How to Report Crimes or Seek Help as a Foreigner in Hawaii

If you need emergency police, fire, or medical assistance in Hawaii, dial 911 immediately. For non-emergencies, contact the local police department or your country's embassy or consulate.

Hawaii Law Enforcement Overview for Tourists

Hawaii's law enforcement is primarily managed by county police departments. As a U.S. state, standard American legal procedures apply. Tourists have the same right to protection and obligation to follow the law as residents.

Agency / Service Tourist Access Level Primary Use Case Typical Response Time Contact Method
911 Emergency Services Full & Immediate Life-threatening emergencies, crime in progress, medical crises, fire. Minutes (varies by location) Dial 911
County Police (Non-Emergency) Full Access Reporting past crimes, filing reports for insurance, seeking general help. Hours to Days (for non-urgent matters) Local phone numbers, in-person visits.
Visitor Aloha Society (VAS) Limited (Assistance Focus) Non-legal help for crime victims (tourists): guidance, essentials replacement. Within business hours Phone, through hotel concierge.

Important Legal Note

Penalties for crimes in Hawaii, such as theft or assault, are serious and may include substantial fines, restitution, and/or imprisonment. Ignorance of the law is not a defense. Reference: Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS).

Emergency Access Procedures

Step 1: Assess & Call

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, are injured, or a crime is happening NOW, call 911 immediately. This number works from any phone.

Step 2: Communicate Clearly

Tell the operator: 1) Your location (address, landmark), 2) The type of emergency (e.g., "I'm being robbed," "There's been an accident"), 3) Your phone number. If you don't speak English, say the name of your language; an interpreter will be connected.

Step 3: Follow Instructions & Stay Safe

Follow the 911 operator's instructions. Do not hang up until told to do so. If it's safe, stay at the scene to meet responders.

Non-Emergency Crime Reporting

For incidents that are not life-threatening (e.g., a theft discovered after the fact, vandalism), use the non-emergency lines or visit a police station.

Island / County Non-Emergency Police Number Primary Jurisdiction Notes for Tourists
Oahu (City & County of Honolulu) (808) 529-3111 Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Largest department. Main station in downtown Honolulu.
Maui (County of Maui) (808) 244-6400 Maui Police Department Serves Maui, Molokai, and Lanai.
Hawaii Island (County of Hawaii) (808) 935-3311 Hawaii Police Department Ask for the district closest to you (e.g., Kona, Hilo).
Kauai (County of Kauai) (808) 241-1711 Kauai Police Department Main station in Lihue.

Tip: Getting a Police Report

For insurance claims (e.g., stolen luggage, rental car break-in), you will likely need a copy of the police report. Request one at the time of reporting and note the report number.

Consular Assistance & Embassy Help

Your Embassy Can Help

Your country's embassy or consulate in the U.S. can provide crucial support: contacting family, providing lists of local lawyers, assisting with language barriers with authorities, and in extreme cases, liaising with U.S. officials. They cannot interfere with U.S. legal processes or get you out of jail.

How to Contact Them

Most countries have a consulate or honorary consulate in Honolulu. Keep your embassy's contact details handy. In an emergency, you can ask local police to help you contact them.

Your Rights and Legal Protections

Right to Remain Silent & Legal Counsel

You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. If you are detained or arrested, you can state: "I wish to remain silent and I would like to speak to an attorney." You are not required to answer questions without a lawyer present.

Right to an Interpreter

If you do not understand English well, you have the right to request an interpreter during police interactions and court proceedings, at no cost to you for criminal matters.

Right to Contact Your Consulate

Under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, if you are arrested, you have the right to have your consulate notified. The police should ask if you want them to do so.

Required Documentation and Information

Always Have ID Available

When interacting with police, you may be asked for identification. Carry a copy of your passport and visa (I-94). It is safest to leave the original passport in a hotel safe.

Information to Provide When Reporting

Be prepared to give: Your full name and nationality, passport number, local address (hotel), a description of what happened, date/time/location of the incident, and descriptions of any suspects or vehicles involved.

Language and Communication Assistance

911 Translation Services

911 operators have access to professional telephonic interpretation for over 170 languages. Simply say the name of your language in English (e.g., "Spanish," "Japanese," "Mandarin") and wait for the interpreter.

At the Police Station

You can request an interpreter. While major stations may have staff who speak common languages like Japanese, always request a professional interpreter to ensure accuracy, especially for formal statements.

Procedural Notes by Island

Island (County) Key Jurisdiction Tourist Density Areas Special Notes
Oahu Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Waikiki, Honolulu, North Shore Most resources, multiple stations. High volume of tourist-related reports.
Maui Maui Police Department Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kihei, Wailea Response times may be longer in remote areas like Hana.
Hawaii Island Hawaii Police Department Kona, Hilo, Waikoloa A very large geographic area. Specify your exact location (district) when calling.
Kauai Kauai Police Department Poipu, Princeville, Lihue Smaller department. Community-oriented policing.

Note on State Jurisdiction

The Hawaii State Sheriff Division handles court security, state building security, and serves warrants. Tourists are unlikely to interact with them directly unless involved in a state-level court case.

Safety and Preparedness Checklist

Before You Go

  1. Save your country's embassy/consulate contact in the U.S. in your phone.
  2. Make photocopies or digital scans of your passport, visa, and travel insurance. Leave one copy with someone at home.
  3. Know the address and phone number of where you are staying.

During Your Stay

  1. Keep emergency numbers (911, local non-emergency police) saved in your phone.
  2. Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables. Carry only what you need.
  3. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist spots.
  4. If renting a car, do not leave any belongings visible inside. Use the trunk.

If Something Happens

  1. Call 911 for emergencies. For non-emergencies, use the local police number.
  2. Clearly state you need a language interpreter if required.
  3. Contact your embassy if you are a victim of serious crime or are detained.
  4. Get a police report number for insurance purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the emergency number in Hawaii?

A. The universal emergency number in Hawaii, as in all of the United States, is 911. Use this for police, fire, or medical emergencies.

Can I get help in my language when reporting a crime?

A. Yes. 911 operators have access to translation services for many languages. For non-emergencies, you can request an interpreter when dealing with police, though availability may vary.

What should I do if I am a victim of a crime?

A. First, ensure your immediate safety. Then, call 911 for emergencies or the local police non-emergency line. Try to preserve any evidence. It is also advisable to contact your country's embassy or consulate for support.

Should I report a crime if I don't speak English well?

A. Yes, you should still report it. Use the 911 service, which provides interpreters. You can also ask a hotel concierge, friend, or family member to assist you in making the report.

How can I contact my embassy from Hawaii?

A. You should have your embassy's contact details stored before travel. You can also search online for "[Your Country] Embassy USA" or "Consulate in Honolulu". Many are located in Honolulu on Oahu.

What crimes should I report to the police?

A. Report all serious crimes (theft, assault, robbery) immediately. For minor issues like a small theft from a rental car, you may still need a police report for insurance claims.

What if I witness a crime but am not involved?

A. You can report it to the police by calling 911 if it's in progress or the non-emergency line. You may remain anonymous if you choose.

Are there tourist police in Hawaii?

A. Hawaii does not have a dedicated "tourist police" force. All law enforcement is handled by the county police departments (Honolulu PD, Maui PD, etc.) or the State Sheriff.

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Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and procedures can change. In any legal or emergency situation, you should contact local authorities or a qualified legal professional directly. The author and publisher are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information herein. Reference: This information is based on publicly available resources and is subject to the official laws and regulations of the State of Hawaii and the United States of America.