Honolulu County Disaster Risk
Honolulu County, Hawaii
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
99th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#1
of 5 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
99th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Honolulu County, Hawaii
Honolulu County ranks among America's riskiest areas
With a composite risk score of 98.76, Honolulu County sits at the relatively high risk level — substantially above the national average. This score reflects the convergence of multiple hazards affecting Hawaii's most populated county.
Second-highest risk across Hawaii's counties
Honolulu County's 98.76 score ranks it as the riskiest or nearly riskiest in the state, exceeding Hawaii's average of 74.99 by 32 percent. Only Hawaii County approaches comparable risk levels statewide.
Nearly matches Hawaii County's elevated risk profile
Honolulu County's 98.76 closely mirrors Hawaii County's 98.51, making both counties significantly riskier than Maui County (93.13) or Kauai County (84.45). This concentration of high risk affects the state's urban and population centers.
Flooding, earthquakes, and wildfires dominate hazard landscape
Flood risk scores 99.30 — the highest among all Hawaii counties — while earthquake risk reaches 98.57 and wildfire risk 98.98, creating a triple threat. Hurricane risk of 73.30 adds significant seasonal concern during peak storm months.
Multi-hazard coverage is essential for residents
Honolulu County homeowners need specialized earthquake and flood insurance beyond standard policies, given the county's exceptional exposure to these hazards. Consulting with insurance professionals about wildfire and hurricane coverage ensures comprehensive protection for island living.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Honolulu County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Honolulu County
Risk Verdict
Honolulu County ranks in the top tier for natural disaster risk nationally, with a composite score at the 99th percentile. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Honolulu County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 99th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (99th percentile), hurricane (73th percentile), tornado (33th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Honolulu County sits at the 99th percentile nationally for flood exposure. Knowing your property's flood zone designation — available at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center — is the first step toward understanding actual exposure and insurance options. Alongside flooding, wildfire exposure at the 99th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Regardless of specific hazard, Honolulu County households benefit from a practiced communication plan: a designated out-of-state contact and a pre-agreed evacuation destination established before the season's peak risk period.
Regional Context
Compared to other Hawaii counties, Honolulu County runs 23.8 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Honolulu County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Honolulu County, HI?
What types of natural hazards affect Honolulu County?
How does Honolulu County risk compare to the Hawaii average?
Is Honolulu County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Honolulu County higher risk than average?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.