Honolulu is no more dangerous than most major U.S. cities. Be aware, however, that some sections of the leeward coast are especially popular with thieves. Pickpockets sometimes target vacationers, so hold tight to purses and expensive cameras. Also, don't assume your rental car is secure. Thieves have been known to break into parked cars at beaches, tourist attractions and major shopping centers. Never leave anything that resembles a purse inside your car, not even for a few minutes.
If you go to the beach, don't spread out your towel, dump all your belongings on it and run for the water. Even the locals don't do that. Travel light. Keep an eye on your things, and don't let your guard down.
We recommend avoiding the downtown district on Hotel Street near Chinatown at night unless you are with a large group, and take special care if you visit the Waianae Coast, on the west side of the Waianae Mountains. The beaches along this stretch are some of the most beautiful on the island, but violent attacks and robberies have taken place there on occasion. Also be aware of your surroundings on the streets of Waikiki. Drive-by purse snatchings are very rare, but they do occur. Save your strolls on Oahu's beaches or on Waikiki's less-traveled streets for the daytime and early evening. If you go hiking, stick to marked trails.
Dos & Don'ts
Do pay attention to how Hawaii place names are pronounced. For instance, you'll be told to take the Likelike Highway to get to Kailua. That's not "like-like," as in rhymes with Ike, but is pronounced "Lee-KAY-Lee-KAY."
Don't refer to highways by their numbers. Except for the H1, the H2 and the H3, residents call highways by name. Kamehameha (Kam) Highway, Farrington Highway, the Pali Highway, the Likelike Highway, Kahekili Highway and Kalanianaole (Kal) Highway probably all have numbers, but hardly anyone knows them.
Don't walk around in your bikini. Believe it or not, people in Hawaii don't wear bathing suits all day long.
Do take a surfing lesson (try tandem surfing) or take a ride in an outrigger canoe. Remember, this is where surfing was invented.
Do keep a fully charged cell phone handy, especially if you are going out on excursions or hikes. The global positioning capabilities of late-model phones have been the key to rescuing many missing hikers in Hawaii's rain forests.
