From crashing waves and insidious tide pools to deadly waterfalls and extreme hiking trails, the Hawaiian Islands are not only home to stunning natural beauty, but also grave danger. While some of these 14 spots are illegal and closed to the public, others remain as popular tourist spots with a bad reputation as the most dangerous places in Hawaii.
- Kipu Falls
Cathy and Dan/Flickr Located in east Kauai, it’s hard to deny that Kipu Falls is gorgeous, but we urge you to stay away. Five deaths within five years prompted a campaign to close the falls, increase signage and construct barriers. Not only will trespassers be prosecuted or fined, but they might also end up dead. For a different thrill in the same area, consider a zipline tour instead. Kipu Falls, Kipu Rd, Lihue, HI 96766, USA
- Sandy Beach
Justin De La Ornellas/Flickr Near Oahu’s southeastern tip is Sandy’s, as the locals like to call it, a beach with year-round crushing shore break. It’s a favorite spot for surfers, but many tourists and wanna-be bodysurfers have walked away with sprains, neck compressions, and broken bones. Make sure you check the conditions before you go. Sandy Beach Park, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA
- Nakalele Point Blowhole
Courtney Collision/Flickr Located on Maui’s northeastern coast is the Nakalele Point Blowhole, a stunning display of water shooting nearly 100 feet in the air. Due to its geyser-like attributes and unpredictable conditions based on the tides, standing too close to the blowhole could be deadly. Before visiting and keeping a safe distance), power up your day with some delicious coffee at The Coffee Store. Nakalele Point Lighthouse, Hawaii 96761, USA
- South Point
Phil Camill/Flickr The southernmost point of the United States may be a phenomenal photo opportunity, but strong offshore currents, high winds, and crashing waves make this spot too dangerous for getting in the water. To learn more about the site and it’s history visit the National Parks Service site. South Point Road, S Point Rd, Hawaii 96772, USA
- Kalalau Trail
Kevin Schraer/Flickr Narrow trails, heavy rains, mudslides, rising water levels and falling rocks combine to make the secluded 11-mile Kalalau Trail one of the most risky hikes in Hawaii. With portions of the rocky trail elevated more than 500 feet from the shore, one misstep could be deadly for anyone brave enough to take on this Kauai trail. For more information about permits and conditions visit Kalalau Trail. Kalalau Trail, Hawaii 96746, USA
- Olivine Pools
Tony Faiola/Flickr These often picturesque tide pools have been the site of various injuries, including several drownings, most likely due to rogue waves washing over the lava shelf, or people slipping on the difficult path required to reach the pools. Refresh yourself afterwards by dining at the Hula Grill. Hula Grill Kaanapali, 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA
- Hanauma Bay
Lara Snydal-Mijatovich/Flickr This popular tourist attraction in East Oahu is a hotspot for drownings due to a combination of factors. A false sense of security is created from the mostly closed-off bay, but ocean currents and inexperienced swimmers make this a deadly spot – despite the fact that it is one of the most heavily lifeguarded spots on the island. Power up for your beach day at Loco Moko Drive Inn. Loco Moco Drive Inn, 930 Valkenburgh St, Honolulu, HI 96818, USA
- Sacred Falls
Edmund Garman/Flickr In 1999, on Mother’s Day, a massive rockslide killed eight hikers and injured 50 others. Perhaps one of Hawaii’s worst outdoor accidents, the trail has been shut down ever since. This is one of the worst natural disasters in Hawaii. Console yourself to the permanent closure by visiting the funky soda food truck: Soda Bomb. SODABOMB, PCC Marketplace, 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie, HI 96762, USA
- Queen’s Bath
Patricia Nagele/Flickr This idyllic tide pool was once a bathing spot for Hawaiian royalty – but that doesn’t mean it is void of all negativity. With rough waters, sharp rocks and ever-changing ocean conditions, this Kauai gem is an accident or drowning waiting to happen. A nearby must is the Happy Talk Lounge. Great cocktails are the perfect pairing for your adventure. Happy Talk Lounge Restaurant & Bar, 5380 Honoiki Rd, Princeville, HI 96722, USA
- Lumahai Beach
Kanaka Menehune/Flickr The stunning turquoise waters and pristine sand might make this beach picturesque, but slippery rock ledges and huge winter waves make Lumahai Beach quite the hazardous spot. Some have even started calling the beach “Luma-die.” Get delicious to-go from Trucking Delicious to power your beach day. Trucking Delicious, 5-5144 Kuhio Highway Cross street, Aku Rd, Hanalei, HI 96714, USA
- Haiku Stairs
