15 Terrifying Things In Hawaii That Can (And Just Might) Kill You

If you're asking yourself, "Is Hawaii dangerous for tourists," the answer is no, if you're aware of the most dangerous things in Hawaii and take precautions during your visit. Hawaii is absolutely paradise, and there are some risks we all face living here or visiting – some of which are more deadly than others. From centipedes and sun poisoning to hungry sharks and hot lava, here are 15 scary things that could – and just might – kill you in Hawaii.

1) Huge Waves, Hurricanes & Tsunamis

If you’re not careful, and you fail to heed warning signs posted on the shore, you could easily get swept away by a giant wave. Hurricanes and tsunamis are two things that can kill you in Hawaii.

2) Sun Poisoning

This may seem like a joke, but the sun can be extremely damaging to your skin if you aren’t regularly applying sunscreen.

3) Centipedes

Even if you don’t experience the extremely painful bite of a centipede, you just might suffer a heart attack when you see that nasty, 10-inch long monster crawling across your floor. It might not be one of the most dangerous animals in Hawaii but it certainly can give us a good scare.

4) Honolulu Traffic

Okay, so maybe sitting on H1 going west at 5 p.m. isn't one of those things that can kill you in Hawaii, per se, but it might feel as though your soul is slowly dying.

5) Hiking Trails

Hiking is one of the coolest things about living in Hawaii, but it is also one of the most dangerous. In order to prevent hiking accidents, never hike alone, always tell someone where you are going and when you should be back, and carry a backpack with the necessities: a flashlight, plenty of water, jackets, food, etc.

6) Grocery Shopping

Hawaii is the most isolated population center on Earth, and as a result, all of your food is going to take quite the trip to make it to your neighborhood grocery store…Please, don’t starve yourself because the grocery prices are too high.

7) Sharks

Believe it or not, shark attacks are probably not the greatest risk while living or visiting Hawaii. Sure, Hawaii gets a bad rap for shark attacks, but as long as you swim with a buddy and don’t go too far out, you’ll be just fine. Sharks may be considered one of the most dangerous animals in Hawaii, but you can also get an up close look at them if you're brave enough to climb into a shark cage in Hawaii.

8) Jellyfish, eels, and other dangerous sea creatures

You remember the eel attack of Waikiki beach that was thought at first to be a shark attack? Yeah, you should be scared of eels, too. And I’m not sure you even want to hear about the time I was stung by jellyfish twice in one day…

9) Vog

Basically the worst type of unpredictable allergen ever, vog, or volcanic smog is air pollution caused by volcanic eruptions, and if you’re allergic like I am, the sinus headaches and respiratory symptoms will have you wishing you were dead.

10) Cliff Jumping

Cliff diving seems really awesome until you land in unfamiliar waters and a wave propels you into a wall of rocks. Seriously though, only jump off a cliff if you are an extremely strong swimmer, you know the area, and have observed ocean conditions.

11) Hot Lava

As long as you stay on the path, and in designated areas, at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park you should be fine. I can’t imagine a worse death than being drowned in molten lava – it basically combines my two greatest fears, drowning and being burned alive.

12) The No Helmet Law

If you’re over 18 in Hawaii, you aren’t required to wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle or moped. If you enjoy your head being attached to your body, please wear a helmet anyway. Not wearing a shirt doesn’t seem like a good idea either…

13) Dehydration

If you’re vacationing in Hawaii and aren’t used to the hot sun – or don’t partake in much physical activity back home – it’s easy to become dehydrated and sick.

14) Angering Pele

The goddess of fire, lightning, wind and volcanoes, Pele is thought to be the creator of the Hawaiian Islands. She is known to have quite the temper, and is said to reside within the Kilauea Volcano crater. It is said that Pele curses anyone who takes volcanic rock or sand from the island. Hundreds of visitors mail sand and rocks back to Hawaii every year hoping to end their streak of bad luck.

15) And perhaps worst, leaving Hawaii

I hear death by way of a broken heart is the worst.

Do you agree that these are the most dangerous things in Hawaii? Many of these things won’t actually kill you, and others can be avoided easily, so if you heed warnings, I’m sure you’ll be just fine. What are some other risks we face in Hawaii?