Hilo, Hawaii

13 Land Tracts in Hawaii County , Hawaii Watershed

Hilo, Hawaii faces relatively high natural disaster and climate risks, with specific factors such as high humidity levels contributing to the vulnerability of the area. The region is prone to hurricanes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity due to its proximity to fault lines and volcanic peaks such as Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. The coastline is also at risk of flooding and storm surges, with past events like the 1960 tsunami causing significant damage in the area.

Additionally, Hilo's location on the eastern side of Hawaii Island exposes it to heavy rainfall and flash flooding, with the mountainous terrain increasing the risk of landslides during extreme weather events. The city's population density further amplifies the potential impact of natural disasters, as seen in past events like Hurricane Iniki in 1992 and the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano. The combination of geological features, climate factors, and historical events underscores the need for robust disaster preparedness and mitigation measures in Hilo.

Despite the relatively low risk of certain hazards like wildfires and droughts, the overall risk profile of Hilo, Hawaii remains relatively high due to the convergence of multiple factors. As a result, ongoing monitoring of climate trends, infrastructure resilience improvements, and community education and preparedness efforts are essential in mitigating the potential impacts of natural disasters in the region.