When Is Hurricane Season In Hawaii?

Data from the National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center show that 58 hurricanes occurred in Hawaii between 1971 and 2008. With an average of 1.5 occurring per year, hurricanes near Hawaii are relatively rare compared to other hurricane-prone regions like the Atlantic or Eastern Pacific. However, when they do occur, they can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous surf to the islands.

As an industry veteran with over 15 years of experience, I have seen the devastating effects of a hurricane on one’s personal property, such as their home and cars. As a result, residents and visitors must understand hurricane season in Hawaii for planning and safety purposes. Keep reading to learn about the timing, frequency, and measures you can take to prepare for hurricane season in Hawaii.

What Is Peak Hurricane Season?

The highest risk period for hurricanes in Hawaii is typically from late July through September, with August and September being the most active months. In fact, the most devastating hurricane to hit Hawaii, Hurricane Iniki, occurred in September 1992. This is when sea surface temperatures are warmest, and atmospheric conditions are most favorable for hurricane development in the Central Pacific. 

Which Areas Are Most Affected By Hurricanes?

While hurricanes have the potential to cause wind-related damage, storm surges are also a concern.  The state of Hawaii’s Department of Defence cites that Honolulu experiences the largest percentage of storm surge inundation, reaching 6.38% of the total land area for a Category 4 hurricane. Kauai, Oahu, and Maui have also experienced hurricane damage in the past.

All Hawaiian Islands are potentially vulnerable to hurricanes, but certain areas may experience more severe impacts depending on the storm’s track and intensity.

Coastal Areas: Coastal communities across all islands are at the highest risk from storm surges, high winds, and flooding.

Southern Shores: Southern-facing shores are more exposed to storms that develop or track from the south.

Kauai: Due to its geographic location, Kauai has experienced direct hits from powerful hurricanes, notably Hurricane Iniki. 

Oahu: Being the most populated island, Oahu faces significant risk due to its dense population and infrastructure.

Historical Hurricanes In Hawaii

While direct hurricane hits on Hawaii are relatively rare compared to other regions, the islands have experienced several significant storms.

• Hurricane Iniki: This Category 4 hurricane made a direct hit on Kauai in September of 1992, causing more than $1.8B in damages and seven deaths. Iniki is on record for being the most damaging hurricane in Hawaii.
• Hurricane Iwa: Hurricane Iwa was a Category 1 storm and hit the islands of Niihau, Kauai, and Oahu in November of 1982. The damage from this storm amounted to more than $250M with one fatality.
• Hurricane Lane: Hurricane Lane hit Hawaii in August of 2018 and is 3rd in the top three rainiest tropical cyclones on record. Over 4 days, Hawaii received an average of 17 inches of rainfall, resulting in mudslides, flooding, and landslides.
• Hurricane Iselle: This hurricane was a Category 1 storm when it hit Hawaii in August of 2014. Hurricane Iselle resulted in over $148M in damage and left residents without utilities for days.

Direct hurricane hits remain relatively rare due to the islands’ location and prevailing weather patterns. The Central Pacific experiences multiple tropical cyclones each year, but many weaken or shift course before reaching land. Factors like wind shear, cooler ocean temperatures, and high-pressure systems often help shield Hawaii from the full force of these storms.

How To Prepare For Hawaii Hurricane Season

According to a survey by the restoration company Groundworks, 30% of those at risk of hurricanes are minimally prepared or not prepared at all for the damage they can cause. Whether you live in Hawaii or are gearing up to visit, it is imperative to plan ahead to ensure you are prepared for hurricane season.

For Residents:

Hawaii residents should start preparing for a hurricane before one is on the horizon. Here are some recommended steps to take before, during, and after a hurricane to keep both you and your family safe. 

Before a Hurricane:

• Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit with essential supplies for at least 14 days. This should include water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and medications.
• Family Communication Plan: Develop a family communication plan to ensure everyone knows how to stay in touch during an emergency.
• Home Preparation: Trim trees and shrubs, secure loose objects, and reinforce windows and doors to protect your home from wind damage.

During a Hurricane:

• Stay Informed: Monitor local news and weather alerts through official sources, such as the National Weather Service and local emergency management agencies.
• Evacuation Plan: Know your evacuation routes and have a plan in place in case of an evacuation order.
• Stay Inside: Shelter inside, preferably in an interior room, away from windows and doors.

