West region · HI

Hawaii home risk profile

Overall home hazard risk: Minor

By HomeRiskMap Editors, Editorial team · Reviewed October 10, 2026 · How we source this

How to use this profile

  1. Scan the hazard list. Anything rated Major or Extreme is the next page to open.
  2. Read the insurance note — flood and earthquake are usually separate policies.
  3. Look up your ZIP, then confirm the address on the official maps linked from each hazard page.

You're flying in this weekend for the inspection, and the flood zone letter for that house in Hilo says "AE." That's your first clue. In Hawaii, flooding is the top home hazard, rated 4 out of 5. It's not just a coastal problem. Heavy rain, hurricanes, and even distant tsunamis can push water into places you'd never expect. Before you wire the down payment, bookmark the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. They run statewide alerts and have county-specific preparedness guides.

Hurricanes are the next biggest threat, rated 3 out of 5. They bring wind, storm surge, and days of rain. Even if you're on the leeward side of Oahu or Maui, you can lose power for a week. Check whether the roof has hurricane clips and whether the windows have impact glass. If not, that's a real cost to factor in. And remember: your homeowners policy won't cover flood damage from a hurricane. You need a separate NFIP or private flood policy.

Landslides, wildfires, and earthquakes all sit at 3 out of 5. On steep slopes, heavy rain can turn into a mudslide. Dry brush on the leeward sides of the islands makes wildfires a real risk, especially in drought years. Earthquakes are less frequent but can crack foundations and break water lines. None of these are as likely as flooding, but they're not rare either. FEMA's National Risk Index and USGS both track them.

If I had one weekend before closing, I'd pull the FEMA flood map for the address and call an insurance agent about a separate flood policy. Then I'd visit the property after a rainstorm to see where water actually goes. Hawaii is beautiful, but it's also wet, windy, and steep. Know what you're buying before you sign.

Risk levels in Hawaii

Statewide scores, highest first. A neighborhood can look different from the state average — use these to decide which official map to open.

Flooding Hawaii's statewide flood risk is a 4 out of 5, and that number comes from real events — not just hurricane season. If you're buying or… Major Hurricanes If you're buying a home in Hawaii, hurricane risk is not zero—it's a 3 out of 5 statewide. The bigger everyday threat is often flooding… Moderate Wildfires If you're buying a home in Hawaii, don't assume wildfire is only a Big Island problem. The state gets a level 3 out of 5 for wildfire risk,… Moderate Earthquakes Hawaii gets a level 3 out of 5 for earthquake risk, which is moderate but not nothing. Most of the action is on the Big Island, but quakes… Moderate Landslides Hawaii's steep volcanic slopes and heavy rain make landslides a real risk, and the state rates it a 3 out of 5. The tricky part is that… Moderate Extreme Heat Hawaii's extreme heat risk is moderate statewide, but leeward areas like Kona and Waianae get hit harder. Your homeowners insurance won't… Minor Drought Drought in Hawaii usually isn't a statewide emergency — it shows up as dry leeward slopes, low catchment tanks, and nervous ranchers in… Minor Severe Storms Hawaii's severe storm risk is a 2 out of 5, which means you're less likely to get a tornado than in the Plains, but you still get Kona… Minor Tornadoes Hawaii's tornado risk is low—level 1 out of 5—but rare storms do touch down here, mostly in winter and spring. If you own a home in… Minimal Winter Storms In Hawaii, winter storms are a level 1 risk, so most homes will never see snow or ice. But if you live up on Mauna Kea or Haleakala, a cold… Minimal

What the ratings mean

"MinimalMinorModerateMajorExtreme

Each rating is a statewide starting point, framed for a typical 30-year stay — the length of a standard mortgage. A neighborhood can look different from the state average. Always verify your address with official FEMA, NOAA or USGS maps.

Save this profile as a PDF for your records or insurance file.

Questions about Hawaii

What is the overall home-hazard rating in Hawaii?
Hawaii scores Minor overall on our statewide scale. That average can hide one severe local peril — open the highest-rated hazard pages and then verify your address.
Does a standard homeowners policy cover the main risks in Hawaii?
Standard homeowners insurance almost never covers flood. You need a separate NFIP or private flood policy, and it usually has a waiting period.
How should I use this Hawaii page?
Treat it as a briefing, not a determination. Check the hazard list, open the pages rated Major or Extreme, then confirm the parcel on FEMA, NOAA or USGS maps and with Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.

Last updated: October 10, 2026. Risk levels are state-wide estimates based on public hazard data (FEMA, NOAA, USGS) — always verify your specific address with official sources.

Guides to read with this profile

Excess Flood Insurance: Coverage Above NFIP's $250,000 LimitInsuranceExcess Flood Insurance: Coverage Above NFIP's $250,000 LimitThe NFIP caps flood coverage at $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents. If your home would cost more to rebuild,…Oct 15, 2026Read guide →How Elevation Certificates Lower Your Flood Insurance PremiumHow Elevation Certificates Lower Your Flood Insurance PremiumLearn how an elevation certificate can save you hundreds on flood insurance by accurately showing your home's flood risk. This…Jun 21, 2026Read guide →Flooded While Inside: Your Survival GuideFlooded While Inside: Your Survival GuideIf your home floods while you're inside, every second counts. Learn the life-saving steps from FEMA, the CDC, and Ready.gov to…Jun 21, 2026Read guide →

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