North America·USA

Is Honolulu Safe for Tourists in 2026?

Honolulu is generally safe for tourists relative to other popular destinations. Our database documents 14 scams, with only 0 rated high severity. Standard travel awareness applies — staying alert in crowded areas and using vetted transport covers the majority of documented risks.

Generally Safe

Overall verdict

14

Scams documented

0

High severity

Overall verdict

Generally Safe

Lower scam risk compared to similar destinations

Scams documented

14

High severity

0

Medium severity

12

Top risk type

Tour & Activities

By traveler type

Is Honolulu safe for you specifically?

Scam risk varies by traveler profile. Different types of visitors face different documented threats in Honolulu.

Solo travelers

Standard risk

Solo travelers are more frequently targeted because they lack the deterrent of a group. Stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share itineraries with someone at home, and avoid deserted areas at night.

First-time visitors

Higher risk

Unfamiliarity with local pricing, transport, and norms makes first-time visitors prime targets. Read the full scam database for Honolulu before arrival — knowing what scams exist is the single most effective protection.

Families with children

Lower risk

Families with children are less commonly targeted for scams involving nightlife or bar areas. Standard precautions apply: use vetted transport, keep documents secured, and brief children on not accepting gifts from strangers.

Budget travelers

Higher risk

Budget travelers spending time in hostels, using street food, and booking last-minute tours face increased exposure to accommodation scams, fake tour operators, and currency exchange fraud.

Where risk concentrates

Areas to be cautious in Honolulu

These locations are specifically cited in documented scam reports for Honolulu. Exercise heightened awareness in these areas.

Snorkel Tour Hidden Fee

Snorkel tour booking kiosks on Kalakaua Ave in Waikiki, along Ala Moana Blvd near the Ala Moana Boat Harbor, and online via budget tour aggregator sites for tours departing from Kewalo Basin Harbor

medium

Timeshare Presentation on the Beach

Waikiki Beach along the stretch from Fort DeRussy Beach Park to the Moana Surfrider hotel, hotel lobbies on Kalakaua Ave and Kuhio Ave, and the Waikiki Beach Walk promenade between Lewers St and Beach Walk

medium

Fake Lei Greeting then Tip Demand

Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport arrivals area on Rodgers Blvd, the Waikiki beachfront along Kalakaua Ave between Kuhio Ave and the beach access points, and near the International Market Place on Kalakaua Ave

medium

Counterfeit Aloha Merchandise

Souvenir shops along Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki, vendor stalls inside the International Market Place at 2330 Kalakaua Ave, and tourist gift shops near the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor on Kamehameha Hwy

low

Waikiki Restaurant Hidden Cover Charge

Kalakaua Avenue restaurant row, Waikiki Beach Walk dining area, Royal Hawaiian Center food court perimeter, Lewers Street oceanfront venues

medium
Risk breakdown

What types of scams occur in Honolulu?

Tour & Activities

Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping.

5

36% of reports

Taxi & Transport

Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists.

2

14% of reports

Street Scams

Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas.

2

14% of reports

Restaurant Scams

Inflated bills, hidden charges, tourist menus, and food service tricks.

1

7% of reports

Accommodation Scams

Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud.

1

7% of reports

Online Scams

Fraudulent booking sites, phishing, fake reviews, and digital cons targeting travelers.

1

7% of reports

Money & ATM Scams

Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons.

1

7% of reports

Other Scams

Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors.

1

7% of reports

How serious?

Severity breakdown for Honolulu

12 Medium — 86%
2 Low — 14%
Before you go

Quick safety checklist for Honolulu

01

Before booking any tour or activity in Honolulu, verify the operator has verifiable reviews on multiple platforms.

02

Tour & Activities scams are the most documented risk in Honolulu — review those warnings specifically before you arrive.

03

Use app-based transport rather than street taxis, especially near Honolulu's main tourist attractions.

04

Keep a physical copy of your passport, travel insurance policy number, and embassy contact in a separate location from originals.

05

If you are approached by someone offering unsolicited help, tours, or currency exchange, politely decline and walk away.

06

Report any scam to local police and to your country's embassy. Even if recovery is unlikely, reports help maintain accurate travel advisories.

Common questions

Is Honolulu safe — answered

Is Honolulu safe for tourists in 2026?
Honolulu is generally safe for tourists based on our database of 14 documented scams. 0 of those are rated high severity. The most common risks are tour & activities, taxi & transport, street scams. Millions of tourists visit Honolulu safely each year — preparedness is the key differentiator.
Is Honolulu safe for solo travelers?
Honolulu is generally navigable for solo travelers with standard precautions. Key advice: stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share your itinerary with someone at home, use app-based transport at night, and avoid isolated areas after dark. Review the full scam list for Honolulu before traveling alone.
What are the most dangerous areas in Honolulu for tourists?
Based on documented incident reports, the highest-risk areas in Honolulu include: Snorkel tour booking kiosks on Kalakaua Ave in Waikiki, along Ala Moana Blvd near the Ala Moana Boat Harbor, and online via budget tour aggregator sites for tours departing from Kewalo Basin Harbor. Waikiki Beach along the stretch from Fort DeRussy Beach Park to the Moana Surfrider hotel, hotel lobbies on Kalakaua Ave and Kuhio Ave, and the Waikiki Beach Walk promenade between Lewers St and Beach Walk. Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport arrivals area on Rodgers Blvd, the Waikiki beachfront along Kalakaua Ave between Kuhio Ave and the beach access points, and near the International Market Place on Kalakaua Ave. These areas are associated with tour & activities, street scams, restaurant scams incidents.
Is Honolulu safe at night?
Nighttime risk in Honolulu is primarily concentrated around bar and nightlife districts, where overcharging, spiked drink incidents, and fake police are more common. Using official or app-based transport after dark and staying in well-lit, populated areas reduces risk significantly.
Is Honolulu safe for female travelers?
Honolulu is broadly accessible for female travelers with standard precautions. General guidance: use verified accommodation with secure entry, avoid sharing ride details publicly, dress in line with local customs to reduce unwanted attention, and keep emergency contacts accessible. Travel communities like r/solotravel and r/TravelHacks have current firsthand reports.
What scams should I watch for in Honolulu?
The top documented scams in Honolulu are: Snorkel Tour Hidden Fee, Timeshare Presentation on the Beach, Fake Lei Greeting then Tip Demand, Counterfeit Aloha Merchandise, Waikiki Restaurant Hidden Cover Charge. The full database covers 14 individual scams across 8 categories. Reviewing each scam's description and avoidance tips is the most effective pre-trip preparation.
Should I get travel insurance for Honolulu?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for any trip to Honolulu. Beyond scam-related losses, insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and theft — all documented risk categories here. Look for policies that include 24/7 emergency assistance and explicit coverage for mugging or pickpocketing. Compare policies on comparison sites before purchasing.
Is USA safe to visit in 2026?
USA as a whole is a popular tourist destination with documented scam activity across multiple cities. Honolulu specifically has 14 documented scams with a generally safe safety rating. Check the full USA country guide for a regional overview and safety comparisons across all covered cities.

Editorial note: This safety assessment for Honolulu is based on 14 verified scam reports in the Before You Go database, compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Safety conditions change — always cross-reference with current government advisories before travel. Read our methodology →