleasing places for a stroll include the Hawaii State Capitol and Palace Grounds and what’s affectionately known as “The Mai Tai Mile”—a palm tree-lined, waterfront walk that offers epic views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head Crater.
Are the people in Honolulu friendly?
One hundred percent. Yes, there are pickpocketers and other opportunists, but people in Hawaii are known the world over for their welcoming warmth.
However, bear in mind that Honolulu isn’t just a tourist destination—it’s also an industrious, vibrant city that’s home to nearly 350,000 residents. In other words, demonstrate respect to its residents—and treat Hawaii as a whole as you would your own home.
Can you walk on Waikiki Beach at night?
Indeed—and what could possibly beat a moonlit walk as bathwater-warm waves brush over your feet? Just be sure to remain close to well-lit spots on the beach, like the span of sand to the left of Duke’s.
Final Thoughts: Is Honolulu Safe?
Exquisite natural scenery, perfect waves, riveting museums, excellent clubs, posh boutiques, superb restaurants—Honolulu has something to offer everyone.
Fortunately, it’s safe as well, especially when compared to other cosmopolitan cities throughout the world. Exercise safety, common sense, and respect, and you’re nearly guaranteed to have the time of your life in the Aloha State’s most thrilling city.
By simply being here, researching before your trip, you’re on the right track to having a safe and amazing visit to Honolulu.
