A 42-year-old man is in custody after Honolulu police say a visitor was stabbed in the neck in Waikiki earlier this month, leaving the 37-year-old victim with substantial, serious injuries.
The attack happened in the early hours of June 4 in Waikiki. Police said the man was stabbed at about 1:49 a.m. and rushed to a hospital for treatment. Officers later located the suspect and arrested him on Thursday, June 18, and investigators say the probe is still ongoing.
Police told Hawaii News Now that the incident did not appear to be preceded by any kind of argument or fight. Detectives are continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Waikiki’s safety picture
The June stabbing is the latest high-profile violent incident in Waikiki, even as city and tourism leaders point to falling overall crime in the district. 18% crime nosedive reported that the area saw about an 18% drop in reported crime after the Safe and Sound Waikīkī initiative launched in 2022, while also documenting other recent stabbings and lingering community concerns.
That tension between lower property and theft numbers on paper and sporadic, serious violent incidents helps explain why cases like this neck stabbing grab so much attention in a tourist-heavy neighborhood.
What investigators say
Authorities say they located the 42-year-old suspect and arrested him on Thursday, June 18, and that the investigation remains pending, according to Hawaii News Now. The Honolulu Police Department news releases page lists contact information for tips and non-emergency reports, and detectives have asked anyone with video or information to come forward through the department. No formal charges were listed in the report.
This story will be updated if officials release charging documents or additional details. If you witnessed the incident or have relevant footage, contact HPD's non-emergency line at 808-529-3111 or submit a tip through the department's website.
