Short answer: Use FEMA's county risk report, your state's residual-market rules and its auto requirements to plan coverage in Hilo.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Hilo area (Hawaii County). It isn't legal advice or a coverage determination. Your policy wording, underwriting, city and county ordinances, and state insurance and motor-vehicle rules control. Check your address on FEMA's National Risk Index (county report for Hawaii County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Hawaii County
Open FEMA's National Risk Index and the Hawaii County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Hawaii County
Since 1973, Hawaii County has been part of 17 federal major disaster declarations, according to FEMA's declarations summaries; by incident type the most common were earthquake events (4), hurricane events (3) and volcanic eruption events (3). The most recent: Hurricane Lala, 2026, Earthquake, 2026, Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides, 2026 and Wildfires and High Winds, 2023. FEMA also lists 5 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Hilo's tsunami history
The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency calls the 1946 tsunami, set off by an Alaska earthquake, the deadliest natural disaster in state history. It killed 159 people across the islands. In 1960, a tsunami from Chile killed 61 people in the Hilo area, with waves reaching 35 feet in Hilo. More recently, the 2025 Kamchatka earthquake led to evacuations and 5-foot waves in Hilo. The state's red zones must be evacuated in any tsunami warning, and yellow zones only in an extreme event.
Wailoa's flood channels
Hilo also floods from rain. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Wailoa River Flood Control Project, finished in 1965, uses channels and levees to divert Waiakea and Kawili stream flows around parts of the city, including UH Hilo dormitories. Hawaiʻi County Public Works is the local sponsor. Tsunami and stream flooding are both water from outside, which a standard homeowners policy generally excludes. Check your evacuation zone and your FEMA flood zone separately, because they're different maps.
HPIA for lava zones 1 and 2
The Hawaii Property Insurance Association insures eligible dwellings in lava zones 1 and 2—much of Puna—when private insurers decline; Hawaii law (HRS § 431:21-107) sets the framework. Expect to show declinations and apply through a licensed Hawaii agent. Vacant homes are not eligible.
Auto: Hawaii 40/80/20 plus PIP
For policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, the Insurance Division lists $40,000/$80,000/$20,000 liability plus $10,000 PIP.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Hawaii.
Frequently asked questions
Who insures homes in lava zones 1 and 2?
HPIA, after private insurers decline.
Is tsunami damage covered by homeowners insurance?
No; tsunami flooding falls under flood coverage.
What are Hawaii's 2026 auto minimums?
40/80/20 liability plus $10,000 PIP.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.