Last Updated on November 1, 2024 by Jade and Deeshen

Kauai, with its lush rainforests and dramatic coastlines, is called the “Garden Isle.” It is a dream destination filled with natural beauty for many couples and families. But before you book your tickets, you might be wondering: Is it safe to travel to Kauai?

Overall, Hawaii is the fifth safest safest state and 2nd happiest state in the United States! Kauai boasts relatively low crime rates and violent crime is almost non-existent here. Kauai island offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, making it one of the safest places to travel and one of our favorite islands.

As locals and Hawaii travel writers, allow us to break it down how safe is Kauai from a local’s perspective.

Readers also love our guides on what to pack for Hawaii, and what does Honu mean in Hawaiian, and lessons from a Hawaii Kahuna (a healer).

But first, here are the best tours for Kauai: (yes, you should book in advance and early in your trip!)

• ⭐Kauai: Na Pali Coast Full-Day Boat Tour – Seeing the Napali coast by boat is a must-do in Hawaii! (We LOVED this!) In this tour, you’ll visit see the most beautiful mountain ranges in Hawaii, explore caves by boat, and snorkeling at the Forbidden Isle of Niihau.
  
  
• ⭐Kauai: Best Luau with Buffet Dinner – Kauai’s award-winning luau with graceful hula dancers, traditional fire knife dancing, artisan craft fair, lei greeting, and a buffet!
  
  
• ⭐Kauai: Best Helicopter Tour – See the impressive Jurassic Falls, the expansive Waimea Canyon, and the dramatic cliffs of the Na Pali Coast.

Why Kauai has a Reputation for Being Safe

The main reason many people find Hawaii and Kauai safe is that violent crime is almost non-existent here. Even if you walk home in Kauai in the middle of the night, you are unlikely to face physical harm, as a man or woman. Cat calling is also not common in Hawaii.

Kauai’s safety is definitely worth celebrating. On the other hand, there’s still a certain amount of danger in Kauai, and it fortunately takes minimal forms, few of which can be hard to anticipate, if you’ve never been there. Please allow us to break some of them down. Locals are friendly – just be respectful. Before visiting Hawaii, you should learn who discovered Hawaii.

If you’re visiting Oahu afterwards, also check out our guide on the best oahu sunrise hikes and spots, and where to see turtles in Oahu.

Always Check Ocean Conditions and Avoid High Surf

One essential safety tip for Kauai visitors is to avoid swimming during high surf, and always be aware of wind conditions via the Windy app. Powerful waves and strong currents can pose significant dangers, particularly for inexperienced swimmers.

We always pack our favorite inflatable life jackets when we travel inter-island, they provide great support whenever we are snorkeling or paddling in the ocean, and are so easy to pack and inflate!

Check out our Hawaii vacation packing list for all our favorite snorkeling gear, and much more!

As a general rule, in the winter, the north shore on Kauai tend to be high surf and beaches in the south (Poipu beach) are generally more calm. When it’s high surf, opt for alternative activities until conditions improve to ensure a safe and fun experience on the island’s beaches. In the summer, it can get very hot, so be sure to stay hydrated with water.

Petty Theft

Petty theft, such as car break-ins or theft of personal belongings on beaches, can sometimes occur. Use common sense and don’t leave valuables in plain sight in parked vehicles, and in parking lots of popular tourist spots, hiking trails, beaches.

Scams are not common

Scams targeting tourists are not widespread. Honestly we’ve never seem scams in Hawaii. However, there are small amounts of incidents. Common scams include fraudulent vacation rentals and timeshare schemes. It’s recommended to book accommodations through reputable websites or travel agencies, and to verify the legitimacy of any deals or offers.

To safe guard against this, conducting thorough research before making any reservations or financial transactions. You can easily check this by seeing if the business listed on TripAdvisor or well reviewed on Google.

Other FAQ About Kauai Travel Safety

Is Kauai safe for tourists? Is Kauai safe to visit right now?

