Island in Hawaii, United States
Is Kauai safe?
Very safe for violent crime; the real risks are ocean currents, hikes and flash floods.
Is Kauai safe?
Very safe for violent crime; the real risks are ocean currents, hikes and flash floods. Car break-ins at trailheads and beaches 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 Kauai at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Theft from rental cars at trailheads and beaches is the main crime; leave nothing visible. Violent crime against visitors is rare. |
| At night | Evenings are quiet and dark outside resort areas; roads have few lights and wildlife crossings, so drive carefully. |
| Solo women | Generally comfortable for solo women. The main concerns are remote trails, dark roads and car break-ins; tell someone before hiking alone. |
| Other risks | Rip currents and large winter waves on north shore beaches; Flash floods on trails and roads; Dehydration and falls on cliffside hikes |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Timeshare presentations offering 'free' tours or gifts
- Unofficial 'parking' attendants at beaches
- Fake rental listings; book through reputable sites
Take care
- Remote trailheads where rental cars are targeted
- Unguarded beaches with strong currents
- Kalalau Trail stream crossings after rain
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 Kauai 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 Kauai safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable for solo women. The main concerns are remote trails, dark roads and car break-ins; tell someone before hiking alone.
Is Kauai safe at night?
Evenings are quiet and dark outside resort areas; roads have few lights and wildlife crossings, so drive carefully.
What is the crime rate in Kauai?
Theft from rental cars at trailheads and beaches is the main crime; 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 Kauai?
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911.
More about Kauai
Going to Kauai solo?
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Sources
- Lihue Airport (Hawaii Department of Transportation)
- Kauai Visitors Bureau
- Haena State Park reservations
- 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.