Is Oahu safe?
I’m going to Oahu and after reading through some Oahu Answers, I’m a little freaked out- it sounds pretty shady (and I don’t mean from the palm trees).
I’ve read that the east side of the island in particular is full of crime, ICE, homeless and robbery. And the west side of the island, especially Waianae roads are really dangerous, and they have their share of crime- so much that it’s advised not to go out after sunset, (even with kids for ice cream) especially on the beaches which are littered with couches, etc.
I’m thinking it’s because it’s so urban- – just what I had read earlier which was almost unappealing enough for me to re-route my trip plans. But now, we are spending a few days in Oahu during our trip to Hawaii, and I’m kicking myself!
I know crime is everywhere, but this seems a little more rampant. Is this not a desirable place to vacation? Maybe we should just day trip it over there.
February 6th, 2009 at 6:36 am
Yeah, that is anyones guess.
I sometimes run into the crime things but most of the time not.
It really is nice and beautiful there.
February 9th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Oahu is just like any other city.
If you use regular common sense and be safe then you’ll be fine.
Hawaiians are soo nice.
When I was there they were more than happy to give me directions, etc.
Renting a car is VERY cheap and I highly reccomend it. They have 3 major interstates(H1, H2, H3).
Yes you will see some homeless(like in any city)and you’ll see them collecting cans from the garbage b/c they get money for them.
Just be safe and smart and you’ll have a great trip !!
Aloha!
February 12th, 2009 at 1:41 am
Aloha,
Where will you be staying on Oahu? If you are going to be in Waikiki, you will most likely be fine. Yes, there is crime in Hawaii but there is less than in most major metropolitan cities on the mainland (U.S.). Be smart. If you go to the beach or on a snorkel trip or somewhere, don’t leave anything of value in your rental car. Leave it unlocked. Thieves will steal ANYTHING and they will bash in the windows to get to your camera equipment, snorkel gear, etc. If your car is unlocked and there isn’t anything in it, the car is less likely to be vandalized and they won’t get anything anyway.
Oahu itself is not urban; just Honolulu (the state capital). Even that is less ‘urban’ than mainland cities like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Atlanta…etc. Yes, there is crime. Are you likely to be a victim of it? No. Be smart and aware, just like you would in your hometown or anywhere else on vacation. There are some great beaches and other things to see and do that are off the beaten path (Waianae, Waimanalo, etc.) but you’ll probably be OK. Just be friendly and aware of anyone who looks shady. Even Hawaii has some unsavory characters. Don’t look for trouble and it’s unlikely to find you.
As for beaches being “littered with couches” — I have yet to see any. I’ve lived in the islands for four years total and just don’t come upon that. Most locals take pride in their ‘aina (land) and don’t litter it up, but I’m sure there are people who toss out garbage and maybe even unwanted furniture. If you see that, go elsewhere.
I don’t recommend a day trip. Too much packing, flying, waiting at airports, etc. for just one day. In my opinion, you are just as likely (or unlikely, depending upon how you look at it) to be robbed on Maui/Kauai/Big Island as you are on Oahu. Oahu is beautiful and there is so much to see and do there. I just returned to Kauai from 3 days on Oahu and it wasn’t long enough!
I just love the shopping and dining options…and it’s always fun to go to a different beach once in a while.
Just follow the same rules you would follow if you were visiting anywhere else (or even if you were in your own town): don’t walk alone at night, don’t go into unfamiliar areas after dark, be aware of your surroundings at all times, don’t display valuables, etc. You’ll be fine.
Have a great trip!
February 13th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
LIke any other city, there are places in Honolulu that are less safe than others. But overall our violent crime statistics are quite low. East Oahu (I live there) is actually one of the safer communities. Most of the areas where tourists go are safe. You don’t want to leave valuables in your rental car – that is one thing that is likely to lead to trouble. The Waianae side is probably not the best part of the island for tourists, but there are plenty of other beautiful areas for you to visit. I would avoid Kuhio Ave in Waikiki late at night, as there are a lot of hookers there, but during the day & evening, it should be fine.
I don’t think you should be kicking yourself, Oahu is a good place to vacation.
February 15th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Oahu is very safe. Even in areas where there is “crime,” it’s still safer than, say, S.Central Los Angeles; E. Palo Alto, CA; New Orleans, LA; Miami, FL or the Bronx, NY. Try not to compare Hawaii to other cities on the mainland US. You’re more likely to get your camera stolen from your unlocked rent-a-car than to get mugged. Property crime is the problem in relation to ICE and homelessness.
