Hawaii Travel Feels Safer In 2025—But Is That The Truth?

Some travelers are reconsidering their tropical vacation plans. Is Hawaii benefiting from a renewed sense of security, or is the perception of safety misleading? Here’s what visitors say in comments, including our personal experiences, and what you might think about before booking your next tropical getaway—whether in Hawaii or the places we travel to beyond.

Why travelers are reassessing safety.

Recent travel warnings for destinations like Costa Rica in particular, and Mexico, have returned safety on travelers’ minds. Reports of roadside robberies near San Jose, carjackings, and other incidents have led to renewed caution from the U.S. State Department.

These concerns, combined with broader geopolitical tensions, have some travelers reconsidering international vacations in 2025. As a U.S. destination, Hawaii continues to offer an appealing alternative—no passport required, phones work, same currency, familiar laws, and perhaps a lower risk of violent crime compared to some overseas locations.

Some travelers are choosing Hawaii with these factors in mind. However, others point out that Hawaii has significant safety concerns. Here’s what travelers are telling BOH about the trade-offs.

Emma, who frequently travels between Hawaii and Mexico, noted: “I love Mexico, but safety has definitely become far more of a consideration. Hawaii feels like an easier choice for me right now—I don’t have to think as much about which areas are safe or not.”

Not everyone agrees. Jason, a frequent island visitor, said: “Hawaii is safer in some ways, but let’s not pretend it’s perfect. Car break-ins are a huge issue, and I’ve definitely seen some sketchy situations in tourist areas, including Honolulu’s Chinatown.”

Lisa, who recently debated whether to travel internationally or domestically and helped spawn this discussion, said: “I was originally planning a trip to Costa Rica, but after reading about the recent crime issues, I decided to switch back to Hawaii. I know it’s not crime-free, but at least I have a better idea of what to expect, and I don’t think I’ll get carjacked driving from the airport.”

Editor Jeff had his share of trouble in Mexico.

He was jailed for the weekend at Rosarito Beach by police who stole his money, had a car break-in while visiting Mexico City, and was the victim of an armed robbery while on the beach at Playa Azul. Jeff admittedly notes he wasn’t staying at a 5-star resort when these events happened. While this was some years ago, he hasn’t personally spent much time in Mexico since.

How safe Hawaii is may surprise you.

While Hawaii may feel like a safe bet, visitors should still take precautions. Petty theft, particularly car break-ins, has been an ongoing problem. A recent Beat of Hawaii report on visitor safety outlined how thieves frequently target rental cars, sometimes even in broad daylight.

At the same time, Hawaii’s reputation for safety doesn’t always match reality. As discussed in a prior report on Hawaii’s marketing claims vs. reality, the state promotes an image of paradise. However, visitors can encounter challenges like theft, emergency response delays, and the risks of rural medicine in less-developed areas.

Compared to many international destinations, Hawaii has relatively low violent crime rates affecting tourists. Visitors generally don’t have to worry about armed robberies or kidnapping, which can be a concern in some countries under travel advisories.

Should travelers even think about these issues?

Safety is always a factor in travel decisions, but no destination is entirely risk-free. Travelers should weigh crime statistics and factors like health risks, emergency infrastructure, and personal comfort levels when choosing any destination, including Hawaii.

For those seeking an alternative to international uncertainty, Hawaii offers a familiar environment with the conveniences of domestic travel. However, visitors should remain vigilant, take common-sense precautions, and research the areas they plan to visit in relation to their needs.

Is Hawaii truly the safer bet in 2025? That depends on perspective. Some travelers will see it as a reliable choice, while others may question whether its safety is being overestimated. What about you?