Stephanie is a cherished member of the Sampling America writing team, dedicated to crafting captivating narratives that transport readers to thrilling adventures across the country and beyond.
The Aloha state is every beach lover’s paradise. The sun, sand, waterfalls, and luscious jungle atmosphere feels like paradise.
However, Hawaii is a place like any other; it has crime and poor living conditions for some locals, and some of the most famous landmarks and destinations have been overrun with tourists and even ruined by littering or disrespecting their surroundings.
Be sure to follow our list and avoid these ten places in Hawaii to ensure that you have a safe and fun vacation.
Makaha Beach Park
This destination is usually on lists to visit because it’s one of the areas where you can watch sea turtles hatching from their shells and skittering to the ocean waves.
However, this beach should not be visited by anyone with small kids who can’t control themselves around cute animals. In Hawaii, sea turtles are a protected animal; touching them even once will result in a massive fine by the Hawaii police.
The area also has the highest crime rate in the state. Visitors should be warned not to hang around at night. Local gangs often visit the beach at night and pickpocket or mug tourists for their cash and wallets.
Kipu Falls
Kipu Falls is one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in all of Hawaii. People visit from all over the world to see this one destination.
However, it’s not all fun and games. The waterfall is on a very high ledge, resulting in several tourist deaths over the years.
Due to the carelessness of thrill seekers who want to climb the falls, the area is closed to the public. It’s another place that will result in a huge fine or even jail time if caught trespassing.
Wahiawa
Wahiawa, which means “place of noise,” has plantations, coffee farms, hiking trails, and leisure parks. However, it’s also full of crime to the point that authorities try to dissuade tourists from visiting.
Muggings and robbery are the most common types of crime in Hawaii. So when traveling, even in safer places, be sure to keep your cash, credit cards, and passports secure in a fanny pack or a purse that sits on your front with a zipper.
Sandy Beach
This is a well-known surfing site among locals and tourists alike. Many newbies try to surf these huge crashing waves. However, the current in the small bays can change rapidly, creating a rip tide and pulling out even more experienced swimmers into the open ocean.
Don’t let this scary beach dissuade you; there are calmer waters and safer beaches you can visit if you want to try surfing in the Aloha State.
Ewa Beach
Ewa Beach in Honolulu is a popular party spot for youngsters and locals. However, it is infamous for muggings and robberies.
Locals will often take advantage of tourists having their guard down when partying and drinking. Unfortunately, there have also been a few kidnappings right from the beach.
Although this beach should be seen during the day, you can skip it at night to keep yourself and your valuables safe.
Nakalele Point Blowhole
Near Poelua Bay in Maui is one of the most famous tourist attractions. The geyser shoots water up over 100 feet every few minutes. It’s a fantastic spectacle to see.
As the blowhole is right on the water, the waves can create a strong suction and even pull in people from a distance.
It’s suggested to exercise extreme caution when visiting. An incident has only taken a life once, but that’s enough for Hawaii officials to mark off the area. However, that doesn’t stop some people from going under the caution tape to take a better look.
Pahoa
This spot is one of the most famous lava zones on the Big Island due to its proximity to Kilauea Volcano. It’s something that everyone should see.
However, many women report feeling unsafe and being the victim of crimes here, so it’s generally recommended to be avoided by single backpackers.
Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is in East Oahu, a popular tourist destination because of its stunning turquoise waters. The bay seems generally safe, but that couldn’t be less true.
The ocean has a wild current, even in these small bays. It can pull out the most experienced swimmers into the open ocean. Once there, you’ll have difficulty keeping up with the waves here. You might think you’re a professional swimmer, but the waters on the coast of the mainland in the U.S. are much calmer than those directly next to the beach in Hawaii.
Sacred Falls State Park
This park is one of the most stunning places in Hawaii that isn’t on the beach. The view of the mountains and waterfalls is otherworldly and must be seen to be believed.
However, because of rockfalls, the area was closed off in 1999. The beauty of the site can still be seen from afar, thankfully. But the lives of eight people were taken, and Hawaiian officials want to do everything in their power to avoid this from happening again.
Queen’s Bath
This beach spot certainly has a unique name. It used to be a famous place for royalty to swim privately.
It’s a small crater formed when a lava tube underground broke, creating a small and warm pool. However, it’s generally unsafe to swim in. The high tides in the water can quickly sweep in and cause you to be hurt on the rocks nearby.
Hilo
Hilo is one of the most prominent tourist destinations on the Big Island. Tourists can see several concerts, surfing competitions, dancing, and music at night.
However, the level of partying means this is a hot spot for drunk drivers, pickpockets, and muggings. Be sure to steer clear of this beach when you’re in Hawaii to save yourself a headache.
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