Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 96738
Waikoloa, Hawaii
Risk Summary for ZIP 96738
ZIP 96738 scores 5.6/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Tsunami.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: ZIP 96738, Hawaii
ZIP 96738 covers part of the Waikoloa area, in the Hawaiian archipelago in the central Pacific. The surrounding region experiences warm temperatures moderated by trade winds and high volcanic terrain, with elevated rainfall from November through March shaping the natural hazards that residents of this ZIP code face. Risk scores here are derived from FEMA data for the encompassing county.
FEMA rates ZIP 96738's composite natural disaster risk at 5.6 out of 10 — moderate risk. The threat of tsunami inundation tops the local coastal risk profile, requiring residents in low-lying areas to maintain awareness of evacuation routes and warning systems. Residents should also account for volcano and earthquake risk in their preparedness planning.
ZIP 96738'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, 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, ZIP 96738 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.
What this means for ZIP 96738: Tsunami preparedness
- If you feel strong shaking near the coast, move to high ground immediately — do not wait for an official warning.
- Learn your community evacuation routes and the location of designated assembly areas.
- Standard homeowners insurance excludes tsunami flooding; flood coverage may be needed.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 96738
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 96738 from other communities in Hawaii County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
7,862
Small TownGeographic Zone
Island / Pacific
High coastal + tsunami exposure
Climate Band
Tropical (Hawaii)
Latitude 19.9°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 9.8/10
Coordinates
19.9034° N, 155.7939° W
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for ZIP 96738
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
Nearby ZIP codes
Other cities in Hawaii
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). County-level data applied to ZIP codes within each county. Scores are normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. This information is for general awareness only — consult official emergency management resources and a licensed insurer for property-specific advice.