Road Fatalities in Hawaiʻi Reach Highest Level Since 2007
HONOLULU, HI — The state recorded 129 road fatalities in 2025, a more than 20% increase from 2024, driven by a rise in pedestrian and motorcycle deaths.
According to the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT), the surge reflects concerning behaviors on the road, with 2025 being the highest toll since 2007. Oʻahu accounted for over half of the fatalities, rising from 51 in 2024 to 82 in 2025. Motorcycle and motor scooter deaths made up approximately one-third of these fatalities.
The first road fatality of 2025 involved a 21-year-old female motorcycle passenger in a collision in Kaʻaʻawa. The last was a 35-year-old man struck while lying in the eastbound lane of Nimitz Highway.
HDOT reported that 12 of the victims were homeless, with five deaths occurring on Oʻahu.
The fatalities included:
- 40 motor vehicle occupants
- 39 motorcycle/motor scooter riders
- 38 pedestrians
- 7 bicyclists (including 3 e-bikes)
- 5 other non-occupant fatalities
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that Hawaiʻi was one of only six states where road deaths increased in 2025. The road fatality rate per 100 million Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) rose from 0.93 in 2024 to 1.27 by September 2025.
Authorities stated that many fatal crashes are attributed to behaviors such as cellphone use and speeding. In response, increased traffic patrols will target speeding and driving under the influence, according to the Department of Law Enforcement Director Mike Lambert.
While fatalities increased, serious road injuries decreased by about 10% in 2025, from 579 to 529.