Short answer: The Hawaii Property Insurance Association (HPIA) is the residual property market when private writers will not take you. Keep brush/firebreaks compliant where required, and carry Hawaii-required auto liability.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Honolulu area (Honolulu 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 Honolulu County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Honolulu County
Use FEMA's National Risk Index and the Honolulu County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Honolulu County
Since 1974, Honolulu County has been part of 14 federal major disaster declarations, according to FEMA's declarations summaries; by incident type the most common were flood events (6), severe storm events (3) and hurricane events (2). The most recent: Hurricane Lala, 2026, Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides, 2026, Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides, 2022 and Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides, 2018. FEMA also lists 5 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
New O‘ahu flood maps took effect June 10, 2026
FEMA's updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps for O‘ahu, based on a 2019–2024 study that added many streams never mapped before, became effective June 10, 2026. The Department of Planning and Permitting lists Lā‘ie, Kāne‘ohe, Wai‘anae and East Honolulu among the areas most affected. Homes newly placed in a Special Flood Hazard Area may need flood insurance for a federally backed mortgage. DPP warns that owners who don't buy within 45 days can have a lender force-place coverage.
Permits in the new flood zones
DPP says projects on properties newly mapped into a Special Flood Hazard Area may lose eligibility for Quick Permits and must meet the city's floodplain rules in ROH Chapter 21A. Plan for that before you start a renovation. If you think the new map is wrong for your lot, FEMA's LOMA and LOMR processes are the way to request a change.
The 2025 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
The Department of Emergency Management's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan was adopted in July 2025 and runs to July 1, 2030. Its hazard chapters show which parts of O‘ahu face which risks.
Residual market: Hawaii Property Insurance Association
HPIA provides residual dwelling, homeowners, renters and unit-owner coverage for eligible applicants who cannot obtain private-market insurance. Apply through a licensed Hawaii producer; review current coverage and limits on hpiainfo.com.
Brush and firebreaks
Confirm the exact distances for your parcel with the Honolulu Fire Department before underwriting.
Auto liability
For policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, Hawaii's minimum is $40,000/$80,000 bodily injury and $20,000 property damage, plus $10,000 PIP per the Insurance Division's Auto Minimum Limits FAQs.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Hawaii.
Frequently asked questions
What is HPIA?
Hawaii's residual property insurer for eligible risks the private market will not write.
Which NRI county covers Honolulu?
Honolulu County (15003) on FEMA's National Risk Index viewer.
Where do I confirm Hawaii auto minimums?
Hawaii Insurance Division / county motor vehicle registration materials.
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.