Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 96781
Papaikou, Hawaii
Risk Summary for ZIP 96781
ZIP 96781 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 96781, Hawaii
Located in the Hawaiian archipelago in the central Pacific, ZIP 96781 serves the Papaikou community. The tropical climate of this part of Hawaii — bringing warm temperatures moderated by trade winds and high volcanic terrain — directly shapes the hazard exposure for properties in this postal area.
ZIP 96781's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.6/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Coastal tsunami exposure is the dominant hazard concern, with the regional tectonic environment capable of generating both local and distant-source tsunami waves. Secondary hazards include volcano and earthquake.
Relative to other U.S. communities, ZIP 96781'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. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
With a moderate risk rating, ZIP 96781 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 96781: Tsunami preparedness
- Learn your community evacuation routes and the location of designated assembly areas.
- Standard homeowners insurance excludes tsunami flooding; flood coverage may be needed.
- If you feel strong shaking near the coast, move to high ground immediately — do not wait for an official warning.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 96781
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 96781 from other communities in Hawaii County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
2,073
Small TownGeographic Zone
Island / Pacific
High coastal + tsunami exposure
Climate Band
Tropical (Hawaii)
Latitude 19.8°
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
19.8007° N, 155.1819° 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 96781
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.