Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 every year. The 2022 Central Pacific hurricane season was below average, producing just one tropical cyclone in total, according to experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). [1] The NOAA has not yet released predictions for the 2024 season, but we will update this page as soon as it issues its forecast.
Wind damage often isn't covered under homeowners insurance policies in Hawaii. [2] That means if you own a home in Hawaii, you may need to purchase additional windstorm insurance coverage to be fully protected against hurricane damage.
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What month does Hawaii have the most hurricanes?
The Hawaiian islands are at most risk for hurricanes and tropical storms from July to September. The last major hurricane to cause historically devastating damage directly to the Hawaiian Islands was Hurricane Iniki in September of 1992. It was a Category 4 storm that resulted in over $3 billion in damage. [3]
Hawaii often gets hit by tropical storms — which are slightly less strong than hurricanes — in the months of August and September.
Where do hurricanes hit the most in Hawaii?
Because Hawaii is made up of islands, most areas are at risk for hurricane and tropical storm damage. The island of Kauai was directly hit by Hurricane Iniki in 1992, and experts predict that nearly 15,000 homes were damaged or destroyed. Oahu also suffered from hurricane damage.
Maui, which is the second largest Hawaiian island, hasn’t been directly hit by a hurricane in over 100 years. That said, tropical storms often bring in rainfall that results in flood and wind damage. Tropical Storm Olivia, for example, directly hit Maui in September 2018 and resulted in heavy rainfall and downed trees. [4]
The Big Island is also at risk for hurricane damage. In August of 2018, Hurricane Lane weakened to a tropical storm by the time it reached Hawaii, but still brought 19 inches of rain to the Big Island, causing major flooding and extensive property damage. [5]
Is it safe to go to Hawaii during hurricane season?
Traveling to any place can come with unexpected weather risks. If you’re traveling to Hawaii during hurricane season, it’s important to check local weather updates for the island you’re visiting. Make sure you subscribe to local government official alerts and updates to stay informed.
How to prepare for hurricane season in Hawaii
Living in Hawaii means tropical storms are a part of life. It’s important to be prepared in the event of a disastrous tropical storm or hurricane. Here are a few things you can do before, during, and after a storm.
Before the storm
Have an emergency plan in place
Create an emergency kit with enough supplies to last at least 14 days
Sign up for community or country emergency storm alerts
Purchase hurricane insurance
Know your home’s flood risk and purchase flood insurance
Plan an evacuation route
During the storm
Follow weather and emergency alerts
Do not drive through flood waters
Stay indoors and keep away from windows and glass
If you need shelter, you may be able to find open shelters through Red Cross
After the storm
Listen to local officials on safety precautions and what to do next
Stay away from flooded areas
Wear protective clothing while cleaning up your residence
Contact your hurricane insurance and flood insurance company if there’s damage to your home
Take photos of the property damage to document it
Learn more >> How to file a home insurance claim after a natural disaster
Insurance considerations for hurricane season in Hawaii
In Hawaii, many homeowners insurance companies exclude coverage for hurricane damage. That means if you only have a homeowners policy and your home is destroyed by a hurricane, you won’t be able to file a claim for repairs. When purchasing home insurance, make sure you ask the insurer whether or not hurricane coverage is included. Here’s what to do if it’s not.
Hurricane deductibles
If your home is damaged by hurricane winds, you may have to pay a separate hurricane deductible before insurance will pay out your claim. This is different from your standard dollar amount deductible and is typically expressed as a percentage of your home's insured value. Most hurricane deductibles are anywhere from 1% to 5%.
Windstorm insurance
In Hawaii, wind damage isn’t covered by homeowners insurance. To supplement this gap in coverage, you’ll need to purchase a separate windstorm insurance policy or add wind coverage to your home insurance.
Flood insurance
Neither home nor hurricane insurance policies include coverage for flood damage. In order to be protected against the frequent flooding in Hawaii, you’ll need flood insurance.
You can purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) — a FEMA-backed organization — or through private flood insurance companies.
Frequently asked questions
Has a hurricane ever hit Oahu?
Direct hits to Oahu have been rare in recent history, but the island still experiences storm damage. For example, Hurricane Iniki in 1992 did not directly hit Oahu, but the island still experienced damage.
How often is Hawaii hit with hurricanes?
Hurricanes don’t directly hit Hawaii all that often. However, the islands do experience tropical storms and heavy winds. Experts are predicting a below average hurricane season for Hawaii in 2022.
