Hilo, HI natural hazards
Most of the natural-hazard damage FEMA expects in Hilo comes from inland flooding, and overall the risk is very high for a U.S. community. Flood insurance has paid 141 claims here since 1978. 5 federal disasters brought FEMA money into town.
FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025 · OpenFEMA claims, aid & declarationsHow exposed is Hilo?
FEMA expects yearly storm and flood damage to homes and buildings in Hilo to be higher than in 100% of U.S. communities, mostly from inland flooding and earthquakes.
What Hilo faces
Each hazard’s share of the damage FEMA expects here, and how that compares with the rest of the country.
Inland flooding
Earthquakes
Tsunamis
Volcanic activity
Lower here
Not a risk here
Does Hilo flood?
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Hilo, from FEMA’s records.
Biggest named events
- Hurricane Lane: 9 claims, $459K
- 2025 July West Coast Tsunami: 1 claim, $86K
are insured
What’s been done with FEMA grants
5 federal disasters brought FEMA money here
Disasters the President declared that paid out in Hilo itself: aid to households, or repair grants to Hilo.
Earthquake
Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides
Wildfires and High Winds
Kilauea Volcanic Eruption and Earthquakes
Earthquake
How to read this page
FEMA’s expected losses across Hilo total about $123M a year, counting buildings, people and crops.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025); OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Census tracts: U.S. Census Bureau.