Pearl City, Hawaii: natural disaster risk
How exposed Pearl City is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Honolulu County.
Pearl City is a community of 44,547 people in Honolulu County, Hawaii. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Honolulu County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and tsunami, with about $517 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 906 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 20 tornadoes and 229 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 2 hurricanes and 2 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 4.1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Honolulu County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Pearl City
Full Honolulu 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 | $330M | |
| Earthquake | $93M | |
| Tsunami | $48M | |
| Wildfire | $27M | |
| Lightning | $13M | |
| Landslide | $4M | |
| Coastal flooding | $2M | |
| Hurricane | $880K | |
| Tornado | $688K | |
| Ice storm | $159K | |
| Strong wind | $64K | |
| Hail | $39K |
Homes in Pearl City
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 Honolulu County
More cities in Honolulu County
Common questions about Pearl City
Is Pearl City safe from natural disasters?
Pearl City is in Honolulu County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of 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 Pearl City?
By expected yearly losses in Honolulu County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Very High), earthquake (High), tsunami (High). Honolulu County has been part of 23 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Pearl City get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 20 tornadoes in Honolulu County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on February 11, 1982. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Pearl City?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Honolulu County, about 4.1% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk very high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.