Honolulu, aka “The Big Pineapple,” is a culturally rich, complex city that is Hawaii’s equivalent to Manhattan island. In addition, it boasts beautiful beaches, fine dining not found elsewhere in Hawaii, and fascinating history that includes the only royal palace in the United States. Following this week’s strange attack at a 7-Eleven on Kalakaua Avenue, the main drag in Waikiki, we’ve had people ask us if Honolulu is still safe.
The suspect in the case, a 46-year-old man, has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly cutting off a man’s hand in the convenience store just after midnight on Friday using a sword. He is being held on $400,000 bail pending a court appearance this coming week.
Bystanders said a minor verbal disagreement occurred, after which a sword appeared that was used to sever the other person’s hand. It’s not been released if either the victim or the person arrested were ever employees of 7-Eleven and what connection if any, the two men had. This does not, however, appear to be an attack against a visitor, which is important to note.
Is Honolulu a safe city to visit?
In a Forbes article a few months ago, Honolulu was rated as the second safest city (of over 300k population) in the U.S. The first was Virginia Beach. Because there is very little in the way of violent crime in Honolulu, when something like this does happen, it makes the news quickly.
Your editors have, in total, spent a great deal of time in Honolulu over decades. Both of us said to one another that we rarely have, if ever, personally felt unsafe there. Mind you, there are sketchy places we probably wouldn’t walk at night, just like in any major city. That might include Downtown Honolulu, among others. There were also two occasions of questionable safety we recalled, one in a hotel parking lot in Laie where there was a brawl and another at a parking lot at a low-class Honolulu airport hotel. But other than that, nothing. You may have different stories to recount, and we welcome your input.
Crime in Honolulu is low, which is why it has been rated among the safest major cities in the U.S for years.
Tips to improve your safety in Honolulu.
Be wary of places where there aren’t a lot of other visitors. That could include less-trafficked beaches after dark, deserted side streets, and parking lots, to name a few. In general, most crime happens after dark, so it’s a crucial time to be cautious and not walk alone on streets where there are few people. If you are concerned about safety, have your phone on to stay in touch with family and friends, so they know your location.
Remain aware of your surroundings. The biggest problems in Hawaii tend to revolve around alcohol, and drugs, so watch for people who are intoxicated. These dealings can occur around isolated beaches, for example.
Waikiki at night is one of its charms. So we aren’t suggesting not going out at night. Waikiki is an enjoyable place to walk on your own with others around and in groups. Generally, we stick to areas with many other people everywhere to avoid even the remote possibility of getting into trouble.
Realize that petty theft is a common occurrence in Honolulu and throughout Hawaii. So do keep an eye on your belongings at all times. That includes not keeping valuables in your car.
The biggest dangers in Honolulu.
These aren’t crimes but rather a sunburn, injuries from hiking, snorkeling, jellyfish stings, car accidents, and jaywalking.
Rumor mill. The attacker was an employee of 7-Eleven. He brought that sword to work a few days before the attack and oddly wasn’t questioned. The attacker and victim knew each other. Someone else mentioned that this is related to a dispute that started in jail. No tourists were involved or impacted.
I like your suggestions to Tourists and Travelers, a Seasoned Person typically knows, and does, this. I do. Even medicines need to be put in the room safe, if one must carry some keep it disguised and in the least amount of quantities. Jewelry isn’t needed on the Beach, other areas either. Maybe Dining out at certain places people feel the need. Shopping, Hell No! Always consider where you will be and leave the Bling in that room Safe thing! Much better safe than sorry.
The International Marketplace, as well as most places downtown, could turn against anyone walking by themselves or even as a couple. It’s certainly Not limited to those area’s but Criminals believe that is where the better money is. If Hawaii would allow Cooperative Concealed Carry the problems would be lessened, not by Criminals dying, rather not knowing if someone can defend themselves. It’s a Proven Fact backed by plenty of Data, but unless Forced to Accept it Blue States won’t. Criminals do fear certain things, this Is their Biggest Advantage…. Not worrying about this. No one wants to be robbed and worse just as no one I know wants to kill. That’s the Truth. Ever notice that Crime and Criminals go hand in hand? Get Tough on Crime!