After a Hurricane:

• Wait for Safety: If you are in an evacuation zone, do not go home until officials tell you it is safe to do so.
• Use Alternate Communication: Communicate with family and friends via social media or text to reserve phone battery, as utilities may be down.
• Travel Safely: When it’s safe to go outside, do not wade through flood waters as they are likely to contain bacteria. Also, don’t attempt to drive through flood waters since it can severely damage your car.
• Check for Damage: Once you are home, check for damage to your home. Take photos of the damage, and contact your insurance company to start the claims process.

For Visitors:

Those visiting Hawaii, whether during hurricane season or not, should prepare before their trip. Here is what you should do before, during, and after a hurricane as a visitor.

Before a Hurricane:

• Travel Insurance: Purchase travel insurance that covers hurricane-related disruptions, including trip cancellations and interruptions. 
• Monitor Weather Forecasts: Check weather forecasts before your trip, and be aware of potential hurricane activity.
• Stay Up to Date: Follow the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to stay up to date on storms and other potential emergencies for which you need to be aware.

During a Hurricane:

• Adhere to Instructions: Listen to local authorities or hotel staff on potential evacuation orders or steps to stay safe.
• Stay Indoors: Do not go outside and stay away from windows and doors while inside.
• Protect Rental Car: If you have a rental car, be sure to park it away from large trees, or areas where it can flood to prevent damage.

After a Hurricane:

• Remain Cautious: Be cautious and wait for the official ok from authorities before venturing outside.
• Stay Out of the Ocean: Even after a hurricane passes, it’s a good idea to stay out of the ocean due to pollution from water runoff.
• Check Travel Plans: Flights may be delayed or canceled due to storms. If this has happened, you may need to contact the airline to reschedule.

Does Insurance Cover Hurricanes?

While wind-related damage is often included as a named peril on most home insurance policies, this is not often the case in Hawaii. Unfortunately, many carriers exclude hurricanes on a standard home insurance policy in Hawaii and homeowners need to purchase a separate policy. The same is true of flood insurance.

Hurricane Insurance

If you don’t have coverage for a hurricane on your standard policy, you may need a separate supplemental insurance policy to cover this gap. What classifies as a hurricane event that would trigger this coverage is dependent on a company’s policy language. Most insurers specify a “72-hour clause”, where damage that occurs within 72 hours of a hurricane watch or warning would be covered by hurricane insurance.

Flood Insurance

Flood damage, which is water damage from rising water, such as storm surge or heavy rain, is not covered by standard policies. You’ll need a separate flood insurance policy, typically through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer. Given Hawaii’s coastal areas and the potential for heavy rainfall, flood insurance is highly recommended. It may also be required if you live in a flood zone and have a mortgage.

Hurricane Deductible

Additionally, companies in Hawaii may have a hurricane deductible, which is a percentage of your home’s coverage A limit. For example, if you have a 5% hurricane deductible on your home that is insured for $250,000, your out-of-pocket expense for a hurricane would be $12,500. This means that your damage would need to exceed $12,500 before your insurance would kick in.

Check with your insurer to confirm what your specific policy covers, and what your deductible may be for specific perils.

Future Hurricane Projections In Hawaii

Climate change is influencing weather patterns worldwide, and Hawaii is not immune. Although NOAA projected a 20% chance of an above-normal hurricane season in the central Pacific for 2024, the stats for 2025 have not yet been released. However, scientists anticipate that climate change may result in more severe and intense hurricanes, ultimately increasing the costs associated with hurricane damage.

While the frequency of future hurricanes remains uncertain, the trend is clear; the storms that do arrive can wreak more havoc. There’s even a possibility that the path of these powerful storms might shift northward, bringing them closer to Hawaii. This potential shift, combined with the escalating intensity, demands a heightened state of preparedness.

Understanding Hawaii’s hurricane season is more than just knowing dates on a calendar; it’s about recognizing the real, though relatively rare, potential for severe weather that can impact island life. Whether you’re a resident building an emergency kit or a visitor with travel insurance, preparation is key to navigating the season safely. By staying informed, understanding your insurance coverage, and taking proactive steps, you can ensure that you fully enjoy what Hawaii has to offer with peace of mind during hurricane season.