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Maui Quality Of Life Factors: Safety
While crime is low on Maui, it is a reality in all corners of the world, so knowing what to expect is the best preventative course of action available. Violent crime is very low, with a murder happening once every few years. There is very little gun crime. There is domestic violence but that is not something that would generally affect a visitor. The biggest problem is bored teenagers who like to cause mischief or petty theft crimes. While no crime seems petty to the individual affected, there is little in the way of crimes against people. If you have a rental car, avoid parking it in unpopulated places and keep valuables out of sight, as car break ins for visible items is probably the biggest concern when it comes to crime on Maui. Another common problem is grab-and-dash of valuables from tourists while they are on the beaches. Typically, teenagers will see the opportunity to grab a camera or purse, and run by, snatch up the item, and be halfway down the beach by the time you realize the theft has taken place. Locking valuables in the trunk of your car or keeping them in the safe of your hotel room are the best ways to make sure they do not get stolen.
Most crimes are of the opportunistic nature, where the criminal sees an item and acts upon it, not having planned out the crime beforehand. Some crimes, however, are more organized and can be the result of a gang or of a drug addict who needs to feed a habit. Ice is the drug of choice on Maui, a type of smokable cocaine that is cheap to buy but requires constant feeding of the addiction, as the drug’s stupefying effects do not last long. Once an addict has a routine set that has proven to pay time and time again, they will revert to the same criminal activities time and time again, until they are caught or otherwise stopped.
Do not buy drugs from people selling them, as all illicit drugs are illegal on Maui and may contain ingredients you were not expecting, some of which can cause serious harm or death when consumed.
All in all, Maui is one of the safest places to live. With a low crime rate and a high sense of community amongst the residents, with a little bit of common sense and keeping aware of your surroundings, you can feel as safe at night as you do during the day.