Natural Disaster Risk in Kaunakakai

Natural Hazard Profile: Kaunakakai, Hawaii

Kaunakakai, in Maui County, is a town of roughly 5,609 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 Kaunakakai residents and property owners must navigate.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Kaunakakai carries an overall risk score of 5.3/10, placing it in the moderate 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 earthquake.

Within Hawaii, Kaunakakai'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, Kaunakakai 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.