Honolulu is safe, it would be safer if other states didn’t fly their homeless over here.
I wholeheartedly Agree with you Kristi! It’s time that Hawaii sends those States some Homeless as a Big “No Thanks!”
The author must live in a gilded palace, in downtown/Chinatown/Kalihi there are multiple crimes regularly. Murders on Ft Street, stabbings, robberies, property damage, carjackings, assaults, people set on fire, etc. Not to mention the non stop harassment by the insane and the homeless. I was assaulted and robbed, but they didn’t get much, so I didn’t report it, like a lot of locals. The cops aren’t going out of thier way to catch someone that got $20 or less, or gave you a black eye, so why bother? As far as Waikiki, how many tourists are going to fly back for court? I’ve been to 45 states, lots of time in “the hood” all over, Oahu is getting very sketchy, no matter how you put a happy face on it for the tourists.
Down Playing Crimes on Oahu, or anywhere Tourists and Visitors bring their considerable money, attempt to hide, or disguise, Crime. If you scare away the Dollars and those who bring it word spreads quicker than a virulent version of Covid. It’s typically easy to hide these Crimes in the paperwork and unless it’s High Profile it may not even make the News. Some of the Homeless and Mentally ill are a portion of the Crimes, publicizing it has relatively low value for Politicians that have supported their numbers in many ways despite resident’s views. That alone tells residents where they stand in the pecking order. It’s something to consider when electing Politicians, sooner or later the probability of the problems boiling over greatens.
I have lived on Oahu 13-years now Pre-pandemic violent crime here was unheard of – with isolated incidents happening maybe once every few years.
The lockdown broke an already struggling economy; the isolation and societal changes that followed induced mental health sickness en masse.
The pervasive crime here has always been crime of opportunity – theft of anything visible. But now that opportunity has given way to desperation – more of a hunt than happenstance.
Bottom line: if u come to Hawai’i, leave the good jewelry at home; when you’re off for the hike leave nothing in the rental car and leave the windows open; in the room or rental unit put all valuables in a zip up bag and stash it well.. then enjoy breathtaking Hawai’i!
Becoming a terrible place to vacation
Thank you. The incident with the hand occurred around the corner but was so isolated. Otherwise, I believe we are safe!!!
Honolulu is a big city and comes with all that is implied. There are a range of activities that are truly fascinating. I’ve herd Honolulu described as, LA on a rock. I don’t think of it that way. I love the arts and all the money making. I grew up in LA and New York and know how to behave in a big town. Anyone visiting a big town should take a little time to learn what you shouldn’t do, maybe a short visit to the local police department.
Aloha
As a former resident & return visitor every year, it’s very unsettling. The rape in Manoa this past week was also a reminder to always be aware regardless of area or time of day/night.
Listen, this can happen anywhere. There will always be bad apple’s amongst us. I am sure this incident is an “exception” and Not the norm in Honolulu. I wholeheartedly agree with BOH assessment.
Here’s a safety tip: Just don’t go to Honolulu Fly to some other city and avoid Oahu altogether. You won’t miss it.
Hello Jared X, as a well seasoned traveler your suggestion is quite odd. Why miss Oahu that has so much to offer the Tourists for other Islands that don’t? Sounds like more of a personal reason than a gracious suggestion. Advice like yours is certainly a “tell” and will Increase Oahu Tourism for sure! Keep up the Awesome Job.
From personal experience, Waikiki can be a dangerous place late at night. According to the Police Dept, crime is often caused by young kids on drugs needing to feed their habit. Anyone in Waikiki after dark needs to keep their eyes open and be aware. It is not Disneyland.
Honolulu is a safe place. 7-Elevens, not so much.
