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
Steven Worster/Flickr
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
daveynin/Flickr
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
Steve/Flickr
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
Nick Mote/Flickr
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
Marvin Chandra/Flickr
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
I-5 Design & Manufacture/Flickr
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
Tobze/Flickr
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.

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8) Jellyfish, eels, and other dangerous sea creatures
Flickr/Steve Jurvetson
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
Nathanael Coyne/Flickr
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
Justin De La Ornellas/Flickr
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
U.S. Geological Survey/Flickr
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
Flickr/Kanaka Rastamon
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
Daniel Chang/Flickr
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
Ron Cogswell/Flickr
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
Robert Linsdell/Flickr
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?

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Most Dangerous Things In Hawaii

Beth Price-Williams | May 13, 2022

Is Hawaii dangerous for tourists?

We can all probably agree that everywhere we go has risks. However, if you’re asking yourself, “Is Hawaii dangerous for tourists,” rest assured the risks are no greater than anywhere else you travel as long as you educate yourself ahead of time. There are some Hawaii beaches, for example, that are simply too dangerous for swimming. That doesn’t mean you can’t visit these gorgeous beaches, but take extreme caution if you decide to wade in the water. Hanakapiai Beach, Sandy Beach, and Makena Beach are among those dangerous Hawaii beaches. You’ll also want to take care when you visit some of the more dangerous towns in Hawaii, too. Fern Forest, a small city of just over 1,000 residents, tops the list as the most dangerous. Other Hawaiian towns that make the list, include Eden Roc, Naalehu, and Pahoa. Don’t let that deter you from visiting Hawaii, though. You’ll also find some of the most enchanting Hawaiian towns, too.

What are some of the most dangerous things in Hawaii?

Hawaii is absolutely dripping in natural beauty, and it’s a dream destination for many. However, before you board a flight for your journey to this gorgeous state, know some of the places to avoid in Hawaii. No one will deny that Kipu Falls is absolutely breathtaking. Still, the gorgeous cascade that has seen at least five deaths in recent years, and it just isn’t worth the risk. If you do take that risk, be aware that you could be charged and prosecuted and have to pay a hefty fine. Hanauma Bay in East Oahu looks like it’s stepped off of a postcard, but it’s infamous for drownings. While it does have lifeguards, swimming in the bay is not recommended if you’re an inexperienced swimmer. Queen’s Bath, too, is absolutely gorgeous, but has a long history of drownings and accidents. Your best bet is to steer clear.

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