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Honolulu is a charming place to visit. It has gorgeous beaches, interesting history, and world-class cuisine. The crime rate in the area is low, and it's one of the safest major cities in America. However, some people are concerned about traveling to Honolulu because it's an urban area with some incidences of crime.

Here are some tips for first-time travelers, so they can enjoy their time in this tropical paradise without worrying about anything but sunshine and sea breezes.

UPDATE: 2023/02/05 13:42 EST BY AARON SPRAY

The Comparative Safety Of Honolulu

While Honolulu may not be as safe as many of the cities elsewhere in the world (like Australia or Europe), it still compares favorably with other cities in the United States. This article was updated with some comparative information about how safe Honolulu is compared to other cities on the American mainland.

Tips For Staying Safe When Around The Ocean Area In Honolulu

It's almost a cliché that the ocean is dangerous at night. However, it should be said that the ocean is Hawaii's biggest threat to tourists. At night, there are no boats or other people to help if travelers find themselves in trouble. This means that swimming at night is ill-advised for everyone.

Related: Honolulu Vs. Maui: Which Hawaiian Destination Offers More?

Although it is a beautiful sight, watching the sunset from Waimea falls is not advised unless guests have a guide who knows the area well and can lead them back to safety if needed. It's very easy to become lost in this area.

While the ocean is dangerous at night, the shore is much more dangerous during the day. It's because many vacationers go to the shore for a walk and a dip as part of their day trip. These people may not be paying attention, and it's just as easy to wander off into the jungles as it is on dry land. A simple way to avoid this is to stay on the main roads as much as possible. By avoiding the shore, a visitor can also enjoy the beautiful Oahu beaches during the day.

It's advisable to be aware of the surroundings. Hawaii's beaches are populated by thousands of locals who have lived there their entire lives. It is tempting to assume that they must all speak English and be friendly. For tourists, this can be dangerous. If one travels to Hawaii, it’s wise to avoid spending time around people who are obviously intoxicated.

Travelers should also avoid glowing coral at night. Corals emit light that can be quite beautiful at night, but this means that there's also a greater chance of biting by aggressive reef fish that may not be visible. The coral is located in many popular tourist areas in Hawaii, such as Hanauma Bay and the Waikiki Aquarium.

If tourists are not sure if it's safe to swim or snorkel, they should not jump in. They need to look around and make sure they can see any potential dangers before diving into the water. Sometimes, large schools of fish are present in the area, and that can be dangerous. The reef fish are capable of biting through swimwear.

Related: Honeymoon Destination: 10 Best Reasons To Choose Hawaii

Safety Measures To Observe While Hiking In Honolulu

Hiking is an amazing way to enjoy the amazing views of Honolulu. But most hiking trails can't be considered easy. All the trails involve some level of skill, even if they aren't extremely difficult. If a visitor is new to hiking and doesn't have a lot of experience, it's best to avoid any hikes that are rated "easy."

If vacationers choose to hike despite the risk, they need to make sure that someone trustworthy knows exactly their plans and has a way to contact you quickly. It is also helpful to understand that many of the popular trails have been the site of theft or muggings. The main reason is that these trails are often not used by locals, so they may not be familiar with how to handle incidents where tourists are present. It's best to stay away from trails that aren't commonly traveled and follow regulations about hiking in dangerous wilderness areas.

Avoid Being On Foot After Drinking Alcohol In Honolulu

The city is a great place to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Hawaiian Islands, but it's also a dangerous place to go out and party. So here are life-saving tips that travelers should know on their vacation.

Avoid driving after drinking alcohol. This can be dangerous not only because of a traveler’s ability to drive safely but also because alcohol impairs judgment and slows reaction time. As such, it makes it harder for drivers who haven't had enough rest or sleep in the morning (or night) before getting behind the wheel.

The Honolulu Police Department recommends waiting at least three hours after drinking before getting behind the wheel if possible. This way, if something goes wrong with the vehicle while travelers are driving home from a happy hour, they’ll have plenty of time before having an accident caused by falling asleep at stoplights (or worse).

Honolulu is generally a safe place to visit. However, there are some locations that have higher crime rates and should be avoided if a tourist is not familiar with them. It’s also important to stay alert when traveling around at night because this is when most crimes happen. The best way for first-time visitors to avoid being victims of crime is by following these tips and staying vigilant about their surroundings throughout the day and night.

How Does Honolulu Measure Up To The Other Cities Of The United States?

When it comes to states, Hawaii is ranked middle on Crime Index by the state at 27th (note that measures a number of kinds of crime). The states with the best ranking are Vermont and New Hampshire while the worst are the District of Columbia and South Carolina.

Forbes reported that Honolulu is the safest of the large cities in the United States (with a population of over 300,000). It was named the safest large city, with the lowest per-capita crime cost in the country. Honolulu suffers from a homicide rate of around 3 per 100,000 - that compares very favorably when compared to the most dangerous cities in the United States like St. Louis with 66 per 100,000, Detroit with 39 per 100,000, and New Orleans with 39 per 100,000.

Aerial view of Diamond Head, Honolulu, Hawaii
Photo by Savannah Rohleder on Unsplash
Aerial view of Diamond Head, Honolulu, Hawaii

According to data compiled by USAToday.com Honolulu is the most dangerous city in the state of Hawaii (not that there are any other large cities) with a violent crime rate of 248.6 per 100,000 people. Still, that compares somewhat favorably to the mainland and Hawaii's 8.8% poverty rate is the second lowest in the Union.

Remember that crime happens everywhere, so one should always follow certain tips for keeping safe while traveling.