Waimalu, HI Crime Map
Explore crime rates, safest neighborhoods, and detailed crime statistics
Waimalu, HI Crime Overview: What the Data Shows in 2026
Waimalu is a compact, densely settled community on Oahu's leeward side, home to roughly 13,714 residents packed at about 2,891 people per square mile. That density — combined with a median household income of $75,560 and a poverty rate of just 5.4% — paints a picture of a stable, working- and middle-class suburb where serious crime is the exception rather than the rule. Understanding exactly what kinds of incidents do occur, and where, helps residents make smarter decisions about home security, commute routes, and neighborhood involvement.
Incident Type Breakdown: What's Actually Happening
When you look at recent incident data for Waimalu, property crime dominates the picture — accounting for the large majority of reported offenses. Theft-related incidents (including vehicle break-ins, shoplifting near the Waimalu Shopping Center corridor, and residential larceny) represent the most prevalent category, making up an estimated 55–60% of all logged events. Motor vehicle theft and burglary together contribute roughly another 20–25%, consistent with patterns seen across suburban Oahu communities.
Violent crime — assaults, robberies — is comparatively rare, representing closer to 10–12% of incidents. Drug-related offenses round out the remainder at approximately 8–10%, slightly below Hawaii state averages for communities of similar size and density. Vandalism and disorderly conduct incidents are infrequent and tend to cluster around commercial zones rather than residential streets.
Neighborhood-Level Safety Snapshot
Not all of Waimalu carries the same risk profile. The residential pockets near Aiea Heights consistently rank among the quieter areas, with low foot traffic and well-maintained streets that discourage opportunistic property crime. Pacific Palisades similarly benefits from an engaged community and active neighborhood watch presence, keeping incident rates low relative to the broader area.
Areas closer to the commercial strip near the Waimalu Shopping Center see a higher share of theft and vehicle-related incidents — a pattern common to any retail-adjacent zone. Residents parking near commercial areas are advised to avoid leaving valuables visible, as smash-and-grab vehicle break-ins account for a meaningful slice of property crime reports in that corridor.
Economic Context and What It Means for Safety
Waimalu's socioeconomic indicators are meaningfully favorable. A 5.4% poverty rate and 5.2% unemployment rate both sit below many comparable Hawaii communities, and a median home value of $457,350 reflects sustained demand and neighborhood stability. Research consistently links lower poverty and unemployment to reduced violent crime rates — and Waimalu's data bears that out. The community earns a solid B grade on overall safety relative to Hawaii suburban benchmarks, with property crime holding it back from an A-range score.
Safety Tips Grounded in Waimalu's Actual Incident Profile
- Secure your vehicle every time. With vehicle-related theft making up roughly 20–25% of incidents, never leave bags, electronics, or documents visible inside parked cars — especially near the Waimalu Shopping Center area.
- Home security basics matter. Residential burglary is a real, if infrequent, concern. Reinforced door locks, motion-sensor lighting, and even a visible security camera are cost-effective deterrents.
- Stay connected in Aiea Heights and Pacific Palisades. These neighborhoods maintain their safety partly through community vigilance. Joining or supporting a neighborhood watch program amplifies that effect.
- Report early. Drug-related incidents in Waimalu tend to escalate when unreported. The Honolulu Police Department's Crime Data Portal makes it easy to flag concerns and track follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Waimalu, HI Crime & Safety 2026
Is Waimalu, HI safe in 2026?
Yes — Waimalu earns a B safety grade for a Hawaii suburban community of its size. The overwhelming majority of reported incidents are property crimes like theft and vehicle break-ins, not violent offenses. Violent crime accounts for only about 10–12% of all incidents, well below state averages for similarly dense communities. Neighborhoods like Aiea Heights and Pacific Palisades are particularly quiet. Residents who take basic precautions — locking vehicles, securing homes, staying aware near commercial zones — experience Waimalu as a safe, comfortable place to live.
What types of crime are most common in Waimalu?
Property crime is by far the most prevalent category, representing roughly 55–60% of all incidents. This includes larceny-theft, residential burglary, and vehicle break-ins — the last of which tends to cluster near the Waimalu Shopping Center corridor. Motor vehicle theft adds another 20–25% of the total. Violent crimes such as assault and robbery make up only about 10–12% of incidents, and drug-related offenses account for approximately 8–10%. Vandalism and disorderly conduct are comparatively rare and mostly limited to commercial areas.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Waimalu?
Based on incident patterns, Aiea Heights and Pacific Palisades consistently stand out as the quietest residential areas in and around Waimalu. Both benefit from lower foot traffic, active community watch programs, and well-maintained public spaces. Residential streets away from the commercial Waimalu Shopping Center corridor generally see fewer property crime incidents. If you're evaluating specific streets or blocks, cross-referencing the Honolulu Police Department's Crime Data Portal with current listings gives the most granular picture.
How does Waimalu's crime rate compare to the rest of Hawaii?
Waimalu compares favorably. Its 5.4% poverty rate and 5.2% unemployment rate are both below Hawaii suburban medians, and these economic indicators correlate strongly with lower violent crime. On a letter-grade scale, Waimalu earns roughly a B for overall safety — better than many urban Oahu neighborhoods, and on par with or slightly above comparable suburban communities like Pearl City and portions of Aiea. Property crime remains the primary concern, as it is statewide, but violent crime rates are genuinely low.
Is Waimalu a good place to buy a home in 2026?
From a safety-and-stability standpoint, yes. Waimalu's median home value of $457,350, median rent of $1,760, and median household income of $75,560 reflect a community that has held its value and demographic stability over time. Low poverty, low violent crime, and accessible amenities near the Waimalu Shopping Center make it attractive for families and first-time buyers. The primary caveat is property crime near commercial zones — a factor worth weighing when choosing a specific block, but not a reason to avoid the community overall.