Natural Disaster Risk in Kailua Kona

Natural Hazard Profile: Kailua Kona, Hawaii

Located in the Hawaiian archipelago in the central Pacific in Hawaii County, Kailua Kona is a city of approximately 39,338 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 Kailua Kona a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Kailua Kona's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.6/10 (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 volcano and earthquake.

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

With a moderate risk rating, Kailua Kona 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.