North America·USA

Is Maui Safe for Tourists in 2026?

Maui is generally safe for tourists relative to other popular destinations. Our database documents 11 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

11

Scams documented

0

High severity

Overall verdict

Generally Safe

Lower scam risk compared to similar destinations

Scams documented

11

High severity

0

Medium severity

8

Top risk type

Tour & Activities

By traveler type

Is Maui safe for you specifically?

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

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 Maui 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 Maui

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

Timeshare "Free Activities" Bait

Whalers Village shopping center in Kaanapali; resort activity kiosks along Kaanapali Beach Hotel Row; hotel lobbies at the Hyatt Regency Maui, Marriott Maui Ocean Club, and Hilton Kaanapali Beach Resort

medium

Activity Desk Commission Markup

Resort lobby activity desks at the Grand Wailea, Andaz Maui at Wailea, Hyatt Regency Maui in Kaanapali, and Marriott Maui Ocean Club; also standalone activity booking booths in Whalers Village shopping center and Kihei Kalama Village

low

Post-Wildfire Vacation Rental Fraud

Primarily advertised online targeting visitors searching for West Maui and Lahaina-area properties; also affects listings in Kihei, Wailea, and Napili where displaced residents drove prices up sharply post-fire

medium

Rental Car False Damage Claims

Kahului Airport (OGG) rental car center on Keolani Place; off-airport rental operators along Dairy Road in Kahului; informal Craigslist rental offers that arrange pickup at the airport parking structure

medium

Molokini Crater Tour Bait-and-Switch

Maalaea Harbor (the main departure point for Molokini tours, off Honoapi'ilani Highway between Kihei and Maalaea); also boats departing from Kihei Boat Ramp on South Kihei Road

medium
Risk breakdown

What types of scams occur in Maui?

Tour & Activities

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

5

45% of reports

Taxi & Transport

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

1

9% of reports

Street Scams

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

1

9% of reports

Accommodation Scams

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

1

9% of reports

Online Scams

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

1

9% of reports

Money & ATM Scams

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

1

9% of reports

Other Scams

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

1

9% of reports

How serious?

Severity breakdown for Maui

8 Medium — 73%
3 Low — 27%
Before you go

Quick safety checklist for Maui

01

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

02

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

03

Use app-based transport rather than street taxis, especially near Maui'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 Maui safe — answered

Is Maui safe for tourists in 2026?
Maui is generally safe for tourists based on our database of 11 documented scams. 0 of those are rated high severity. The most common risks are tour & activities, taxi & transport, street scams. Millions of tourists visit Maui safely each year — preparedness is the key differentiator.
Is Maui safe for solo travelers?
Maui 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 Maui before traveling alone.
What are the most dangerous areas in Maui for tourists?
Based on documented incident reports, the highest-risk areas in Maui include: Whalers Village shopping center in Kaanapali; resort activity kiosks along Kaanapali Beach Hotel Row; hotel lobbies at the Hyatt Regency Maui, Marriott Maui Ocean Club, and Hilton Kaanapali Beach Resort. Resort lobby activity desks at the Grand Wailea, Andaz Maui at Wailea, Hyatt Regency Maui in Kaanapali, and Marriott Maui Ocean Club; also standalone activity booking booths in Whalers Village shopping center and Kihei Kalama Village. Primarily advertised online targeting visitors searching for West Maui and Lahaina-area properties; also affects listings in Kihei, Wailea, and Napili where displaced residents drove prices up sharply post-fire. These areas are associated with tour & activities, accommodation scams, other scams incidents.
Is Maui safe at night?
Nighttime risk in Maui 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 Maui safe for female travelers?
Maui 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 Maui?
The top documented scams in Maui are: Timeshare "Free Activities" Bait, Activity Desk Commission Markup, Post-Wildfire Vacation Rental Fraud, Rental Car False Damage Claims, Molokini Crater Tour Bait-and-Switch. The full database covers 11 individual scams across 7 categories. Reviewing each scam's description and avoidance tips is the most effective pre-trip preparation.
Should I get travel insurance for Maui?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for any trip to Maui. 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. Maui specifically has 11 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 Maui is based on 11 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 →