Hurricane Season in Hawaii

Hurricanes do not make direct landfall in Hawaii often, but history has shown us how serious they can be. Hurricane Iwa in 1982 caused widespread damage, particularly on Kauai and Oahu. Ten years later, Hurricane Iniki made landfall on Kauai on September 11, 1992 as a Category 4 hurricane, becoming the strongest hurricane on record to impact Hawaii.

More recently, Hurricane Lane in 2018, Hurricane Douglas in 2020, and Hurricane Lala in 2026 have reminded us that even without a direct hit, our islands can experience damaging winds, heavy rain, flooding, high surf, road closures, power outages, and disruptions to essential services.

The best time to prepare is before a storm is headed our way. Households should maintain emergency food and drinking water, medications, flashlights, batteries, portable chargers, fuel, pet supplies, and other necessities.

Secure outdoor furniture and loose items, trim dangerous branches, clear gutters and drainage areas, and have materials available to protect windows if needed. Photographing or videoing your home and belongings and keeping important documents somewhere safe and accessible can also be helpful.

Most importantly, have a family plan. Know where you will shelter, how you would evacuate if necessary, and how you will communicate if power or cell service is interrupted.

Do not wait until a storm appears on the forecast map to review your homeowners and hurricane insurance. Hurricane, homeowners, and flood insurance can provide very different coverage. Talk with your insurance professional about deductibles, dwelling and personal property coverage, temporary living expenses, flood coverage, and whether your coverage reflects current rebuilding costs.

Insurance availability can also change when a storm approaches Hawaii. The Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund places a statewide moratorium on new coverage when a hurricane watch or warning is issued for any Hawaiian island, continuing until 72 hours after the watch or warning expires.

For homeowners and buyers, the message is simple: review and secure appropriate insurance well before you need it.

If you are purchasing a home during hurricane season, begin working on insurance early in escrow. An approaching storm can temporarily affect the ability to bind or increase certain insurance coverage, which may also affect lender requirements and closing timelines.

Sellers should maintain their existing coverage and continue protecting the property through the appropriate point in the transaction. Every policy and transaction is different, so speak directly with your insurance professional, lender, and real estate broker about your circumstances.

Hurricane Lala significantly affected Hawaii Island in August 2026, with communities in Ka'u among those hit especially hard. In response, Hawaii County and the State implemented several forms of relief for affected residents and property owners.

Hawaii County real property taxes due August 20, 2026, may be paid through October 13, 2026 without penalty or interest. The County also extended certain property-related application deadlines to October 13, including agricultural, native forest and historical residential dedication applications, along with solar water heater and private road tax credit applications and information.

Eligible taxpayers affected by Hurricane Lala may also request relief from penalties and interest for certain Hawaii state income tax, General Excise Tax (GET), and Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) filings and payments through October 20, 2026. Relief is considered case by case and requires a Hurricane Lala disaster relief request, so residents and property owners should verify current deadlines and eligibility directly with Hawaii County or the State Department of Taxation.

Lala was another reminder of something special about Hawaii Island: when one community is hurting, the rest of us show up. Those wishing to kokua can support recovery through the Hawaii Island Strong Fund, while Vibrant Hawaii is helping coordinate physical donations and volunteers and the Malama Ka'u Foundation continues working directly with affected Ka'u families and communities.

Before donating physical supplies, check current community needs so what you give can get where it is needed most. Thoughtful, coordinated help can make a meaningful difference for neighbors recovering after a storm.

Hurricane preparedness is not about living in fear of the next storm. It is about being ready, protecting your home, knowing your family’s plan, staying connected to trusted information, and checking on kupuna, neighbors, friends, and family members who may need extra help.

For those of us who call Hawaii Island home, taking care of where we live also means taking care of one another. A little preparation before the forecast changes can make all the difference.

Real Property Tax Hurricane Lala Extension

Hurricane Lala Disaster Tax Relief

Hawaii Island Strong Fund

Vibrant Hawaii

Malama Ka'u Foundation