Waianae, HI Crime Map

How Safe Is Waianae, HI? A Data-Driven Look for 2026

Waianae sits on Oahu's leeward coast with a population of roughly 13,192 residents and a population density of 943 people per square mile — compact enough that neighborhood-level safety patterns matter. The city-wide overall crime grade lands at a C, but that headline number tells only part of the story. When you drill into the two analyzed neighborhoods, both Waianae and Nanakuli / Maili earn a B+ safety rating, pushing the combined share of safe (A or B grade) neighborhoods to 100%. In other words, every analyzed area of Waianae qualifies as safe by our grading scale.

Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Breakdown

Understanding which pockets of a community feel safer — and why — helps residents and newcomers make informed decisions. Here is how Waianae's two neighborhoods compare:

• Waianae (B+): Home to approximately 18,098 residents and a median household income of $67,509, the Waianae neighborhood anchors the community. Its B+ grade reflects a low-to-moderate crime environment that outperforms many comparable coastal communities in Hawaii.
• Nanakuli / Maili (B+): With a slightly larger population of 19,469 and a higher median household income of $75,197, Nanakuli / Maili matches Waianae's B+ grade. The income advantage here may contribute to greater community stability and lower property-crime pressure.

Both neighborhoods share the same grade, which means there is no dramatic safety cliff between them — a reassuring finding for anyone deciding where to rent or buy within the area.

Economic Context and Its Relationship to Crime

Crime does not exist in a vacuum. Waianae's unemployment rate of 8.9% and poverty rate of 21% are elevated compared to Hawaii state averages, and these economic stressors can influence property-crime patterns. The median household income of $67,466 and median home value of $389,588 paint a picture of a community with real assets but also real financial pressures. Median rent of $1,074 remains relatively modest for Hawaii, which helps retain long-term residents — a factor that generally correlates with stronger neighborhood cohesion and lower crime rates.

What the Grade Distribution Tells You

Of the two neighborhoods analyzed, 100% earned a B or better — zero neighborhoods received a C, D, or F. That grade distribution is notably positive. No neighborhood in Waianae falls into a high-concern category, which distinguishes it from many mainland communities of similar size and economic profile. The absence of any A-grade neighborhood (0%) suggests there is still room for improvement, but the consistent B+ performance across both Waianae and Nanakuli / Maili indicates a community that has maintained meaningful safety standards.

Practical Safety Awareness for Waianae Residents

Even in neighborhoods graded B+, staying situationally aware matters. A few evidence-based habits that align with Waianae's specific profile:

• Property security first: Given the economic pressures reflected in the unemployment and poverty data, opportunistic property crime — vehicle break-ins, package theft — tends to be more prevalent than violent crime in communities like Waianae. Securing valuables and using visible deterrents reduces risk meaningfully.
• Community engagement in Nanakuli / Maili: The slightly higher income base in Nanakuli / Maili supports active neighborhood-watch culture. Tapping into those networks benefits residents across both neighborhoods.
• Stay current with HPD data: The Honolulu Police Department publishes district-level crime statistics that cover Waianae's leeward patrol district. Cross-referencing those reports with this map gives you the most complete picture.
• Time-of-day awareness: Coastal recreational areas attract transient visitors; being mindful of leaving items unattended at beaches or trailheads is a low-effort way to avoid becoming a statistic.

How Waianae Compares in the Broader Hawaii Context

Hawaii overall tends to rank favorably on violent-crime metrics compared to mainland U.S. averages, and Waianae's B+ neighborhood grades are consistent with that broader pattern. The city-wide C grade reflects aggregate factors — including economic indicators — rather than a concentration of dangerous hotspots. For prospective residents comparing Waianae to other Oahu communities, the 100% safe-neighborhood rate is a meaningful differentiator worth weighing alongside home prices and commute times.