Yes absolutely! Kauai remains a safe destination to visit for tourists and to live for locals. However, travelers should stay informed about any potential hazards or advisories issued by local authorities, such as inclement weather conditions or natural disasters. You can always check the Kauai Visitors Bureau website for updates.

Is Kauai safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, Kauai and Hawaii is was named one of top 10 safest destinations for solo female travelers by USA Today. Cat calling is also not a part of the cultural in Hawaii – in fact the opposite is – Aloha is the culture!

We’ve always felt safe while traveling and living in Kauai and the Hawaiian islands. It’s one of the reasons why we love it here!

The value of traveling alone has been one of my (Jade’s) biggest lessons. Family holidays, romantic getaways, and group travel are all wonderful, but as a woman in particular, there’s something so empowering about planning your own adventures! When you go alone to uncharted territory, the possibilities are endless for you to design your own schedule and indulge in spontaneity. You discover new ways to interact with people and places, learn to enjoy yourself on your own, and develop a more intentional connection to the world around you.

As with anywhere in the world, exercise common sense. Avoid walking alone in secluded areas, particularly at night. If safety is your concern, you can consider joining guided tours or group activities as the tour communities ensures the added security and peace of mind.

Is Kauai safe at night?

Kauai is safe at night. While it’s wise to exercise caution, especially in less populated areas or areas known for nightlife. Avoiding isolated areas and staying in well-lit and populated areas can help avoid any potential safety risks.

We aren’t night owls, in fact, we love sleeping early and waking early to see the best sunrise hikes in Oahu. We also love going to see turtles at our favorite spots on Oahu, which all happens during the day!

Local news outlets like The Garden Island regularly provide updates on safety concerns and incidents on the island, helping visitors stay informed about any potential risks, flash floods, or natural hazards, particularly at night.

Is Kauai safe from fires?

With the recent Maui fires making international headlines, you might be wondering if Kauai is in danger of fires?

Kauai is perfectly safe to visit, in fact Kauai is the wettest, greenest, and fourth-largest Hawaiian island – making it least at risk for wild fires. The local Kauai government and Kauai Fire Department has stringent fire prevention measures in place, and incidents of wildfires are rare on the island.

Readers also love our guide on is it ethical to go to Hawaii (with 10 ways to be a responsible visitor)!

Visitors can stay informed about any fire advisories or restrictions by checking local news sources and adhering to guidelines provided by authorities.

Is Queens Bath Kauai dangerous?

Queens Bath, a popular natural attraction on Kauai’s north shore, can pose risks to visitors, particularly during times of high surf or rough ocean conditions. This happens mostly in the winter, hence Queens Bath is closed usually during October to April, or till local authorities deem it safe to reopen.

We love visiting Queens Bath in the summer and it offers absolutely stunning views and unique tide pools! Exercise caution in slippery areas, especially after rain. Observe a tide pool BEFORE you jump in, to make sure it doesn’t have powerful waves and . There are tons of tile pools in Queens Bath, simply walk around to see which one is safe.

Make sure you wear shoes or sandals with a good grip! Check save our Hawaii pack list for the best shoes to wear in Hawaii, so you can be hike, beach, and snorkel ready!

Also, avoid visiting Queens bath during high surf advisories (mostly during the winter).

For up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions, natural hazards, warning signs, flashfloods, and ocean safety, please speak to a county lifeguard at any lifeguard station, visit the Ocean Safety Bureau website or call them at 808-241-4984, or check yourself on the Windy app.

The Bottom Line: Is Kauai Safe to Visit?

While the island offers unparalleled beauty and adventure for couples and families visiting Kauai, it’s essential for visitors to prioritize safety awareness during your stay. By staying informed, exercising caution, and respecting local guidelines, travelers can enjoy a memorable and safe experience on the Garden Isle.

Want to make sure your Hawaii trip is not only safe, but unforgettable? Check out our Hawaii travel planning tips, and our guide on how to spend your last day in Kauai before an afternoon flight.