The Ultimate Hawaiian Island Safety Guide

by
Updated on October 1st, 2021

Reading Time: 13 minutes

 

Hawaii Islands
Image via Pixabay

In so many ways, the Hawaiian Islands are paradise. The mountainous terrain provides a stunning backdrop to some of the world’s best beaches surrounded by clear, blue ocean on all sides. As with any area, however, these beautiful islands come with their own disaster risks.

Because of Hawaii’s isolation, it may be more difficult to make rescue efforts following an emergency. For that reason, it’s incredibly important for residents to know what the dangers are, ways to be prepared, what to do when disaster strikes, and how to recover. This Hawaiian Island safety guide will cover safety for hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, landslides, and volcanic eruptions to help you better prepare your family and home in the event one strikes.

Preparing for Any Emergency: Your Disaster Safety Kit

Hawaii is nearly 2,500 miles from the coast of California. Depending on the disaster, this distance could make it significantly more challenging to reach the state for relief efforts, especially if airports and harbors are affected. That means it’s vitally important to be prepared for any catastrophe; residents may have to rely on their own resources for days with little access to more. A disaster safety kit is essential to every Hawaiian home:

  • At least a one-week supply of water — a gallon per person, per day
  • At least a one-week supply of non-perishable food (canned goods, evaporated milk, jerky, granola)
  • At least a one-week supply of necessary medications
  • Can opener
  • First aid kit
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio with extra batteries
  • Flashlights with extra batteries
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Extra pet food
  • Extra baby supplies
  • Dust masks
  • Safety goggles and gloves
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for sanitation
  • Wrench, pliers, and other tools to make repairs as needed and turn off utilities
  • Local maps and evacuation routes (laminated or kept in a portable, water-proof container)
  • Cash
  • Games, books, or puzzles to help kids pass the time
  • Important family documents (in a portable, waterproof container) — identification, insurance information, home lease or deed

Keep your safety kit somewhere it’s out of reach of pets and small children, but easily accessible to you in an emergency. Remember to replace medication as needed to avoid your supply expiring. You may want to consider having one large kit for your home, and a smaller kit in your car or workplace that includes vehicle emergency supplies like flares, jumper cables, and tow rope.

In addition to your emergency kit, establish a family emergency plan. Discuss safe spots to go in the event of any disaster, and decide on an emergency contact outside of Hawaii. You should also talk to your child’s school to get information on their emergency plans.

Learn where your electrical breaker is, as well as the gas shut-off valve. Keep an adjustable wrench tied with wire to the meter so that it’s easily available in emergencies. You may even want to consider installing an automatic shut-off valve.

Hawaiian Island Safety Guide: Hurricanes

hurricane
Image via Pixabay

The Pacific Ocean Basin, where the Hawaiian Islands lie, sees an average of four to five tropical cyclones each year, and they typically blow in from the south.

There are a few steps you can take to protect your home from hurricane damage. Installing wooden or metal storm shutters on windows is one permanent solution, though some opt to use 5/8” marine plywood cut to size as a temporary guard. Keep trees trimmed, especially those with large branches that hang over your home. Clean rain gutters and downspouts regularly. Figure out a safe shelter for your boat and livestock ahead of time so that you don’t have to scramble when a storm approaches.

Keep an eye on the news during any severe thunderstorm to listen for issuance of hurricane watches and warnings. A hurricane watch means onset is possible within 36 hours, while a warning means onset is likely within 24 hours. Once a hurricane is on its path to your area, don’t delay in preparing. Fuel up your car, get extra cash to keep on-hand, and have your emergency kit ready to go. If you’re ordered to evacuate, do so immediately and get to a loved one’s home or the nearest shelter as quickly as possible. Ensure all family members are wearing or carrying identification. Only take one vehicle — your most reliable — and stick to designated evacuation routes.

