Honolulu has much to offer travelers, including lovely weather, beautiful beaches, and an amazing melting pot of cultures. It also happens to be one of the safest cities in the United States.
So, how safe is Honolulu? In 2020, MapQuest ranked it as the fourth-safest city for women traveling alone in the United States.
That being said, travelers to Honolulu should be aware that not all is perfect in paradise. After all, Honolulu is a big city, and as such, it is not immune to crime.
The good news is that most of the crime in Honolulu is of a non-violent nature. In 2020, for example, Honolulu’s violent crime rate was lower than the national rate.
And it has a very low murder rate, especially in comparison with other big cities. In 2021, for instance, Honolulu had 11 homicides.
New Orleans, which is another popular tourist destination with a population size similar to Honolulu, recorded 111 homicides. Another city with a similar-sized population is Indianapolis, Indiana, which had 101 murders.
The bad news? Honolulu’s property crime rate is higher than the national rate. In July 2022, for example, there were more than 3,300 thefts from automobiles and 1,600 burglaries.
Suggested: Is Hawaii Safe? Travel Advisory 2023
LATEST UPDATES / NEWS from HONOLULU:
March 30 – One step closer to dissolving the Hawaii Tourism Authority
A joint House committee approved a Senate bill dissolving the Hawaii Tourism Authority a couple of weeks ago, signaling a significant shift in how the island state markets itself as a tourist destination.
The bill, which was amended by the House tourism and economic development committees, would transfer the duties of the tourism authority to the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. The bill must go through two more House sessions before it can be passed.
Rep. Sean Quinlan, head of the House Tourism Committee, stated that the new office must clearly concentrate on destination management rather than marketing.
Protect Belongings
Tourists visiting Honolulu frequently carry large amounts of cash on their person and are often distracted by their unfamiliar surroundings. So, it’s not surprising that they are often the targets of petty thieves and pickpockets.
To protect themselves, travelers in Honolulu should keep a close eye on their belongings. For instance, in restaurants, they should avoid hanging purses from chairs or bathroom door hooks.
In addition, tourists should never leave their valuables unattended on the beach while they go for a swim or a stroll. They should also avoid leaving any important belongings in their car, especially in a place visible to passers-by.
Have fun but stay safe in Honolulu
Everyone wants to have a good time while vacationing in Honolulu. So, enjoying a few drinks at a bar is par for the course for many travelers.
But in order to be safe, visitors need to keep their wits about them at all times. Because when a person is too drunk, they aren’t alert to potential dangers, which could leave them vulnerable to getting robbed or worse during their stay in Honolulu.
Visitors to Honolulu also need to be aware of their surroundings. While most of Honolulu’s main tourist areas are safe, it’s never a good idea to wander around late at night, especially while alone or inebriated.
The Ocean
Approximately 40 people drown in Hawaii every year, making it the fifth leading cause of fatal injuries in the state. Most of these drownings occur in the ocean, with more than half of the drowning victims being non-residents.
While the waters around Waikiki are usually calm, other beaches on Oahu can experience very strong currents and waves. So, travelers should always check the ocean conditions before entering the water.
Fortunately, shark attacks are relatively rare in Honolulu. In fact, between 1828 and January 2023, only four unprovoked attacks have been reported in Honolulu.
Hiking
The hike to Diamond Head Crater is a popular draw for tourists to Honolulu. But it should not be taken lightly.
It is a steep hike, and Hawaii’s heat and humidity can take their toll on a hiker’s body. Travelers who want to tackle this hike are advised to wear the appropriate clothing and bring plenty of water.
They should also be honest with themselves about their physical fitness before attempting this hike. Unfortunately, the Honolulu Fire Department has to respond to approximately one to two calls a week for help from people having difficulty on this trail, according to KHON2,
Be smart
Overall, Honolulu is still one of the safest cities in the United States to visit, especially for savvy travelers who understand that crime can happen anywhere — even in a tropical paradise.