Shawn Clover/Flickr Nicknamed the “Stairway to Heaven,” this steep, difficult hike is not only illegal, but damaged portions of the stairs and hikers who don’t necessarily know their limits make this one of the most deadly hikes in Hawaii. Nature in Hawaii shouldn’t be trifled with, so think carefully before you head out. The best to consider the Haiku Stairs, might be over a meal at Gilligan’s Beach Shack. Haiku Stairs Street, Haiku Stairs St, Spring Valley, NV 89148, USA
- Saddle Road
Ryan Ozawa/Flickr Combine vision-obscuring fog, rough and narrow roads, marginally maintained pavement and several one-lane bridges and you’ve got the old Saddle Road, traversing the Big Island from Waimea to Hilo. While most of the road has been repaved in the last twenty years, Hawaii Route 200 still has a dangerous reputation. Break up the drive with a great hike Kaumana Trail. Kaumana Trail, Saddle Rd, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
- Makena Beach
Intiaz Rahim/Flickr Also known as “breakneck beach,” the surf breaks right on the shore, making this an extremely dangerous beach for swimming. Oh, and if the dangerous surf breaks aren’t enough to deter you from entering the water, Makena Beach is considered one of the world’s most deadly beaches for shark attacks. Check conditions before you head out on the beach. Makena Beach, 6600 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753, USA
- Olomana Three Peaks Trail
Kevin McCarthy/Flickr The steep cliffs of the Olomana Trail look ominous and can be deadly for hikers who stray from the designated path, getting lost, stranded, and injured. Definitely one of the scary places in Hawaii that you can visit! Get delicious to-go from Nalu Health Bar & Café to fuel your adventure. Olomana Ridge Trailhead, Kailua, HI 96734, USA
While we understand that many of these spots seem enticing, visitors and locals alike should heed warning signs, and avoid taking any unnecessary risks. Please be safe out there, and always make sure someone knows where you’re headed if you’re hiking, or exploring a secluded part of the dangerous places in Hawaii.
Cathy and Dan/Flickr
Located in east Kauai, it’s hard to deny that Kipu Falls is gorgeous, but we urge you to stay away. Five deaths within five years prompted a campaign to close the falls, increase signage and construct barriers. Not only will trespassers be prosecuted or fined, but they might also end up dead. For a different thrill in the same area, consider a zipline tour instead.
Kipu Falls, Kipu Rd, Lihue, HI 96766, USA
Justin De La Ornellas/Flickr
Near Oahu’s southeastern tip is Sandy’s, as the locals like to call it, a beach with year-round crushing shore break. It’s a favorite spot for surfers, but many tourists and wanna-be bodysurfers have walked away with sprains, neck compressions, and broken bones. Make sure you check the conditions before you go.
Sandy Beach Park, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA
Courtney Collision/Flickr
Located on Maui’s northeastern coast is the Nakalele Point Blowhole, a stunning display of water shooting nearly 100 feet in the air. Due to its geyser-like attributes and unpredictable conditions based on the tides, standing too close to the blowhole could be deadly. Before visiting and keeping a safe distance), power up your day with some delicious coffee at The Coffee Store.
Nakalele Point Lighthouse, Hawaii 96761, USA
Phil Camill/Flickr
The southernmost point of the United States may be a phenomenal photo opportunity, but strong offshore currents, high winds, and crashing waves make this spot too dangerous for getting in the water. To learn more about the site and it’s history visit the National Parks Service site.
South Point Road, S Point Rd, Hawaii 96772, USA
Kevin Schraer/Flickr
Narrow trails, heavy rains, mudslides, rising water levels and falling rocks combine to make the secluded 11-mile Kalalau Trail one of the most risky hikes in Hawaii. With portions of the rocky trail elevated more than 500 feet from the shore, one misstep could be deadly for anyone brave enough to take on this Kauai trail. For more information about permits and conditions visit Kalalau Trail.
Kalalau Trail, Hawaii 96746, USA
Tony Faiola/Flickr
These often picturesque tide pools have been the site of various injuries, including several drownings, most likely due to rogue waves washing over the lava shelf, or people slipping on the difficult path required to reach the pools. Refresh yourself afterwards by dining at the Hula Grill.
Hula Grill Kaanapali, 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA
Lara Snydal-Mijatovich/Flickr
This popular tourist attraction in East Oahu is a hotspot for drownings due to a combination of factors. A false sense of security is created from the mostly closed-off bay, but ocean currents and inexperienced swimmers make this a deadly spot – despite the fact that it is one of the most heavily lifeguarded spots on the island. Power up for your beach day at Loco Moko Drive Inn.