If you’re not directed to evacuate, turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings and keep the doors closed. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water to have a supply for hygiene. Close all interior doors to block the wind, and keep blinds and curtains closed as an extra layer of protection. If there’s time, secure or bring in any outdoor items that could be carried away in strong winds.

Move to a safe space in your home like an interior room, closet, or hallway away from windows and exterior doors. If you’re in a flood-prone or storm surge area, move to an upper level. If necessary, take cover under a heavy table or desk. Never go outside before an “all clear” is issued from weather officials — even if there’s a lull, it could just be the eye of the storm and thus temporary.

Keep listening for updates from the National Weather Service (NWS) on your portable radio. Once your area has been cleared of the hurricane, proceed with caution as floods and tsunamis could still be possible. Use extreme caution when going outdoors, being wary of damage to your home or shelter, downed power lines, and debris. If you’re cleared to return home, be on the lookout for damaged or washed out roads, bridges, and coastal or hillside erosion that could lead to landslides. If you come across a barricaded or flooded road, turn around and find an alternate route.

Inspect your home for foundation damage before re-entering. Check the gas line for damage — it may be hissing or you may smell propane or gas. If you suspect it’s damaged, don’t enter the home and call the fire department to report it. Use a flashlight (never an open flame like a candle or gas lantern) to inspect your electrical lines and appliances. Don’t use tap water until you’ve verified that it’s safe and doesn’t need to be boiled or purified before using. Record any damage to your property with photos and contact your insurance company as soon as possible.

Hawaiian Island Safety Guide: Earthquakes

Earthquake
Image via Pixabay

Hawaii experiences thousands of earthquakes every year, but most are related to volcanic processes and so small they can’t be felt by humans. The area has been subject to stronger ones, though, some of which were so powerful they could be felt on multiple islands.

Earthquakes usually strike without warning, so preparing your home is crucial. Ensure that heavy mounted mirrors and decorations are anchored in studs (not just in the wall), and anchor hanging lights and plants in wooden beams. Avoid placing these items over beds or seating areas. Bolt heavy cabinets, dressers, and shelving to the walls, and use shelf lips or decorative guardrails to keep items from sliding off. Move especially heavy items to lower shelves. If your gas line is encased in rigid tubing, consider replacing it with an approved corrugated metal connector, which is less likely to break with severe shaking. Child-proof latches are an easy, inexpensive way to secure cabinets and cupboards without changing their appearance; small pieces of adhesive or putty can protect valuables inside from shifting. Large appliances can be restrained with straps or hooks, but keep in mind that a small degree of flexibility will provide the best stress resistance.

When an earthquake hits, abide by a simple rule: drop, cover, and hold on:

  • Drop to your hands and knees—this protects you from falling but allows you to move if necessary.
  • Seek cover under a heavy table or desk. If there’s no available shelter nearby, head to an interior wall or next to low-lying furniture that won’t fall on you. Cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.
  • Hold on to your shelter (or head and neck if there’s none), and move with it if it shifts. Stay this way until the shaking stops.
  • Be prepared for aftershocks.

If you’re outdoors, move to a clear area if it’s safe to do so, avoiding trees, power lines, signs, vehicles, and buildings. If you’re near the shore, follow drop, cover, and hold on until the shaking stops. If the quake lasts 20 seconds or more, immediately move to higher ground as a tsunami may be imminent. Get to land at least 100 feet (30 meters) above sea level as quickly as possible, and opt to walk instead of driving to avoid debris and other hazards.

Even if you’re indoors, move to higher ground if you’re in a tsunami zone or near a large body of water. Tsunamis can arrive in moments, so don’t wait for a warning to be issued! If evacuation isn’t possible, get to at least the third floor of a sturdy building. If absolutely no alternative is available, climb a tree as a last resort. Stay away from the coast until officials say it’s safe — keep in mind it could be days. If you aren’t in a tsunami zone, evacuate only if there’s damage to the building or the surrounding area is unsafe. Take only emergency supplies, and get to a shelter or a friend’s home out of the danger zone as soon as possible.

