Island in Hawaii, United States
Is Big Island safe?
Safe for violent crime; ocean conditions, volcanic hazards and driving matter more.
Is Big Island safe?
Safe for violent crime; ocean conditions, volcanic hazards and driving matter more. Rental-car break-ins at beaches and trailheads are common.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- Homicide rate in United States: 5.8 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in United States: 12.7 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911.
Safety in Big Island at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Theft from rental cars at beaches and trailheads is the main problem; leave nothing visible. Violent crime against visitors is rare. |
| At night | Most places are quiet and dark at night; Kona has a lively strip on weekends. Drive carefully on unlit roads with wildlife. |
| Solo women | Generally comfortable for solo women. Main concerns are remote trails, dark roads and car break-ins; tell someone before hiking alone. |
| Other risks | Rip currents and shore break at beaches; Vog and volcanic gases near Kilauea, harmful to asthmatics; Altitude sickness at Mauna Kea (4,200 m) |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Timeshare promoters offering 'free' tours or gifts
- Unofficial parking attendants at beaches
- Fake rental listings; book through reputable sites
Take care
- Parked rental cars at trailheads and Black Sand Beach
- Remote lava-viewing areas and closed lava fields
- Strong currents at unguarded beaches
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drinking age is 21 everywhere; bars and shops check ID, so carry your passport.
- Open alcohol containers in public and in cars are illegal in most places.
- Cannabis is legal in some states but federally illegal; never carry it across borders or onto federal land.
How Big Island compares in United States
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Sedona | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Scottsdale | 5/5 · Very safe |
| New York City | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Las Vegas | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Orlando | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Honolulu | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Boston | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Diego | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Maui | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Nashville | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Austin | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Miami Beach | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Key West | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Denver | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Portland | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Antonio | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Charleston | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Savannah | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Fort Lauderdale | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Kauai | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Big Island | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Los Angeles | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Miami | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| San Francisco | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Washington, D.C. | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Chicago | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| New Orleans | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Seattle | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Philadelphia | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Atlanta | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Big Island safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable for solo women. Main concerns are remote trails, dark roads and car break-ins; tell someone before hiking alone.
Is Big Island safe at night?
Most places are quiet and dark at night; Kona has a lively strip on weekends. Drive carefully on unlit roads with wildlife.
What is the crime rate in Big Island?
Theft from rental cars at beaches and trailheads is the main problem; leave nothing visible. Violent crime against visitors is rare. Nationally, United States records 5.8 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Big Island?
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911.
More about Big Island
Going to Big Island solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Big Island meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Hawaii County Mass Transit Agency (Hele-On)
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (NPS)
- Hawaii Airports Division
- Go Hawaii: Island of Hawaii
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.