It’s more of a matter of which is worse. 7-11 stores have, for the most part, been the victim of crimes for as long as I can remember, whether outside or inside of the stores. As evidenced by this crime, things don’t change. A police presence, tried in certain areas, drove sales down and somehow crimes weren’t totally eliminated. The implications of “losing” a hand shouldn’t be lost on anyone, it will remind people to keep their hands out of others pockets! Was this a form of Private Messaging?
Last time I was in Waikiki, October 2021, a person grabbed a ladies purse while seated at a crowded restaurant with outdoor seating. She said she had 3,000 dollars in it. She was probably targeted while shopping.
It was by the Royal Hawaiian-very busy area. All high end shops and nice restaurants
People believe that these crimes occur in other parts of town and to other types of people. Surprise, go ahead and flash your stash, you’ll surely be losing your cash! $3,000.00 is a nice grab, probably one of several that day that will provide many things to the discerning criminal. It can happen to anyone, why give someone reason? Cut out the “middleman” and the unbelievable feeling of loss and violation, I will give you my PO Box and just send me the cash, Please, I am even Courteous about it and the “Thank You ” is implied.
I’d like to add that the 3 most dangerous crimes you’ll have to watch out for are the Hotel, Rental Car and Airline prices…while it may not be against the law it’s criminal what they do to us daily.
Greg, You’ve Nailed It!
Eh. I’ve found the cheapest airfares to Hawaii I’ve ever seen this year… $600-ish round trip from Houston. That’s like $300 less than I was paying regularly pre-pandemic. But, yeah, the government in general–in the form of super high taxes on everything from hotels to rental cars to $12,000,000,000 light rail projects (that only goes 20 miles)–is definitely not only picking your pockets but the pockets of the locals as well.
I truly understand your displeasure but, that’s not breaking the law, that’s a choice.
Aloha
Hi Roy, You’re Absolutely Correct! It’s a “Choice” that many have, Are, and Will make and comparatively speaking It’s the same as continuing to live on Islands that are High Cost Tourism Traps and Ceaselessly Complain about Tourists! At least Tourism, and all of the pluses and minuses that it brings, are providing a living for the Islands that is well above what it could be without it. (think “Better Huts and Lava Tube Living”) Close to the Truth!
Hawaii as a whole should be very careful not to be desensitized to crime as is happening in major cities and states on the mainland. Criminals committing multiple and horrific crimes only to be released immediately by the DA’s and judges to do more harm. Your observation that it was “Not Against a Visitor” is an example of this desensitisation . A man’s hand was chopped off by a sword !!! Is that what you want to be passed off as normal or ok since it was not a tourist?
I totally agree with your remarks. It’s sad that it was even mentioned that ” It was not a visitor ” . I’m sure the person whose hand was chopped off and his loved ones could care less that this was not done to a visitor. We need to quit labeling…..this was a human being who went through a terrible ordeal.
If anyone were to bring up Race or Color predominantly it would be screamed about, it should be the Exact Same when they say something like that. It’s Irrelevant except for the investigation and possible Prosecution. Losing a Hand ✋️ is typically a punishment as well as a warning to others, it’s meaning in the criminal world is widely known. At least this person didn’t lose their head, no I’m not laughing. Hopefully this display is just a One Off and won’t be seen again, in this Economic Climate that is something that I can’t Promise. Hopefully someone else can and will. Move on, nothing else to see here.
I was mugged once by a couple of “local” boys in Waikiki while walking down the main drag one late evening (around 10PM) near International Marketplace. Moral, dont walk alone late at night. I still do consider it a relatively safe place.
Spent a week in Waikiki this past May, felt safe the whole visit, I mean, with the crowds everywhere it would be hard for anyone to try anything, granted, there are homeless there, but name a city in the U.S. that doesn’t have them,just be aware of your surroundings and you’ll be fine.
Well said, guys! The place Not to go at night (especially alone) would be Hotel Street area, mauka of Kuhio in Waikiki, and the furthest beaches in Makaha, not to mention when you are trespassing to get to waterfalls. Some bad guys know these places and you make good prey!
