Hawaii is a well-liked spot for tourists, celebrated for its stunning islands, beaches, and rich culture. Yet, not all areas in Hawaii guarantee safety and tranquility. Certain cities grapple with elevated crime levels, poverty, and drug-related issues, which can jeopardize both residents and visitors. In this article, we’ll delve into the five dangerous cities in Hawaii, using crime data from 2017 as a reference.
Hilo
Hilo, on the Big Island, is Hawaii’s largest city, home to approximately 45,600 people. Unfortunately, it holds the title of being the most perilous city in the state, with a crime rate surpassing the national average by 70%. The likelihood of experiencing a crime in Hilo is 1-in-23, and property crimes are 83% more prevalent than the national average.
Moreover, Hilo is susceptible to natural disasters like volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis. The city grapples with subpar infrastructure, lower educational attainment, and elevated unemployment rates. For those seeking a calm and secure vacation, Hilo may not be the best choice.
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Waianae
Waianae, located on Oahu, is a coastal community with around 37,600 residents. Unfortunately, it ranks as the second most unsafe city in Hawaii, with a crime rate 69% higher than the national average. While violent crime is slightly below the national average, property crime is notably high.
Disturbingly, one in 23 individuals in Waianae may experience a crime. Moreover, it’s one of the most financially struggling areas in Hawaii, with a significant number of homeless individuals and families residing in makeshift shelters along the coast. The city grapples with a serious issue of drug abuse, particularly involving methamphetamine. Enjoying the beach in Waianae can be overshadowed by concerns for one’s safety.
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Kahului
Kahului, the biggest town on Maui, has around 30,000 residents. It ranks as the third most unsafe city in Hawaii, with a crime rate 54% higher than the national average.
The property crime rate stands at 3,650 per 100,000 people, while the violent crime rate is 371 per 100,000. Overall, Kahului’s crime rate is 3,967 per 100,000, significantly above the national average of 2,580 per 100,000.
Aside from safety concerns, Kahului serves as the main hub for commerce and industry on Maui, housing numerous businesses and factories. The town faces challenges like heavy traffic, pollution, and high noise levels. Therefore, if you’re seeking the natural beauty and tranquility of Maui, Kahului might not be the ideal destination.
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Waipahu
Waipahu, on Oahu island, used to be a sugar plantation town with roughly 40,000 residents. It’s ranked as the fourth most crime-prone city in Hawaii, with a crime rate surpassing the national average by 44%. The likelihood of experiencing a crime in Waipahu is 1 in 27.
The community has a significant number of immigrants and minority groups, who often encounter discrimination and exclusion from the broader society. Additionally, living costs are high, incomes are low, and public services are lacking. Waipahu isn’t known for its cultural diversity and unity.
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Honolulu
Honolulu, the biggest city in Hawaii, serves as the state’s capital and is home to over 900,000 people. It ranks as the fifth riskiest city in Hawaii, with a crime rate slightly surpassing the national average. Violent crime is lower than the national average, but property crime is more prevalent.
Despite its safety concerns, Honolulu remains a prominent tourist spot, drawing millions of visitors annually. The city boasts numerous attractions including museums, monuments, parks, beaches, and shopping centers. However, it grapples with issues like overcrowding, traffic congestion, pollution, homelessness, and corruption. Honolulu may not offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
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Conclusion
Hawaii offers a mix of striking natural beauty and serious social issues. While certain cities thrive in safety and prosperity, others grapple with issues like crime, poverty, and drug-related problems. The five dangerous cities in Hawaii are Hilo, Waianae, Kahului, Waipahu, and Honolulu.
These places struggle with elevated crime levels, a diminished quality of life, and numerous difficulties for both residents and tourists. If you’re considering a trip to Hawaii, it’s important to be mindful of the potential risks and take steps to safeguard yourself and your belongings. It’s worth noting that Hawaii may not be an idyllic destination for everyone.
