Natural Disaster Risk in Kahului

Natural Hazard Profile: Kahului, Hawaii

Kahului, in Maui County, is a city of approximately 27,444 residents situated in the Hawaiian archipelago in the central Pacific. Its tropical climate brings warm temperatures moderated by trade winds and high volcanic terrain, and in particular elevated rainfall from November through March. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Kahului residents and property owners must navigate.

Kahului's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.3/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. 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. Secondary hazards include volcano and earthquake.

Within Hawaii, Kahului's risk is, near the 5.0/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Maui County identifies tsunami as the foremost hazard, followed by volcano and earthquake. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a moderate risk rating, Kahului 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.