Review this resource if you or a loved one has a disability to educate yourself on the best ways to protect yourself in the event of an earthquake.

Hawaiian Island Safety Guide: Tsunamis

Tsunami
Image via Pixabay

A tsunami is a series of long-wavelength, long-period ocean waves. Caused primarily by earthquakes occurring below or near the seafloor, they can come ashore for hours and the waves can be in varying sizes — the first is not always the largest. An earthquake is the most significant warning sign, but it could also be preceded by a rapid fall in sea level that exposes reefs, rocks, and fish at the bottom of the ocean floor. You may also hear a loud roar comparable to a jet engine or oncoming train.

As soon as you notice warning signs and immediately following an earthquake, move inland to higher ground. Stay away from bodies of water. If you can actually see the tsunami approaching, you may not have time to outrun it. Look for a sturdy, multistoried concrete building and get to its highest level or the roof. If there’s no time, climb a large, sturdy tree and cling to it tightly. Should you get swept up in the current of a tsunami, look for something to help keep you afloat and protected from dangerous floating debris.

Keep in mind that tsunamis approaching from distant locations can take up to 24 hours to arrive. Sirens will sound and official warnings will be issued, so turn on the radio to get the latest updates. Coastal communities and tsunami evacuation zones should waste no time when directed to seek higher ground.

Following a tsunami, stay tuned to local radio and TV for emergency information and recovery assistance. Depending on the size and destruction, an “all clear” may not be issued for hours or even days. The coastline may be devastated with flooding, fires, damaged buildings, downed power lines, and HAZMAT spills, so stay away until officials clear the area. Emergency search and rescue will begin immediately on land and at sea.

Hawaiian Island Safety Guide: Floods

Floods
Image via Pixabay

Flooding can occur during any month of the year, but it’s most typical during Hawaii’s wet season running from October to April. Since 1960, they have occurred at an average of about eight per year.

In instances of heavy rain, listen to the news for updates. A flood watch means one is possible; a flood warning means one is occurring or will soon occur. If there’s time and the weather permits, bring in outdoor furniture to prevent it from being swept away. Move essential items to upper floors of your home, and turn off your utilities at the main switch if instructed. If you aren’t wet or standing in water, turn off and disconnect electronics. If authorities issue an evacuation order, do so immediately.

If you’re outdoors, avoid walking through flooded water — just six inches of swiftly-moving water can sweep you off your feet — and get to higher ground. If you must walk through water to get to safety, carry small children and use a stick to test the firmness of the ground before stepping. Keep a sharp eye out for downed power lines that may have electrified the water. If you get caught in your vehicle when the flood strikes, never attempt to drive through flooded roads. If the waters rise around your car, abandon it and move to higher ground. A foot of swiftly-moving water can float a car, and two feet can sweep up even SUVs and pickup trucks.

Following a flood, continue listening to local news for updates. Avoid disaster areas and flooded areas that could be dangerous or contaminated. Only return home when authorities say it’s OK, and don’t enter any buildings surrounded by water. Be extremely careful when re-entering your home, checking for damage to its foundation, walls, sewage tanks and systems, gas and electric lines, and any submerged appliances. Use a stick to guide your way, and keep an eye out for poisonous snakes or other wildlife that may have traveled through the water to the area. Be sure to wear sturdy rain boots.

Throw out any food that may have been touched by floodwaters, including sealed bottled water and canned goods. When in doubt, throw it out! Don’t use tap water until it’s been cleared by professionals. Take photos of any damage for insurance purposes. Flood insurance isn’t covered by most standard home insurance, but there’s a national program that may be able to provide your home coverage. Keep in mind there may be a 30-day waiting period before you’re covered, so if you decide to purchase it, do so long before you need it!

