Natural Disaster Risk in Hanapepe

Natural Hazard Profile: Hanapepe, Hawaii

Located in the Hawaiian archipelago in the central Pacific in Kauai County, Hanapepe is a town of roughly 2,650 residents. The tropical climate that characterizes this part of Hawaii — marked by warm temperatures moderated by trade winds and high volcanic terrain — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Hanapepe a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Hanapepe's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.8/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Coastal tsunami exposure is the dominant hazard concern, with the regional tectonic environment capable of generating both local and distant-source tsunami waves. Secondary hazards include landslide and wildfire.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Hanapepe's natural disaster risk is near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, near the 5.0/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by tsunami and landslide, as measured by FEMA across Kauai County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

Hanapepe's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that tsunami exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.