Is Lanai City Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

You might not think you can get away farther than Hawaii, but there’s a getaway within the getaway in Lanai City on its own island off the west coast of Maui.

The whole island has less than 3,000 people, making it a quiet destination where time seems to stand still and nobody is in a rush to do anything but take a nap or a stroll.

This is an island where you can go remote and camp through the best starry nights you’ll ever see or live the lavish life at the Four Seasons.

You’ll find Lanai City at the center of the island, but to call it a city is an overstatement.

It’s hardly a town and that’s just the way some tourists like it.

Small farmer’s markets, a handful of shops, and some of the most affordable food you’ll find throughout Hawaii await.

Lanai is less than 10 miles from Maui and Maui Police have jurisdiction here.

There are questions about if Lanai is open to visitors and it certainly is.

You just have to find the right boat to take you there.

It’s so close to Maui yet it feels like a world away without skimping on beaches or wilderness activities.

Lanai is also home to the Garden of the Gods with a fascinating legend of how the rock garden got there.

I don’t want to ruin the plot but you can easily Google it if you want to know before you get there.

Warnings & Dangers in Lanai City

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a very low overall risk in Lanai City as it's really not big enough to have a substantial amount of crime. The locals are very friendly and welcoming to tourists. This doesn't mean you should let your guard down, but it's definitely going to be one of the safer places to visit on all of the Hawaiian islands.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

You'll have to take a boat from Maui to get to Lanai, but it's just eight miles across the water so it takes less than 30 minutes. There is also the option of taking a small plane. Once on the island, you can either rent an ATV or some locals will rent their jeeps or other 4WD vehicles if you want to explore. You might pay around $100 a day for this benefit, but that's the only car rental option you have on the island.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

There's a low risk of being pickpocketed on this remote island. There aren't big enough crowds to have you worrying about it in the first place. The biggest risk of losing your wallet would be leaving a bag or backpack unattended for a long period of time, but even then the people here are so nice they'd probably chase you down to return it.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

The biggest concerns here will be tsunamis and earthquakes. One comes with a lot of warning, the other with very little warning. There is also the risk of a brush fire, but visitors could be cut off from visiting if one is already burning. You should research the Maui County Emergency Management Plan to put your mind at ease on how to prepare for such events.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

There's a low risk of being mugged here. Crime is very low and any muggings would give this beautiful island a bad reputation and nobody wants that. That said, you still shouldn't wander around town or roads in the dark for a variety of safety reasons.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

With a hefty U.S. military presence across Hawaii, there's a definite terrorism risk but there's also a lot of protection. The biggest challenge is there isn't a simple, fast way to evacuate the islands if needed. You can bet after the Pearl Harbor attack caught America unprepared there are better systems in place now. In 2018, a false "Nuclear Missile Warning" was sent across all the islands due to a worker error. At first, nobody knew if the warning was real or fake. Luckily, it was a mistake.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

There's a low risk of being scammed here because there aren't a lot of shops or guided tours on the island. You can really control your own destiny. It might be wise to book at an established hotel or resort and not risk a possible rental scam with a home. Also, if you do want to consider renting a car from a local, ask your insurance agent how you'd be covered in that event.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

There's a low risk for women here. Low crime rates and an abundance of activities make it a great way for a working mom or overworked professional to just take a much-needed break and slow down. The only real risk is going out into the wilderness or ocean alone, which is frowned upon on any island at any time.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

Not only does Lanai Water Company do the required annual water quality report, but it also provides a periodic water report that goes more in-depth about water levels and such.

Safest Places to Visit in Lanai City

The Island of Lanai has three regions; North Lanai, Central Lanai (where Lanai City is located), and South Lanai.

One of the “must-see” locations is the Garden of the Gods, formally called Keahiakawelo.

This is under an hour from Lanai City and be sure you have a printed or saved photo of the map with detailed directions written down as GPS might not be available in the remote area.