Hawaiian Island Safety Guide: Landslides

Landslide
Image via Pixabay

Landslides can be caused by a number of factors: earthquakes, storms, volcanic eruptions, and human land modification. They often occur quickly with little to no notice, so it’s important to know the warning signs:

  • Land movement and small slides
  • Bulging ground at the base of a slope
  • Collapsed pavement, mud, or fallen rocks near roadside embankments
  • Water breaking through ground surfaces in new locations
  • Doors or windows sticking or jamming for the first time
  • New cracks in plaster, tile, brick, or foundations
  • Fences, retaining walls, utility poles and trees tilting or moving
  • Outside walls and stairs gradually pulling away from a building
  • Ground sloping downward in one direction, possibly shifting under your feet
  • The sound of faint rumbling, trees cracking, or boulders knocking together

To avoid falling victim to a landslide, stay awake and alert during severe storms. Watch or listen to local news for updates, and listen for rumbling or cracking that could mean land movement. If a warning has been issued or you see a landslide occurring, move away from the path or debris flow as quickly as possible. Avoid river valleys and low-lying areas, and if you’re near a stream or water channel, keep an eye out for sudden variations in water flow and a change from clear to muddy water. If you’re unable to escape, curl into a tight ball and protect your head.

Following a landslide, get to a designated public shelter if you’re told to evacuate or if you feel you’re unsafe. (You can find the closest one by texting SHELTER and your zip code to 43362, or 4FEMA.) Continue listening for the latest emergency information and warnings of flooding or more slides. Replant any damaged ground as soon as possible — erosion caused by loss of ground cover can lead to flash flooding and additional landslides in the near future.

Hawaiian Island Safety Guide: Volcanoes

Lava
Image via Pixabay

There are five active volcanoes throughout the Hawaiian Islands: Lō‘ihi, Kīlauea, Mauna Loa, and Hualālai on the Big Island, and Haleakalā (sometimes referred to as the East Maui Volcano) in Maui. Though you can visit Hawai‘I Volcanoes National Park to explore these amazing natural wonders, in general it’s best to avoid them, especially if you have children.

If you live near any of the active volcanoes, keep goggles and masks on-hand in both your home and vehicle. Learn your evacuation route and go over it with your family. If there’s an eruption in your area, evacuate only as directed by authorities to best avoid lava, mud flows, and flying debris. Before leaving your home, change into long-sleeved shirts and pants and put on your goggles and emergency mask. If you don’t have a mask, hold a damp cloth over your mouth to prevent breathing in harmful smoke, fumes, and debris. Avoid traveling through river areas and low-lying regions. Don’t drive unless you absolutely must—ash can damage engines and metal parts and put you in greater danger. If you must, keep your speed below 35 miles per hour. If you aren’t ordered to evacuate, close your windows and doors, and block chimneys and other exterior vents to block ash from entering your home.

Hawaii faces its share of hazardous weather and natural disasters, but education is your most vital weapon. Be prepared for any catastrophe, and you’ll get to focus on enjoying the perks of living in such a beautiful state!

Emergency Contact Information for Hawaii’s Top 10 Largest Cities

The following information is critical to have on hand in the event of an emergency. Not every contact we researched publicly lists their phone number, which is why not all stations and departments listed below include one. If you’re experiencing an emergency and don’t have a local phone number, dial 911.

Honolulu

Honolulu Police Department
801 S. Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
808-529-3111

Honolulu Fire Department
636 South Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
808-723-7139

Hawaii Health Department
1250 Punchbowl Street #423, Honolulu, HI 96813
808-586-4400

KITV Island News
808-535-0400

Pearl City

Pearl City Police Station (Division of Honolulu PD)
1100 Waimano Home Road, Pearl City, HI 96782
808-723-8800

Waiau Fire Station
98-1109 Komo Mai Drive, Pearl City, HI 96782

Department of Health
2725 Waimano Home Road, Pearl City, HI 96782
808-453-6652

KHON Local News
808-591-2222

Hilo

Hilo Police Station (Division of Hawaii PD)
349 Kapi‘olani Street, Hilo, HI 96720
808-935-3311

