Natural Disaster Risk in Honaunau

Natural Hazard Profile: Honaunau, Hawaii

Honaunau is a small unincorporated community in Hawaii County, in the Hawaiian archipelago in the central Pacific. The area experiences warm temperatures moderated by trade winds and high volcanic terrain, with elevated rainfall from November through March shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Honaunau.

FEMA rates Honaunau's composite natural disaster risk at 5.6 out of 10 — moderate risk. The threat of tsunami inundation tops the local coastal risk profile, requiring residents in low-lying areas to maintain awareness of evacuation routes and warning systems. Residents should also account for volcano and earthquake risk in their preparedness planning.

Honaunau's risk score, slightly above the 5.0/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Hawaii County, the highest-scoring are tsunami, volcano, and earthquake. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Honaunau residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for tsunami is recommended.