Flood, Hurricane, and Earthquake Insurance in Hawai'i: Are You Covered?

Natural Risks in Hawai'i

Owning a home in Hawai'i means living with natural hazards. Floods in Hilo, hurricanes on Oahu, and earthquakes on Hawai'i Island remind us that disasters can strike at any time and at any place in the state. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover these events, so many residents need extra protection.

Flood Insurance

Flooding is one of Hawaii’s most common risks. Standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage, so coverage must be purchased separately through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers. The NFIP serves millions of policyholders nationwide, providing more than $1 trillion in coverage [1,2].

FEMA released updated flood maps for Oahu in 2024. After review, the new maps are expected to take effect in 2026 [2]. Homes placed in high-risk zones with federally backed mortgages will be required to carry flood insurance.

Important details:

• Flood insurance through the NFIP has a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins [1,2].
• Premiums can rise each year, but increases are regulated and capped at 18% annually [3].
• Policies cover both the building and its contents, but these are purchased separately [1].

Related: Condo Insurance Made Simple…

Hurricane Insurance

Hawai'i’s hurricane season runs from June through November. Standard homeowners insurance covers wind damage only up to 74 mph. Once winds reach hurricane strength, a separate hurricane policy is often needed as it may not be included in a standard homeowners insurance policy [4].

Hurricane insurance covers wind damage from storms, including broken windows, roof damage, and debris impacts. It does not cover flooding from storm surge or heavy rain, which requires flood insurance [4].

Costs vary widely. A $250,000 home might pay about $500 per year in one neighborhood but $2,500 in another, depending on location and building type. Rising costs have left some buildings underinsured, even though lenders still require coverage [5].

Talk to your local insurance agent about specific hurricane insurance pricing and needs for your unique situation.

Earthquake Insurance

Earthquakes are less frequent than floods or hurricanes but remain a real risk, especially on Hawai'i Island. Standard homeowners insurance excludes earthquake damage [6].

Earthquake policies usually carry high deductibles around 10% to 25% of your home’s value. For a $400,000 home, that could mean paying $40,000 to $100,000 before insurance helps.

Coverage may include:

• Structural damage to your home.
• Personal property.
• Living expenses if your home is uninhabitable [6,7].

What to Ask Your Agent

When reviewing your insurance coverage, ask:

1. If a hurricane damages my home, what would my current policy cover?
2. Do I need separate policies for flood and earthquake protection?
3. Will the new flood maps change whether I must carry flood insurance?

Key Timelines to Remember

• Flood insurance through the NFIP requires a 30 day lead time [1,2].
• Hurricane coverage must be in place before storm watches or warnings [4].
• Oahu’s new flood maps take effect in April 2026 [2].

Work with a local insurance professional who understands Hawai'i’s unique risks. Review your policies each year, especially as maps and markets change.

The Bottom Line

Natural disasters are part of life in Hawai'i. While extra coverage costs money, it can prevent devastating financial loss. Review your policies before the next storm, flood, or earthquake arrives.

Disclaimer: This article offers general information on flood, hurricane, and earthquake insurance in Hawai'i. Coverage options vary by insurer, property, and individual circumstances. For details and personalized quotes, contact your independent insurance agent. The information presented does not necessarily reflect all coverage options offered by Island Insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does my standard homeowners insurance cover floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes?

A: Standard homeowners insurance generally excludes flood damage, earthquake damage, and hurricane-force winds (74+ mph). Each of these requires separate coverage. Your standard policy usually only covers wind damage up to 73 mph. Be sure to check your policy for specifics.

Q: How long does it take for flood insurance to go into effect?

A: Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins. This means you need to purchase it well before any potential flooding occurs. You cannot wait until a storm is approaching.

Q: What's the difference between hurricane insurance and flood insurance?

A: Hurricane insurance covers wind damage from storms with winds of 74+ mph, including broken windows, roof damage, and debris impacts. However, it does not cover flooding from storm surge or heavy rain, that requires separate flood insurance. Many homeowners need both policies for complete storm protection.

Q: When am I required to have flood insurance?

A: If your home is in a high-risk flood zone and you have a federally backed mortgage, your lender will require flood insurance. With Oahu's updated flood maps taking effect in April 2026, some homeowners may find themselves newly required to carry this coverage. Check with your insurance agent to determine your property's flood zone status.

Sources

1. Federal Emergency Management Agency. Flood Insurance. FEMA. https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance. Accessed October 6, 2025.
2. Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Insurance Division. Understanding Flood Insurance. State of Hawaii. https://cca.hawaii.gov/ins/understanding-flood-insurance/. Accessed October 6, 2025.
3. Maui County, HI. The National Flood Insurance Program. Maui County. https://www.mauicounty.gov/2176/The-National-Flood-Insurance-Program. Accessed October 6, 2025.
4. Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Insurance Division. Hurricane Insurance. State of Hawaii. https://cca.hawaii.gov/ins/hurricane-insurance/. Accessed October 6, 2025.
5. Hawaii Business Magazine. Increasing Hurricane Insurance Rates Leave Hawaii Condos and Buildings Underinsured. Hawaii Business Magazine. https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/increasing-hurricane-insurance-rates-hawaii-condos-buildings-underinsured/. Accessed October 6, 2025.
6. Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Insurance Division. Earthquake Insurance Coverage. State of Hawaii. https://files.hawaii.gov/dcca/ins/news-releases/earthquake-insurance-coverage.pdf. Accessed October 6, 2025.
7. Federal Emergency Management Agency. Earthquake Insurance. FEMA. https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/earthquake/insurance. Accessed October 6, 2025.