Hurricane tops the risk list, and FEMA has declared Hawaii a disaster area 71 times since 1953. Here's what to prepare for — and how.
Hawaii's disaster profile is shaped by its mid-Pacific location and volcanic geology, making fire, flooding, and severe storms the dominant threats to residents. FEMA has issued 71 disaster declarations for the state — 39 of them major — with wildfire topping the incident list at 28 recorded events. The August 2023 Maui wildfires stand as the deadliest U.S. wildland-fire disaster in over a century, killing more than 100 people and destroying most of the historic town of Lāhainā, underlining how quickly fast-moving fire can overwhelm communities on dry leeward coastlines. Flooding is a persistent second threat: in 2018, the Kīlauea eruption and accompanying torrential rains triggered widespread flooding and lava flows on Hawaiʻi Island, forcing thousands of residents in Leilani Estates and surrounding subdivisions to evacuate for months. Severe storms, including the remnants of tropical cyclones, periodically drive destructive surf and inland flooding across all islands; Hurricane Iniki struck Kauaʻi in 1992 as the most powerful hurricane to hit the state in recorded history, causing roughly $1.8 billion in damage and leaving the island without power for weeks. For residents today, this history carries a clear message: preparedness cannot be deferred. Leeward communities must maintain defensible space and go-bags for fire season, low-lying and windward areas need flood insurance and evacuation routes, and every household on every island should register for local alert systems and keep at least two weeks of supplies given the state's geographic isolation from mainland supply chains.
Hurricanes bring storm surge, wind damage, and flooding that can cut off evacuation routes.
Flooding is the most common US disaster — just 6 inches of moving water can knock a person down.
Extreme heat kills more Americans than any other weather event every year.
Wildfire poses the gravest threat here, as demonstrated by the catastrophic 2023 Lāhainā fire, with drought-dried grass and persistent trade-wind interruptions creating extreme burn conditions.
Volcanic activity, lava flows, and associated toxic gas (vog) are unique hazards alongside flooding on the wet eastern Hilo side and wildfire risk on the dry Kohala and Kona coasts.
Kauaʻi faces the state's highest hurricane exposure — Iniki made direct landfall there in 1992 — and its steep terrain channels intense rainfall into damaging flash floods and landslides.
Urban flooding in low-lying Honolulu neighborhoods and stream corridors is the primary recurring hazard, compounded by tsunami inundation risk along south and west-facing shorelines.
These smaller islands face severe logistical vulnerability during any major disaster due to limited emergency infrastructure, making self-sufficiency and inter-island supply disruptions critical concerns.
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The state's official emergency management agency — alerts, shelter info, and disaster assistance.
Residents should sign up through their county alert portal (such as OahuAlerts for Honolulu County), ensure Wireless Emergency Alerts are enabled on their mobile devices, and familiarize themselves with Hawaii's statewide outdoor warning siren system, which sounds on the first business day of each month for testing.
What natural disasters is Hawaii most at risk for?
Hawaii's most frequent and deadly disasters are wildfires, flash floods, and severe tropical storms. The state also faces volcanic hazards on Hawaiʻi Island and tsunami risk on all coastlines. FEMA data shows fire is the leading declared disaster type, with 28 incidents on record, followed by flooding and severe storms.
Does Hawaii get hurricanes, and how should I prepare?
Yes. Hawaii sits in the Central Pacific hurricane belt, and storms occasionally make direct impact — Hurricane Iniki devastated Kauaʻi in 1992. Residents should prepare a two-week supply kit, know their evacuation zone, and monitor the Central Pacific Hurricane Center during June–November hurricane season for active storm advisories.
How do I receive emergency alerts in Hawaii?
Hawaii uses the Hawaii Emergency Alert System (EAS) and the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system, which pushes automatic warnings to cell phones. Residents should also register with their county's local alert system — such as Oʻahu's OahuAlerts — and enable outdoor siren awareness, as Hawaii maintains the nation's only statewide outdoor warning siren network.
Why does Hawaii recommend keeping two weeks of emergency supplies instead of the standard 72-hour kit?
Hawaii's mid-Pacific location means it relies almost entirely on shipping and air freight for food, fuel, and medicine. A major disaster can disrupt port operations and supply chains for days or weeks. State emergency managers advise a minimum two-week stockpile of water, food, medications, and critical supplies to bridge that potential gap.
Knowing your risks is step one. Two minutes with the readiness quiz tells you exactly where your preparation stands — and the free guide walks you through closing the gaps.