Which island in Hawaii is the safest?
Emily Sparks
Published Jan 09, 2026
If you're just looking at the sheer number of incidents on each island, Kauai is the safest island to live on. In 2020, the Kauai Police Department reported the lowest number of violent crime incidents and property crime incidents of any of the four major islands.
What is the safest island to visit in Hawaii?
Kauai and the Big Island are the safest, followed by Maui and then Oahu. Kauai is actually remarkably safe.
Which Hawaiian island has the lowest crime rate?
If we look at the 10-year property crime average the Big Island comes in as the safest of the islands again:
- Big Island: 2,942.
- Oahu: 3,193.
- Kauai: 3,311.
- Maui: 3,762.
Where should you not live in Hawaii?
10 Most Dangerous Places in Hawaii
- Wahiawa. Wahiawa with a population of 46,562 has a Livability Score of 58/100, which is considered poor. ...
- Makaha. This leeward Oahu census-designated place has a population of 8,934. ...
- Kahului. ...
- Pahoa. ...
- Ewa Beach. ...
- Hilo. ...
- Waianae. ...
- Kapaa.
Which Hawaiian island has the most crime?
Here Are The 11 Most Dangerous Places In Hawaii After Dark
- Makaha, Oahu. ...
- Napili-Honokowai, Maui. ...
- Honolulu, Oahu. ...
- Pahoa, Island of Hawaii. Alex Avriette/Flickr. ...
- Ewa Beach, Oahu. Charlie Boy Criscola/Flickr. ...
- Waipahu, Oahu. Harlan Sheppard/Flickr. ...
- Hanamaulu, Kauai. Brian Snelson/Fliickr. ...
- Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii.
What should I avoid in Hawaii?
10 Things Not To Do in Hawaii
- Don't stand next to the blowhole. ...
- Don't eat at a chain restaurant. ...
- Don't let a commercial luau be your only exposure to Hawaiian culture. ...
- Don't limit your visit to Oahu. ...
- And don't avoid the Island of Hawaii. ...
- Don't only stay in resort towns. ...
- Don't hike illegally or start a hike late in the day.
What is the biggest problem in Hawaii?
According to the survey, conducted by Ward Research, the top issues for residents on Hawaii Island are homelessness, drugs and traffic. Maui residents' top issues were affordable housing, traffic and public education. On Kauai, traffic was first, followed by environmental concerns and crime/public safety.
Why are people leaving Hawaii?
Why are so many people leaving the Aloha State? We think it's mostly because of Hawaii's limited opportunities, brought on by high taxes, excessive regulations, unaffordable housing, exorbitant consumer prices and other factors that make up its back-breaking high cost of living.
Is moving to Hawaii worth it?
Although it's a more complex transition than a relocation on the mainland, moving to Hawaii offers plentiful rewards: beautiful weather year-round, easy access to miles of gorgeous white sand beaches, abundant outdoor activities, and, of course, Hawaii's unique aloha spirit that infuses the local culture.
Which Hawaiian Island is the prettiest?
Kauai. Kauai's lush greenery makes it, in my opinion, the most beautiful of all the Hawaiian islands. It is home to waterfalls, hiking trails and a variety of eco-adventures. Most travelers seek out Kauai to avoid the hustle and bustle of Oahu and Maui and have a more unplugged vacation experience.
Which part of Hawaii is best to live in?
Best Places to Live in Hawaii
- Honolulu – Best Livability.
- East Honolulu – Safest Place to Live.
- Kailua-Kona – Best Expat Community.
- Mililani Town – Best for Families.
- Kihei – Best For Retirees.
- Hilo – Cheapest Place to Live.
- Haleiwa – Best for Surfers.
Is Molokai safe for tourists?
Molokai is the safest of the major Hawaiian Islands. Locals are friendly and everybody knows everybody so there isn't really a place to hide.
Where is the safest place to live on the Big Island?
Kalaoa is definitely one of the safest cities in Hawaii located on the Big Island. This one is loved by tourists, and it is the center of activity in the eastern part of the island. Dozens of beaches can be found on the city's coast, as well as an international airport, probably the main reason the city is so popular.
Is Maui better than Oahu?
Maui vs Oahu: Oahu is right for you if you want more of a cosmopolitan vacation, enjoy the nightlife, are excited about historical and cultural activities, or want to travel on a budget. Maui is right for you if you're looking for a romantic island, great snorkeling, a relaxing vacation, or more outdoor activities.
What is best Hawaiian island to visit?
Best Hawaiian Islands
- Kauai.
- Maui.
- Hawaii - The Big Island.
- Lanai.
- Honolulu - Oahu.
Which Hawaiian island is best for first time visitors?
Kauai is the best island to visit in Hawaii for first timers who love adventure. Kauai's scenery is stunning, and its natural beauty is a draw for visitors to the island.
What is the minimum wage in Hawaii?
Hawaii's standard minimum wage has been unchanged since 2018. Currently, Hawaii's minimum wage rates are: $10.10 – standard. $9.35 – tipped employees.
What are the disadvantages of living in Hawaii?
In part 2 of this post I'll detail the pros, but below I will share 18 downsides of living in Hawaii:
- Extremely High Cost of Living. ...
- There Are No Seasons. ...
- It's 80 Degrees And Sunny All Year Long. ...
- Things Get Done On “Hawaiian Time” ...
- Lack Of Recycling, Compost, and Overall A Terrible Waste Management System.
How many people left Hawaii in 2021?
In sheer numbers, Hawaii's recent population loss might not seem big. From July 2020 to July 2021, the state lost 10,358 residents, according to latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Hawaii?
In order to live comfortably in Hawaii, some studies show that you'll need a whopping salary of over $122,000.
What states are Hawaiians moving to?
The number one destination of Hawaii residents moving to the U.S. mainland in 2018 was California (12,848) followed by Texas (7,986), Nevada (4,959), Washington (3,416) and North Carolina (3,402) round out the Top Five destinations. Together, they accounted for 42% of all Hawaii emigrants to the Mainland.
Does Hawaii dump garbage in the ocean?
Hawaii sits at the center of swirling ocean currents, just east of the Great Pacific garbage patch. As a result, its shoreline catches plastic from all over the world, some of it decades old. Just a few weeks prior, Larson found a vintage Sea and Ski tanning lotion bottle, most likely from the 1950s.
Are there alot of snakes in Hawaii?
Hawaii has several species of protected and endangered birds. Hawaii has no native snakes, and it's illegal to own the animals in the islands. Copyright 2018 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
Can you own beach in Hawaii?
That's right—there are NO private beaches in Hawaii! According to the Hawai'i Supreme Court, any land below the highest wave line is considered state property and open to the public.