Natural Disaster Risk in Kalawao County

Natural Hazard Profile: Kalawao County, Hawaii

Kalawao County, in the Hawaiian archipelago in the central Pacific in Hawaii, is characterized by its tropical climate — warm temperatures moderated by trade winds and high volcanic terrain. The county faces elevated rainfall from November through March, and its FEMA risk assessment establishes the hazard baseline shared by all the towns and cities it contains.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Kalawao County carries an overall risk score of 3.3/10, placing it in the low category. Tsunami risk is the primary coastal hazard, driven by the area's proximity to seismically active offshore zones capable of generating ocean waves that inundate low-lying coastlines. The area also faces notable exposure to volcano and coastal flood.

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

Despite its lower-than-average risk classification, Kalawao County is not immune to natural hazards. Basic preparedness — an emergency kit, awareness of seasonal risks, and property insurance that covers tsunami — remains prudent for all residents.