Honolulu’s fall from the top spot to 13th on Berkshire Hathaway’s just-released “Safest Cities in the World for Travelers” list has left regular visitors and prospective tourists questioning exactly what’s changed. Hawaii’s capital has long been known as a safe, welcoming destination, especially for U.S. travelers. Last year it was, in fact, ranked as the world’s safest city for travelers. So, what’s behind this shift, and what should Hawaii visitors be aware of?
Honolulu’s safety landscape: what changed?
The drop in Honolulu’s ranking doesn’t mean it’s now unsafe; instead, it highlights areas where other world cities have pulled ahead and spotlights specific concerns among travelers and locals. Even in the new 13th position, it still has the highest safety ranking of any major city in the USA.
What’s happening on other islands can also lower Honolulu survey results. For example, in the Berkshire Hathaway report, visitors were cautioned about Honolulu as follows: “Volcanic eruptions, wildfires, droughts, and major storms.” For the most part, those do not apply to the city.
Property crime trends in Honolulu.
Like other major world cities, Honolulu faces property crime issues, particularly in tourist areas like Waikiki. The Honolulu Police Department reports that while violent crime remains low, petty theft—such as pickpocketing, vehicle break-ins, and bag snatching—is common. Visitors often become targets when they leave valuables visible in rental cars or unattended on beaches, increasing the likelihood of theft. HPD recommends visitors avoid leaving items in sight and always secure hotel room entrances and windows.
Homelessness and social challenges.
Honolulu has among the highest homelessness rates in the nation, a fact visible in popular areas. While generally non-threatening, visible homelessness can create discomfort for visitors unfamiliar with it. The Hawaii Tourism Authority, and programs like Waikiki Safe and Sound, have implemented initiatives to increase security and outreach in high-traffic areas to improve the visitor experience.
Collaborative safety efforts and visitor guidance.
Honolulu’s safety initiatives are continually evolving, especially in tourism-heavy areas. The Waikiki Business Improvement District funds efforts like the Aloha Ambassador program, where personnel provide safety guidance and assistance throughout the area. The HTA collaborates with HPD and local officials to ensure safety measures stay updated, aiming to maintain Honolulu’s status as one of the safest U.S. destinations.
Read: Thwarting Theft in Paradise: Hawaii Visitors Take Notice.
Honolulu essentials for a smooth visit.
Honolulu continues to be a safe and welcoming destination, with a few factors that travelers might find helpful. In popular areas like Waikiki, vehicle break-ins often occur when valuables are left visible. Hotels often provide safes as a secure option for any items travelers prefer to keep extra secure.
After dark, Honolulu’s bustling areas feel more comfortable than quieter spots, especially in urban centers like downtown and Chinatown. Moving through these areas is always safer.
Honolulu’s natural beauty is powerful—both on the trails and in the water. Pacific currents around Oahu can be surprisingly strong, and the rugged terrain on hiking paths makes sticking to marked trails a safe bet for all skill levels.
Read: Why Hawaii Visitors Ignore Safety Warnings, Risking It All.
While Honolulu’s dip in safety rankings is notable, it can still be safe and charming with basic precautions.
Have you noticed any difference in safety while exploring Honolulu?
HPD is trying very hard to make Waikiki safe. I love how they park and leave their blue lights on. It lets everyone know a police officer is close by if something happens. I was there last night for dinner and shopping. We felt safe.
Reason this problem will persist and actually grow worse is politician’s stack holders are making huge profits from the homeless and crime industry.
These political stake holders than provide campaign donations to favorable politicians to make sure the homeless and crime issue continues.
It’s going on in many states and big cities in America.
We had guest for a month and in that time their phones were stolen out of a locked car and on the second to the last day here thier rental car was stolen. Anyone who has walked through Waikiki will surely run into homeless people screaming profanity and intimidating visitors. Crime is up in Honolulu, and because Honolulu voters are dead set on electing the same soft on crime political hacks, there is no end in site. Even in broad daylight at the swap meet, smash and grab robberies. We are not safe from crime in Honolulu County, and simply refusing to lock up criminals and under reporting crime will offer no relief to over taxed and under served honest law abiding citizens or a declining tourism industry!
What’s the lowest temperature in Hawaii? 75 degrees. Everybody wears shorts. Property crimes would be a lot higher if locals had pants and jackets to carry extra items in. Hard to steal or hide any merchandise inside of a tee-shirt. Prices rising and the more it costs to survive in Hawaii will end up increasing property crime levels. The diminishing tourist crowd will eventually place a target on one’s back quicker and more frequent than before. IMO it can only get worse. Remember a tourist has no where to run and no where to hide. It’s an island. Good luck.
One gentleman was recently arrested there for attempted murder – he has 38 prior felony convictions…
Best Regards
From ‘86-2020, we’ve been to Oahu, over 90 times, the first 20 years business would also include Maui. As to the homeless, I can say honestly, I remember going back to the beginning, I always took Nimitz instead of the H-1, and under the bridges before Sand Island you could see people living there. From downtown on Ala Moana, there were always grocery baskets being pushed up to Ward Warehouse. In Waikiki, until maybe 8 years ago, the beaches were pretty safe, but even always being at the Moana and a Guard Stand 10 yards to the west, there was an increasing number of people going in the garbage, and seeing peoples chairs being ripped off was not rare, as they went into the Ocean. Kuhio, has a lot of homeless traffic, because of Foodland, and the sad thing is seeing people with open-sores on legs and feet walking the streets. Under Gov. Ige, the Unemployment Compensation had gotten to being over $500,000,000.00 upside down.
Hey, it’s a great way to talk about travel insurance – which, BOH Editors, I hope you spend A Lot more time on in future posts (Travel Insurance topic triggers me and probably a lot of others). Remember this ranking is of the Top 31 cities, so no matter where Honolulu is on that list, it is a winner. Paris, France, and Orlando, Florida dropped out of the top 15 replaced by Singapore and Hong Kong. Hawaii’s sister island, Las Vegas, didn’t even show. Based on metrics, the ‘standings’ will fluctuate a lot. Honolulu has everything to be proud of coming out of the pandemic and a bad inflationary period. There’s a reason it continues to be a top destination. It’s an historic city, home to a diverse culture that shows appreciation for its environment and projects an equal amount of aloha.
These rankings seem a little sensational and I’m not sure of the Berkshire methodology. For me, Honolulu is still a top vacation spot.
Let’s hope the city and state tourism officials take this as a wake-up call.
Thank you for covering this. Important to know what’s happening for me – I’m planning a visit soon.
What a big drop. I wonder if other cities improved or if things have really changed for the worse that much in Honolulu? It’s been a while since I’ve been there.
As a frequent visitor, I too noticed the big increase in homelessness, but it never felt like a threat. Hoping this report encourages more community support for the issues.
Was just in Honolulu last month, and honestly, I felt very safe the whole time. Yes there is abundant homelessness. But nothing that felt unsafe. Somewhat surprised to see it dropped so much in the rankings.
Honolulu will always be my favorite destination, and I’ve never had a problem with safety there. But knowing about these changes is helpful for planning my next trip to the city.
This is disappointing news at multiple levels for Honolulu. I hope the city can address the issues behind this drop!
The Hawaiian Justice systems and courts have literally lost their minds. The amount of bleeding heart, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 20th changes people get without jail or prison time is off the charts. It’s clear that the value of criminals is completely overshadowing victims and it’s starting to show in our communities. These judges need to be held accountable for their lack of discipline applied to said criminals. Start shipping these people off island and let them rot in Arizona. Enough is enough. Ask Mauian’ss how many cars need to be stolen before something is done? It’s an island for god’s sake.