Even in the unlikely event you are physically threatened, the good guys far far outnumber the bad guys and you are very very likely to get rescued and even protected. That’s how Hawaii people are, including among the homeless.
The homeless beach people along the East and West Shores are good decent people who are simply down on thier luck. They have families and children who go to school, they won’t harm you, they just want to be left alone. And they’ll help you, if your lost or in trouble.
The homeless in Honolulu (downtown, Waikiki, Ala Moana) are the same as in any big city; some have mental disorders, some are drug addicts. Be cautious, but know that the Police presence is large and obvious. Look up and notice the Police monitored cameras in downtown and Waikiki. You’re very well protected (relatively)
As with anywhere you go (anywhere in the world) don’t flash your cash, don’t be loud or boastful, don’t wear excessive jewelry, don’t be rude, hide your belongings in the trunk (before you arrive). If you end up in a bad neighborhood, you’ll know it, you won’t have to be told, just turn around and leave.
I’m not saying violent crime doesn’t happen, it just doesn’t happen as much as other large American cities.
Please e-mail me if you want.
February 15th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
I call bull. I wandered around after dark by myself, military wife, all over the place. I didn’t get up as far as Mililani (was terrified of wrecking the car and there was construction all over up that way at that point), but I trotted around Aiea, Honolulu, Pearl City, etc.
We went out all the time after dark. I never so much as got my purse snatched. Yes, there’s homeless people and all, but the majority of them are sweet folks.
February 16th, 2009 at 3:06 am
I lived there for 4 years….it’s totally safe!! Not only that, it’s one of the most beautiful places on earth. You would be crazy to miss it.
February 17th, 2009 at 1:47 am
Just dont live in Kalihi thats a dangerous place Sounds like you are afraid of crime but dont worry Moanalua is safer.
February 19th, 2009 at 4:15 am
Let me put it this way – I’ve grown up on Oahu, 31 years. Never once has my home or car been burglarized and I grew up in an area that should have had more crime. I’ve never been mugged or held up. I used to catch the bus at 5 AM and never once felt uncomfortable.
Just be smart about things. Don’t leave your valuables in your car – luggage, purse, camera, money/credit cards, etc. Park in well-lit areas if you’re out in the evening. People tend to think that since they’re on vacation they can let their guard down. No. If you wouldn’t do it at home, don’t do it on vacation.
It’s actually a safe place, just have to be smart about it. Enjoy your trip!
February 20th, 2009 at 12:33 am
i’ve lived in oahu all my life.. and yes there are bad parts and good parts, just like any other U.S. city.. there’s crime everywhere.. if you ever do pass through our cities (such as waianae, kalihi, waipahu, wahiawa, etc…) just be cool and enjoy yourself.. us locals are very nice people and if you keep to yourself and have a friendly attitude, you’ll be fine.. i suggest you stay in places where there are more tourists, such as waikiki or staying along the coast.. it’s beautiful.. if you have any more questions, email me at i can answer anything you want to know about oahu…
February 21st, 2009 at 7:28 am
We lived in several major cities in the US and Hawaii was the safest place out of all of them. Yes there is crime but less than in other places. The yearly murder rate in Hawaii is what most major US cities have in a month!
We swam at the local beaches, drove all over the place, lived in several areas and never in the years we were there had anything stolen, were intimidated by locals or anything else. I found it to be the safest place and would go all over the place by myself at night. yes there are homeless people but they are people who have pride, honor and are just having problems like everyone else is having in today’s society when it comes to high cost of living. We never saw couches on all the beaches that we went to, we talked to the locals, ate at the small family restaurants, went to people’s houses, rode on the bus, etc… We made so many friends that we still talk to 12 years later.
Just show respect, keep your valuables out of your car (just like in any other place) and you should be fine.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:50 am
I think the main problem is car break-ins. Because there are so many tourists with rental cars, it’s an easy crime. A tourist isn’t likely to follow-up, and will just cut their losses. Just be smart. Don’t leave anything in your car. Don’t bring money, jewelry, or other valuables to the beach.
Don’t kick yourself. It’s not going to ruin your trip. As long as you stay aware, you’ll be fine. Oahu has so much to offer; I wouldn’t blow the crime out of proportion.