If you can visit here as the sun is setting, you’ll get an amazing view, but it’s open 24 hours a day.

You’ll need a four-wheel-drive or a mountain bike to get here.

In Lanai City, everything is built around Dole Park.

You can find some small restaurants and shops.

There are art galleries too.

This is a very walkable city with entrees around $8-$10.

There is one hotel in Lanai City that has been in operation for more than a century now.

South Lanai has the remains of a prehistoric Hawaiian village and the historic Puu Pehe rock standing 80 feet tall in the beautiful ocean water.

You can also explore white sandy beaches or get a look at incredible cliff views into the water below.

In North Lanai, you can see a shipwreck stuck in the water (I mean, it’s HUGE!) or ATV to a remote beach wilderness where you might be alone with the birds and the fish.

There’s also a LOT of lands to explore here with an ATV, mountain bike, or 4WD vehicle.

Places to Avoid in Lanai City

There aren’t any places in Lanai City that are too dangerous to visit.

There are about 120 crimes per year, and my research shows that can range from a deadly fistfight to someone stealing mangos off a tree on private property.

You do need to avoid being unprepared here as you are very much in the wilderness outside of the major resorts.

There are tropical lush areas and regions that are more like a high desert.

Lanai City is higher in elevation and will always be cooler than the beach areas.

Avoid coming here alone because there are too many natural risks at hand and not enough mobile phone connectivity to make a quick rescue if you are alone and become hurt, lost, or stuck.

Avoid trying to explore without a mountain bike or four-wheel drive.

If you haven’t driven a four-wheel-drive vehicle before it’s worth getting a lesson at home on how to navigate dirt or rock roads with hills and valleys.

If you are just coming here for a day trip, it’s worth the time to research a hotel you’d stay at if extreme weather or rough seas canceled the ferry ride.

Most ferry trips have the final departure around 5:00 pm, so if you miss it you’ll need to wait for the morning ferry.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Lanai City

So... How Safe Is Lanai City Really?

As far as crime, it’s very safe.

There is a new police chief in the area and as of mid-2022, there have been highway signs up encouraging people to communicate with police or speak up about crime.

This is not indicative of an abundance or increase in crime, but a way the police department wants to open communication with the community in the era of community policing.

The real dangers are in the wild and the water.

You have to be prepared and study up on the rugged terrain.

There are several beaches here where the most experienced swimmer shouldn’t enter.

There are places you could carry a baby in the water it’s so safe, but you have to research it.

Outside of resorts like the Four Seasons, there’s nothing fancy here.

It’s a rugged and rural area with plenty of breathing room and adventures to be had.

Don’t expect it to be crowded and enjoy this slice of a getaway within a getaway.

How Does Lanai City Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

You won't need a Visa if you are a U.S. Citizen because this is a state. For those that are rolling their eyes at that advice, you'd be surprised how many people in Hawaii are overly annoyed by Americans who don't get that one right. Non-Americans will need to show their Visa when they arrive in Hawaii and must also have a passport.

Currency

The U.S. Dollar is the only currency accepted here. You'll want to bring cash to the island because some of the restaurants in Lanai City are cash only. Be sure to safely store it tucked away and not just on the exterior pocket of a backpack. You should plan about $20 per meal per person, but that's at the top of the range with an entree, drink, and dessert.

Weather

You'll want to bring hiking boots and several changes of socks in case you get wet. Rain gear is advised and you want clothing that can get very dirty. A light jacket or hoodie might be nice for when you are in the center of the island where it's a bit cooler.

Airports

There's a small airport in Lanai but it's only for inter-island travel. You'll have to go to Maui or Oahu for the major airports that take you to the mainland. Flights and ferries are openly available between islands.

Travel Insurance

With great adventures come inherent hazards, so it's perfect to plan for travel insurance here. Make sure you know how you're covered if you rent a Jeep from a company or another person.

Lanai City Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Hawaii - Safety by City