Flood Insurance in Hawai‘i…What to know after the storm?

Flood Insurance in Hawai‘i: What to Know After the Recent Kona Low Storms

Recent Kona Low storms have brought intense rain, flooding, and property damage across Hawai‘i. For many homeowners, this has raised an important and often overlooked question:

“Am I actually covered for flood damage?”

The reality is—most homeowners are not.

Understanding Flood Insurance (and Why It Matters Now)

Standard homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a separate policy, most commonly provided through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Flooding in Hawai‘i doesn’t just happen in designated flood zones. With the kind of rainfall we’ve recently experienced, flash flooding, runoff, and overwhelmed drainage systems can impact homes well outside high-risk areas.

That’s why this conversation matters right now.

What to Do If Your Home Was Affected

If you’ve experienced flooding or water damage, here are the immediate steps to take:

1. Start Your Insurance Claim

• Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible
• Document all damage with photos and videos
• Keep receipts for any emergency repairs or temporary housing

The Hawaii Insurance Division has created a Post-Disaster Insurance Claims Guide and resources to walk you through this process.

You can also call: 1-844-808-DCCA (3222) for guidance.

2. Understand Your Coverage
If your policy doesn’t cover flooding, you’re not alone. The state also provides a resource titled “My Insurance Doesn’t Cover What?” to help homeowners understand gaps and next steps.

For future planning, you can explore flood insurance options through:

• National Flood Insurance Program (Floodsmart.gov)

3. Access Local Recovery Resources

There are multiple statewide and county-level resources available right now:

• Aloha United Way (211)
  Connects residents with emergency shelters, food distribution, and essential services
• Hawaii Foodbank
• Hawaii Food Basket
• Maui Food Bank
• County emergency management agencies:
  • Honolulu Department of Emergency Management
  • Maui Emergency Management Agency
  • Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency
  • Kauai Emergency Management Agency

If you’ve experienced damage, reporting it helps the state and counties unlock additional aid and support.

What This Means for Homeowners Moving Forward

This recent storm is a reminder that in Hawai‘i:

• Flood risk is not limited to flood zones
• Insurance gaps are more common than people think
• Preparation is part of long-term homeownership strategy

Whether you currently own a home, are considering buying, or are planning ahead—this is a good time to review your coverage, understand your risk, and make informed decisions.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been affected by the recent storms, the most important thing right now is getting the support and resources you need.

And if you have questions about how flooding, insurance, or property considerations may impact your situation—now or in the future—I’m always here as a resource.

Stay safe and take care of one another.