Central Fire Station (Division of Hawaii FD)
466 Kinoole Street, Hilo, HI 96720
808-961-8678

Department of Health
75 Aupuni Street #105, Hilo, HI 96720
808-974-6001

Hawaii News Now
808-847-9383

Kailua

Kailua City Police Station (Division of Honolulu PD)
219 Kuulei Road, Kailua, HI 96734
808-723-8838

Kailua-Kona Fire Station (Division of Honolulu FD)
74-5537 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
808-327-3545

Health Department
42-477 Kalanianaole Highway, Kailua, HI 96734
808-266-9922

West Hawaii Today
808-329-9311

Waipahu

Waipahu Police Station (Division of Honolulu PD)
94-144 Farrington Highway, Waipahu, HI 96797

Waipahu Fire Station (Division of Honolulu FD)
94-121 Leonui Street, Waipahu, HI 96797
808-723-7139

Department of Health
2725 Waimano Home Road, Pearl City, HI 96782
808-453-6652

Hawaii News Now
808-847-9383

Kāne’ohe

Kāne’ohe Police Station (Division of Honolulu PD)
45-270 Waikalua Road, Kāne’ohe, HI 96744
808-723-8640

Kāne’ohe Fire Station (Division of Honolulu FD)
45-910 Kamehameha Highway, Kāne’ohe, HI 96744

Hawaii Health Department
1250 Punchbowl Street #423, Honolulu, HI 96813
808-586-4400

Hawaii News Now
808-847-9383

Mililani Town

There are two police stations conveniently located near Mililani Town:

Wahiawa Police Station (Division of Honolulu PD)
330 N. Cane Street, Wahiawa, HI 96786
808-723-8700

and

Pearl City Police Station (Division of Honolulu PD)
1100 Waimano Home Road, Pearl City, HI 96782
808-723-8800

Mililani Mauka Fire Station (Division of Honolulu FD)
95-1990 Meheula Parkway, Mililani, HI 96789
808-723-7139

Department of Health
2725 Waimano Home Road, Pearl City, HI 96782
808-453-6652

Hawaii News Now
808-847-9383

Kahului

Maui Police Department
55 Mahalani Street, Wailuku, HI 96793
808-244-6400

Maui County Fire Department
200 Dairy Road, Kahului, HI 96732
808-270-7561

Maui Health Department
54 S. High Street #301, Wailuku, HI 96793
808-984-8208

Maui News
808-242-6363

‘Ewa Gentry

Kapolei Police Station (Division of Honolulu PD)
1100 Kamokila Boulevard, Kapolei, HI 96707
808-723-8488

Honolulu Fire Department Station 24
91-995 Kaileolea Drive, ‘Ewa Beach, HI 96706

Department of Health
2725 Waimano Home Road, Pearl City, HI 96782
808-453-6652

Hawaii News Now
808-847-9383

Kīhei

Maui Police Department
55 Mahalani Street, Wailuku, HI 96793
808-244-6400

Kīhei Fire Station (Division of Maui PD)
11 Waimahaihai Street, Kīhei, HI 96753
808-879-2741

Maui Health Department
54 S. High Street #301, Wailuku, HI 96793
808-984-8208

Maui News
808-242-6363

If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.
Avatar

Mike DeMello

Aloha! I was born and raised on the island of Oahu where my real estate career began in 2002. My experience now covers Hawaii, as well as the cities of Las Vegas and Seattle. While in Seattle, I discovered Redfin, a real estate brokerage that is revolutionizing the real estate industry by providing transparency, tools, and service like no other firm. I am excited to return home to bring you my island expertise and customer service with Redfin’s innovative advantage. I will champion your search for your perfect home, negotiate your needs, give superior service when selling, and help answer all your questions during the process, so you can make informed decisions. Mahalo!

Connect with Mike
Start your home search on Redfin
Scroll to Top