The 7 Most Dangerous Cities in Hawaii: A List of High-crime Areas

From stunning natural attractions and vibrant nightlife to beautiful sandy beaches, Hawaii offers a diverse range of experiences for both visitors and residents. However, it’s not without its challenges.

Certain cities, towns, and streets in Hawaii pose difficulties for those who visit them.

Whether you’re planning a trip to Hawaii in the near future or contemplating a move to one of its picturesque islands, understanding where it’s best to avoid is just as crucial as knowing where to explore!

Continue reading to discover more about the ten most unsafe cities in Hawaii.

The 7 Most Hazardous Cities in Hawaii

1.) Hilo

With a population of around 45,600, Hilo exhibits remarkably high crime rates, surpassing the national average by 70%.

It stands as one of the most perilous areas on the Big Island and within the entire U.S.

The likelihood of falling victim to crime in Hilo is 1-in-23, and the city experiences 83% more property crimes than the country’s average.

Due to factors such as a significant number of intoxicated drivers, frequent rainfall, and narrow roads, biking at any time of day is inadvisable in this region.

Additionally, walking alone at night is not recommended due to the increased risk of muggings.

For these reasons, Hilo takes the top spot as the most hazardous city in Hawaii.

2.) Waianae

Situated on the island of Oahu, this coastal community is home to thousands of underprivileged individuals and families within a population of 37,600.

The crime rate here exceeds the national average by 69%, featuring a slightly lower rate of violent crime but a substantial incidence of property crime.

Unfortunately, 1 in 23 residents or visitors becomes a victim of crime in this city.

Crime is so pervasive that authorities advise people to stay home during the evenings and avoid venturing to the beaches.

Even local residents face risks when visiting the beach.

3.) Kahului

Kahului, located in Maui County, is home to just over 30,000 residents.

A significant 12.18% of all daily crimes in Maui occur in Kahului, and despite a declining crime trend across the state, this city’s crime rates remain unchanged.

The rate of property crime is notably high at 3,650 per 100,000 residents, and the rate of violent crime is 371 per 100,000 individuals.

In comparison to the national crime rate average, Kahului’s rate is 54% higher.

Overall, the city’s crime rate stands at 3,967 per 100,000 individuals, compared to the national rate of 2,580 per 100,000.

4.) Waipahu

Waipahu holds the distinction of being the most perilous city in Hawaii, with a crime rate of 3,709 crimes per 100,000 residents.

This figure surpasses the national average by 44%, and the likelihood of falling victim to crime is 1-in-27.

The National Drug Intelligence Center notes the widespread use of methamphetamine among Waipahu residents, contributing to the city’s deteriorating state.

Similar to several other locations on this list, the violent crime rate exceeds the property crime rate.

The Pearl City Police Station oversees the area encompassing Village Park to Red Hill, which includes a population of 41,590.

The city also suffers from significant poverty rates within the state.

5.) Napili-Honokowai

The small city of Napili-Honokowai, housing only 6,700 residents, has about 10% of its population living below the poverty line, which contributes to a high property crime rate of 19.38 incidents per 1,000 individuals.

While the property crime rate is elevated, the overall crime average remains lower than the state’s average, positioning this small city in the middle of the list.

6.) Makaha

With a modest population of 8,934, Makaha has a crime rate of 3,692 per 100,000 residents, resulting in a 1-in-28 chance of being a victim of crime in this town.

Similarly, the likelihood of becoming a victim of property crime is 1-in-30.

The District 8 Honolulu Police Department patrols the area, which faces challenges such as narcotics, gang activity, and property offenses.

7.) Waimea

Waimea, situated on the Big Island and with a population of only 10,770, has an overall crime rate of 3,652 per 100,000 residents.

This translates to a 1-in-28 chance of experiencing either a violent or property crime in the city.

Violent crimes occur at a rate of 292 per 100,000 individuals, and property crimes are at a rate of 3,360 per 100,000 residents, both of which are notably high for a city of this size.

The police station is located on Kamamalu Street, so if you plan to visit, it’s advisable to stay close to or within this area.