Natural Disaster Risk in Laupahoehoe

Natural Hazard Profile: Laupahoehoe, Hawaii

Located in the Hawaiian archipelago in the central Pacific in Hawaii County, Laupahoehoe is a small community of about 516. 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 Laupahoehoe a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

FEMA rates Laupahoehoe's composite natural disaster risk at 5.6 out of 10 — moderate risk. 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. Residents should also account for volcano and earthquake risk in their preparedness planning.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Laupahoehoe'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, Laupahoehoe 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.