Kahului, Hawaii: natural disaster risk
How exposed Kahului is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Maui County.
Kahului is a community of 28,288 people in Maui County, Hawaii. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Maui County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and tsunami, with about $132 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 869 storm reports in the county since 1967, including 5 tornadoes and 189 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 1 hurricane and 1 tropical storm passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 4.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Maui County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Kahului
Full Maui 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.
- Learn the tsunami evacuation route signs.
- If you feel a strong quake near the coast, move to high ground right away.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $59M | |
| Earthquake | $33M | |
| Tsunami | $31M | |
| Wildfire | $4M | |
| Volcanic activity | $2M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Hurricane | $553K | |
| Coastal flooding | $246K | |
| Tornado | $25K | |
| Drought | $3K | |
| Hail | $3K | |
| Strong wind | $3K |
Homes in Kahului
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 Maui County
Common questions about Kahului
Is Kahului safe from natural disasters?
Kahului is in Maui County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, tsunami. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Kahului?
By expected yearly losses in Maui County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), earthquake (Moderate), tsunami (High). Maui County has been part of 31 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Kahului get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 5 tornadoes in Maui County since 1950; the strongest was an F0 tornado on March 23, 2006 near Kaumalapau Harbor. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Kahului?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Maui County, about 4.8% 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.