I must agree that in general there’s no other place for night life that I’d rather be than in Waikiki. I think when this story fully develops it may turn out to be “just” a local issue, with the weapon of choice being a sword in this case.
Thank you for the update BOH! It does seem that certain crimes have been occurring more this year than in prior years. In February 2022 I remember hearing of gun violence, beatings and petty theft on the rise but it wasn’t that much. Summertime often brings increases in statistics, many have paired it with the increasing temperature. Whatever the case, being self aware and being in areas of people make a difference. Heed the words contained within, Thanks BOH!
Hi Ernie.
Thanks.
Aloha.
BoH,
“Generally, we stick to areas with many other people everywhere to avoid even the remote possibility of getting into trouble.”
Yeah, where all those troublesome tourists gather (kidding).
Several years ago there were some problems with theft on elevators in the HHV towers that made me very careful about when and with whom I get on an elevator. I am older, so I generally don’t get on one alone anymore. I don’t recall incidents like that recently, perhaps because of the COVID situation, but I think it’s always better to be vigilant–no matter where you travel. We live across the river from Portland, OR, and it’s far more dangerous than Honolulu, in my opinion. Hopefully you’ll keep us informed if more attacks of this kind happen.
Absolutely correct. I’ve lived in Portland for 32 years and it’s not at all the same city as it was. It’s the wild west all over again. Laws are not enforced.
Being in Hawaii should Definitely be much safer than traveling across the river to Portland Oregon, I am very satisfied that I don’t live or visit your area, the Police would probably lock me up for defending myself from Thugs. With them causing wildfires away from downtown Portland, hopefully none of them effected You. Can’t Imagine that type of thing happening in any Hawaiian City or Town and Pray that I never do. Enjoy Hawaii as much and often as you can, escaping your area must be a reward unto itself for you and your family.
There is a difference between walking down the street and being attacked and being attacked by someone you know or have a relationship with. One of the issues that I have mentioned to crimemapping that hasn’t been addressed is identifying if the crime is a violent street crime between unrelated persons or itit a violent crime that took place in a building or between people who have some type of relationship with each other.
I believe this was not a attack committed when a perosn was walking down the street
Yes, it is and has Relevancy and needs to be addressed to the public as soon as possible. The 1st reason being that it was some kind of dispute that caused this, not a Robbery gone bad. 2nd is it puts Tourists more at ease and knowing that they are not endangered. Disseminating this kind of information is Imperative.
I recall some years ago, a secret service agent got into a brawl in Waikiki.
It is a High Profile Job that brings with it an Immediate Story in all of the News Types. In my area there have been a few incidents, 2 come to mind where it was a retired CIA Agent and a Police Officer clashing over the Agent’s committing minor crimes. Almost came down to a fist fight but the Agent knew better. The other was an FBI Agent that wasn’t too bright, imagine that! High Profile encounters like these occur more than most people ever know, it’s avoided by most because it can jeopardize their future careers, sometimes it’s unavoidable though.
It’s a shame but inevitable even in Honolulu. I have been to the islands many times and rarely find myself anything but relaxed. The Country as a whole has emboldened criminal behavior with cashless bails, the type of catch and release bail. We can only hope this letting violent criminals out on their own recognizance only to never to be seen again until they commit another drive.
Aloha Rob+Jeff. Wow that’s very sad for the victim. Over here in California the bail would be much higher for attempted murder. Hopefully there will be justice for the victim and the suspect will get a lengthy sentence. You’d think we’re living in medieval times with the violence that is happening in the world today. I pray for us all.
Medieval times were not nearly as violent as the 20th and 21st centuries. The world has been plunging into chaos far far faster than ever before.
The safest thing is to Not worry. Seriously we are afraid of our shadows. PTSD to the 10th power. It’s not only unhealthy, every bit of joy is gone before you live it. 😎🐾
Not worrying isn’t the appropriate response, worrying may be what keeps someone safe. Intuition and Awareness is necessary to hopefully avoid situations, Situational Awareness is Imperative. To the point, or extent, of PTSD isn’t necessary. Safety and Security is!