Hilo, Hawaii: natural disaster risk
How exposed Hilo is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Hawaii County.
Hilo is a community of 50,404 people in Hawaii County, Hawaii. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Hawaii County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and volcanic activity, with about $365 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 953 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 10 tornadoes and 227 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 3 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Hawaii County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Hilo
Full Hawaii County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- Follow USGS volcano alerts.
- Keep masks and goggles for ash fall.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $185M | |
| Earthquake | $121M | |
| Volcanic activity | $26M | |
| Tsunami | $15M | |
| Wildfire | $14M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Hurricane | $447K | |
| Coastal flooding | $125K | |
| Tornado | $33K | |
| Landslide | $23K | |
| Drought | $16K | |
| Strong wind | $11K |
Homes in Hilo
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Hawaii County
Common questions about Hilo
Is Hilo safe from natural disasters?
Hilo is in Hawaii County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, volcanic activity. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Hilo?
By expected yearly losses in Hawaii County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), earthquake (High), volcanic activity (Very High). Hawaii County has been part of 33 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Hilo get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 10 tornadoes in Hawaii County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on March 20, 1980. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Hilo?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Hawaii County, about 1.8% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.