Kalawao County Disaster Risk
Kalawao County, Hawaii
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
0th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#5
of 5 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
18th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Kalawao County, Hawaii
Kalawao County enjoys exceptionally low disaster risk
With a composite risk score of just 0.10, Kalawao County ranks as very low risk — substantially below the national average. This small county's geographic and geological position shields it from hazards affecting other Hawaiian islands.
Safest county in Hawaii by far
Kalawao County's 0.10 composite score represents the lowest risk statewide, placing it 74.89 points below Hawaii's state average of 74.99. This exceptional distinction reflects the county's unique setting on Maui's Kalaupapa peninsula.
Dramatically safer than surrounding Maui County
Kalawao County's 0.10 risk score contrasts sharply with Maui County's 93.13, highlighting how proximity and geography shape disaster exposure within the same island. This 93-point gap makes Kalawao Hawaii's safest area.
Minimal natural disaster exposure across all hazard types
All hazard categories score low here: earthquake risk reaches only 26.49, flood risk 18.20, and wildfire risk 19.37. Tornado and hurricane risks remain negligible at 0.99 and 10.39 respectively.
Standard homeowner insurance provides adequate protection
Unlike other Hawaiian counties, Kalawao residents typically need only standard homeowner coverage without specialized earthquake or flood riders. Consulting your agent confirms your policy aligns with this low-risk county's actual exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Kalawao County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Kalawao County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Kalawao County ranks at the 0th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. A 0th percentile score positions Kalawao County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Kalawao County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 26th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 19th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (18th percentile), hurricane (10th percentile), tornado (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With earthquake ranked as the top hazard at the 26th percentile nationally, Kalawao County residents benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance: standard policies rarely cover earthquake damage, and separate earthquake insurance must be purchased before an event. Wildfire at the 19th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Kalawao County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Earthquake insurance in Kalawao County is typically offered as a separate policy — standard homeowners coverage excludes ground movement. Reviewing this gap and comparing policy options before an event is a financial preparedness step with potentially large consequences.
Regional Context
At 74.9 points below the Hawaii state average, Kalawao County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Kalawao County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Kalawao County, HI?
What types of natural hazards affect Kalawao County?
How does Kalawao County risk compare to the Hawaii average?
Is Kalawao County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Kalawao County a safe place to live?
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.