Wildfires risk in Hawaii

You're standing in the driveway of a house in Waimea, looking at the dry grass up the hill. The seller says wildfire isn't a big deal here. You're not so sure.

Hawaii's wildfire reality is not what you think

Most people picture Hawaii as lush and wet. But the leeward sides of the islands—Kona, South Kohala, Maui's Lahaina and Kihei, Oahu's Waianae coast—are dry, windy, and covered in invasive grasses. Those grasses burn fast. In 2018, Hurricane Lane's winds didn't just bring rain; they fanned brush fires. And the 2023 Lahaina fire showed how quickly a wind-driven fire can move through a town. So the risk is real, even if your neighborhood looks green.

Hawaii County has the most wildfire risk in the state, especially in South Kohala and Kona. Maui County's leeward slopes, from Lahaina to Kihei, are also high risk. On Oahu, the Waianae coast and parts of the North Shore have dry brush. Kauai's west side, around Kekaha and Waimea, gets strong trade winds and dry spells. Even Kauai's lush north shore can have dry, windy days that raise the risk.

What actually happens to a house

Most homes that burn in a wildfire don't get hit by a wall of flame. They ignite from embers. Embers fly ahead of the fire, land in gutters, enter attic vents, and pile up against wood fences. In Hawaii, many homes have single-wall construction, which can heat up fast. Once one house catches, it can spread to the next. That's why the little things—screening vents, clearing gutters, moving a wood pile—matter more than you'd think.

The biggest fuel in Hawaii is invasive grass—guinea grass, fountain grass, and others. These grasses grow tall, dry out quickly, and carry fire fast. They replace native plants and create a continuous fuel bed. In many leeward areas, the grass is waist-high by summer. That's why a spark from a car or a lawnmower can start a fire that moves quickly.

Hawaii's trade winds can push a fire downhill and across roads. In 2023, the Lahaina fire was driven by strong winds from a passing hurricane. Those winds can make a fire unpredictable. If you live on a slope or near a gulch, you're more exposed.

Your homeowners insurance in Hawaii usually covers wildfire damage. Fire is a standard peril. But after a big fire, insurers may non-renew policies or raise rates. Some may require a separate wildfire endorsement. Flood damage is almost never covered by homeowners insurance—you need a separate policy through NFIP or a private insurer. Earthquake is also excluded; you'd need a separate earthquake policy. For hurricanes, wind damage is covered, but storm surge flooding is not. So if you're buying a home in a dry area, ask about wildfire-specific exclusions and deductibles.

If you only do three things

If I had limited time and money, I'd do this first: clear the first 5 feet around your foundation. No mulch, no plants, no wood piles. Just gravel or bare dirt. Second, screen your attic and crawlspace vents with 1/8-inch metal mesh. Third, make a go-bag and a plan for where you'll go if a fire starts. That's it. Don't start with a big brush clearing project. Start with the house.

Beyond those three, consider replacing wood shake roofing with metal or tile. Keep your gutters clean. Move your propane tank away from the house. And talk to your neighbors—wildfire is a neighborhood problem. If one house is unprepared, it puts everyone at risk.

Questions we get

Does my Hawaii homeowners insurance cover wildfire damage?

Usually yes. Fire is a covered peril on most standard policies. But read your policy carefully. Some insurers in high-risk areas may exclude wildfire or require a separate policy. If you're in a leeward area, ask your agent directly. Also, after a major wildfire, insurers may stop writing new policies in your area or non-renew existing ones. That can make it hard to find coverage. If you can't get coverage from a standard insurer, you might need to go through the Hawaii Property Insurance Association (HPIA), which is a last-resort market for basic property insurance. But HPIA may not cover wildfire if it's excluded. So check with your agent about your specific risk.

What about hurricane insurance in Hawaii?

Hurricane wind damage is typically covered. But flood from storm surge is not. You need separate flood insurance through NFIP or a private carrier. Also, many policies have a percentage deductible for hurricanes, so you could be on the hook for a big chunk of the repair bill. For example, a 5% deductible on a $500,000 home is $25,000. That's a lot. And if you live in a condominium, your master policy may have a different deductible. Check your documents.

How do I know if my Hawaii home is in a wildfire risk zone?

Check the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency's resources and FEMA's National Risk Index. Your county may also have local hazard maps. The state doesn't map wildfire risk like flood zones, but the leeward sides of each island are higher risk. If you see dry grass and strong winds, that's a clue. Also, the US Forest Service has a wildfire risk map. You can enter your address and see a rating. But no map is perfect. If you're in a dry area with brush, assume you have some risk.

Where to verify this

Don't take my word for it. These are the official sources:

• Hawaii Emergency Management Agency
• National Interagency Fire Center
• Ready.gov – Wildfires
• US Forest Service – Fire

And if you're buying, ask your real estate agent for the natural hazard disclosure. In Hawaii, that includes wildfire risk. If they don't have it, get it yourself. Your roof and your family are worth the extra hour.