Loco Moco Drive Inn, 930 Valkenburgh St, Honolulu, HI 96818, USA
Edmund Garman/Flickr
In 1999, on Mother’s Day, a massive rockslide killed eight hikers and injured 50 others. Perhaps one of Hawaii’s worst outdoor accidents, the trail has been shut down ever since. This is one of the worst natural disasters in Hawaii. Console yourself to the permanent closure by visiting the funky soda food truck: Soda Bomb.
SODABOMB, PCC Marketplace, 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie, HI 96762, USA
Patricia Nagele/Flickr
This idyllic tide pool was once a bathing spot for Hawaiian royalty – but that doesn’t mean it is void of all negativity. With rough waters, sharp rocks and ever-changing ocean conditions, this Kauai gem is an accident or drowning waiting to happen. A nearby must is the Happy Talk Lounge. Great cocktails are the perfect pairing for your adventure.
Happy Talk Lounge Restaurant & Bar, 5380 Honoiki Rd, Princeville, HI 96722, USA
Kanaka Menehune/Flickr
The stunning turquoise waters and pristine sand might make this beach picturesque, but slippery rock ledges and huge winter waves make Lumahai Beach quite the hazardous spot. Some have even started calling the beach “Luma-die.” Get delicious to-go from Trucking Delicious to power your beach day.
Trucking Delicious, 5-5144 Kuhio Highway Cross street, Aku Rd, Hanalei, HI 96714, USA
Shawn Clover/Flickr
Nicknamed the “Stairway to Heaven,” this steep, difficult hike is not only illegal, but damaged portions of the stairs and hikers who don’t necessarily know their limits make this one of the most deadly hikes in Hawaii. Nature in Hawaii shouldn’t be trifled with, so think carefully before you head out. The best to consider the Haiku Stairs, might be over a meal at Gilligan’s Beach Shack.
Haiku Stairs Street, Haiku Stairs St, Spring Valley, NV 89148, USA
Ryan Ozawa/Flickr
Combine vision-obscuring fog, rough and narrow roads, marginally maintained pavement and several one-lane bridges and you’ve got the old Saddle Road, traversing the Big Island from Waimea to Hilo. While most of the road has been repaved in the last twenty years, Hawaii Route 200 still has a dangerous reputation. Break up the drive with a great hike Kaumana Trail.
Kaumana Trail, Saddle Rd, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Intiaz Rahim/Flickr
Also known as “breakneck beach,” the surf breaks right on the shore, making this an extremely dangerous beach for swimming. Oh, and if the dangerous surf breaks aren’t enough to deter you from entering the water, Makena Beach is considered one of the world’s most deadly beaches for shark attacks. Check conditions before you head out on the beach.
Makena Beach, 6600 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753, USA
Kevin McCarthy/Flickr
The steep cliffs of the Olomana Trail look ominous and can be deadly for hikers who stray from the designated path, getting lost, stranded, and injured. Definitely one of the scary places in Hawaii that you can visit! Get delicious to-go from Nalu Health Bar & Café to fuel your adventure.
Olomana Ridge Trailhead, Kailua, HI 96734, USA
If you’d rather have a great list of places to eat instead, we totally understand! And are happy to send you over to the 14 Famous Restaurants In Hawaii That Are So Worth Waiting In Line For.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Dangerous Places In Hawaii September 13, 2021 Megan McDonald What is the deadliest animal in Hawaii? You would want to think that a large animal, like a shark, would be the most deadly animal in Hawaii. But it is in fact the box jellyfish. These predators have some of the most deadly venom in the animal kingdom, and can kill a human in as little as 2-5 minutes. What is the worst natural disaster Hawaii has ever seen? The worst in recorded history was the 7.9 magnitude earthquake in 1868, that caused both a landslide and a tsunami, ultimately resulting in 81 deaths across the islands.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Dangerous Places In Hawaii
September 13, 2021
Megan McDonald
What is the deadliest animal in Hawaii? You would want to think that a large animal, like a shark, would be the most deadly animal in Hawaii. But it is in fact the box jellyfish. These predators have some of the most deadly venom in the animal kingdom, and can kill a human in as little as 2-5 minutes. What is the worst natural disaster Hawaii has ever seen? The worst in recorded history was the 7.9 magnitude earthquake in 1868, that caused both a landslide and a tsunami, ultimately resulting in 81 deaths across the islands.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
You would want to think that a large animal, like a shark, would be the most deadly animal in Hawaii. But it is in fact the box jellyfish. These predators have some of the most deadly venom in the animal kingdom, and can kill a human in as little as 2-5 minutes.
What is the worst natural disaster Hawaii has ever seen?
The worst in recorded history was the 7.9 magnitude earthquake in 1868, that caused both a landslide and a tsunami, ultimately resulting in 81 deaths across the islands.
