FEMA Flood Zone Lookup in Hawaii

Hawaii faces unique flood risks driven by volcanic terrain, steep valleys, and exposure to Pacific storms and tsunamis. Flash flooding is the state's most common and dangerous hazard as steep mountain slopes channel rainfall into narrow valleys with little warning. The Hilo area on the Big Island has a long history of devastating floods including a 1929 flood that killed 16 people. Kauai is particularly vulnerable with a record 49.7 inches of rain falling in 24 hours on Mount Waialeale in April 2018, causing catastrophic flooding that destroyed the Ka Loko Dam and killed four people. Oahu faces flood risk from urban stream systems including the Anahulu, Kapunahala, and Maunalua Bay watersheds. The Wailuku River on the Big Island and Hanalei River on Kauai regularly flood during heavy rain events. Coastal flooding from high surf events and tsunamis is a persistent concern. Sea level rise projections of 1-3 feet by 2060 threaten low-lying coastal areas, airports, and military installations including Pearl Harbor. The state has approximately 70 NFIP-participating communities. Hawaii's unique geology including lava tubes and porous volcanic rock complicates flood prediction.