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