Hawaii is the 50th and most recent state to join the United States, situated in the central Pacific Ocean. An archipelago of 137 islands and atolls, Hawaii is renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and rich Polynesian culture. The eight main islands — Oahu, Maui, Hawaii (Big Island), Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe — each offer a distinct personality and experience.
Hawaii is one of the safest destinations in the United States, with low violent crime rates and a welcoming aloha culture. Primary risks are environmental: ocean hazards (rip currents, jellyfish, strong surf), volcanic hazards (vog, lava collapses), extreme UV radiation, flash flooding in mountain valleys, and leptospirosis in freshwater streams. Understanding these natural hazards and following posted guidelines is essential for a safe and enjoyable visit.
Current safety advisory
Very Safe
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Rip Current Awareness — Rip currents are the leading cause of ocean rescues in Hawaii. Fast-moving water channels pull swimmers offshore rapidly.
Box Jellyfish and Man-of-War — Box jellyfish appear predictably on Oahu's leeward beaches 8-10 days after the full moon. Portuguese man-of-war wash ashore after strong winds, especially on windward coasts.
Volcanic Smog (Vog) — Sulfur dioxide emissions from Kilauea create vog that affects air quality across the Hawaiian Islands. Worst on the Big Island's leeward Kona side.
Active Lava and Lava Bench Collapses — Hardened lava benches at ocean entry points can collapse suddenly into boiling water. Laze (steam from lava meeting ocean) contains hydrochloric acid and volcanic particles.
Valley Flash Floods — Hawaii's mountains receive some of the world's highest rainfall. Flash floods can occur within minutes in valleys even when skies look clear at your location.
Extreme UV Radiation — Hawaii's tropical latitude means UV radiation is significantly stronger than the continental US. Light-skinned visitors can burn in as little as 15-20 minutes.
Protected Marine Wildlife Laws — Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles (honu) are federally protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act.
Vehicle Break-ins at Trailheads — Car break-ins occur regularly at popular trailheads and beach parking areas, particularly at Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Makapu'u, and North Shore beaches.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Unsolicited Lei Demand
Near tourist areas in Waikiki and at airports, strangers place leis on visitors without consent then aggressively demand payment. This is not a genuine Hawaiian cultural practice.
How to avoid: Politely decline leis from strangers on the street. Authentic lei greetings are given freely at scheduled cultural events and at the airport by family members welcoming returning travelers.
Timeshare Presentation Lures
Offers of free luau tickets, activity discounts, or gift cards in exchange for attending a 'brief vacation presentation' are high-pressure timeshare sales tactics lasting 90+ minutes.
How to avoid: Decline all offers tied to attending any kind of sales or ownership presentation. Book activities directly with operators to get honest pricing.
Hotel Activity Desk Markups
Hotel concierge activity desks earn high commissions and routinely charge 30-50% more than booking directly with operators for the same snorkel tours, helicopter rides, and luau shows.
How to avoid: Book directly with activity operators after researching prices online. Compare prices using activity booking platforms before committing through a hotel desk.
Unofficial Parking Cash Collectors
At some busy beach areas and trailheads, individuals wave visitors into parking spots and collect cash for parking that is actually free or pay-by-machine.
How to avoid: Look for official county pay stations or free signage. Only pay at marked machines. Question anyone collecting cash informally before handing over money.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No special vaccinations required for Hawaii beyond standard US health recommendations. Ensure routine vaccinations (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, MMR, influenza) are current before travel.
- Water Safety
- Tap water is safe to drink on all main Hawaiian islands and meets EPA standards. Hotel tap water is safe for drinking, brushing teeth, and food preparation.
- Leptospirosis
- A bacterial infection transmitted through freshwater contaminated by animal urine. Hawaii has higher leptospirosis rates than any other US state. Do not swim in streams, waterfall pools, or flooded areas. Cover cuts and scrapes before potential freshwater exposure. Symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle aches — seek immediate medical care after freshwater exposure.
- Sun Exposure
- UV radiation is significantly stronger in Hawaii than the continental US due to the tropical latitude. Use reef-safe (oxybenzone-free) SPF 50 sunscreen. Hawaii law prohibits the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate to protect coral reefs.
- Vog
- Volcanic smog from Kilauea sulfur dioxide emissions affects air quality statewide. Those with asthma, chronic respiratory conditions, or heart disease should monitor vog forecasts at vog.ivhhn.org and limit outdoor activity on high-vog days.
- Mosquitoes
- Mosquitoes are present in forest areas, valleys, and near standing water. Use EPA-registered insect repellent on rainforest and valley hikes. Hawaii has no malaria risk.
- Medical Facilities
- Major medical centers operate on all main islands. The Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu (808-538-9011) is the state's premier hospital. Maui Memorial Medical Center, Hilo Medical Center, and Wilcox Medical Center (Kauai) provide emergency services on other islands.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police Fire Ambulance
- 911
- Coast Guard Search And Rescue
- (808) 842-2600
- Poison Control
- 1-800-222-1222
- Queens Medical Center Honolulu
- (808) 538-9011
- Maui Memorial Medical Center
- (808) 244-9056
- Hilo Medical Center Big Island
- (808) 932-3000
- Wilcox Medical Center Kauai
- (808) 245-1100
- Noaa Weather Service Honolulu
- (808) 973-4380
- Hawaii Dlnr Violations
- (808) 587-0400