Natural Disaster Risk in Papaaloa

Natural Hazard Profile: Papaaloa, Hawaii

Papaaloa is a small unincorporated community in Hawaii County, in the Hawaiian archipelago in the central Pacific. The area experiences warm temperatures moderated by trade winds and high volcanic terrain, with elevated rainfall from November through March shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Papaaloa.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Papaaloa carries an overall risk score of 5.6/10, placing it in the moderate category. Coastal tsunami exposure is the dominant hazard concern, with the regional tectonic environment capable of generating both local and distant-source tsunami waves. The area also faces notable exposure to volcano and earthquake.

Papaaloa's risk score, slightly above the 5.0/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Hawaii County, the highest-scoring are tsunami, volcano, and earthquake. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Papaaloa 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.