Is Hawaii prone to natural disasters?

Hawaii: Paradise… with a Few Caveats

Hawaii. Just the name conjures up images of swaying palm trees, sun-kissed beaches, and volcanoes glowing against the night sky. It’s a dream destination for many, and a beloved home for those of us lucky enough to live here. But let’s be real, paradise isn’t always perfect. There’s a wild side to these islands, a force of nature that keeps us on our toes. You see, Hawaii’s stunning beauty comes with a bit of a catch: we’re smack-dab in an area prone to all sorts of natural disasters. From fiery volcanic eruptions to earth-shaking tremors and towering tsunamis, the islands face a unique set of challenges. So, before you book that dream vacation – or if you’re already here – let’s talk about what makes Hawaii so special, and what we need to watch out for.

Living with Pele: The Volcano Factor

The Hawaiian Islands? They’re basically giant volcanoes poking out of the ocean. Formed by a hotspot deep within the Earth, these islands are constantly being shaped by volcanic activity. The Big Island, in particular, is where the action is. Kīlauea, Mauna Loa, and Hualālai – these are the names you need to know.

Kīlauea, well, she’s a busy one. For decades, it seemed like Kīlauea was always erupting. I remember watching the lava flows inch closer to homes during the 2018 eruption, a truly heartbreaking sight. It wasn’t just the lava, either. The volcanic gases, the “vog,” would blanket the island, making it hard to breathe. But even with all the destruction, there’s something awe-inspiring about witnessing the raw power of nature. Right now, Kilauea is still active, with eruptions happening in the summit caldera.

And then there’s Mauna Loa, the world’s biggest active volcano. It woke up in 2022, reminding us who’s boss. Thankfully, that eruption stayed mostly at the summit. Hualālai, though quieter, is still a sleeping giant. It last erupted way back in 1801, but geologists keep a close eye on it.

The thing about Hawaiian volcanoes? The lava usually moves slow enough that people can get out of the way. It’s more about property damage and the vog. Still, living near an active volcano definitely adds a certain… spice… to life.

Shake, Rattle, and… Tsunami? Earthquakes in Hawaii

Volcanoes and earthquakes go hand-in-hand, like peanut butter and jelly. The same forces that built these islands also cause them to shake. Most of the quakes are small, little rumbles that you barely notice. But every now and then, we get a big one.

I’ll never forget the 1975 earthquake. I wasn’t even born yet, but my grandparents told me stories about the 47-foot tsunami that followed. Can you imagine? The biggest earthquake in Hawaii’s history was even bigger, a magnitude 7.9 in 1868. It caused a massive tsunami and killed dozens of people. Scientists estimate there’s a 50% chance of a magnitude 6.5 or higher earthquake hitting Hawaii in the next ten years. That’s a sobering thought.

Tsunamis: When the Ocean Roars

Being in the middle of the Pacific means we’re vulnerable to tsunamis from pretty much anywhere around the Pacific Rim. We get a tsunami about once a year, and a damaging one every seven years or so.

Living near the coast, you always have that at the back of your mind. All our low-lying areas are at risk. That’s why we have the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu, watching the oceans 24/7. They’re our first line of defense.

And it’s not just distant earthquakes we have to worry about. Local earthquakes or landslides can trigger tsunamis that arrive with almost no warning. That’s the scary part.

Hurricanes: Not as Common, Still a Threat

Okay, we don’t get hammered by hurricanes as often as, say, Florida. But they do happen. Hurricane season is from June to November. On average, we see four or five tropical cyclones a year.

I remember Hurricane Iniki back in 1992. It was a monster. The damage was unbelievable. It really brought home the power of these storms. While five hurricanes or tropical storms have caused serious damage in Hawaii since 1950, it’s a good reminder that we can’t let our guard down.

Rising Tides: Flooding and Coastal Erosion

Lately, flooding has become a bigger concern. Flash floods can happen anytime, especially during the rainy season. Honestly, they’re more common than tsunamis or hurricanes.

And then there’s sea level rise. It’s already happening. The sea around Hilo Bay has risen 10 inches since 1950! Scientists are predicting another 8 inches by 2050, and a whopping 3.5 feet by 2100. That’s going to make coastal erosion and flooding a lot worse.

Be Ready: It’s the Hawaii Way

So, yeah, Hawaii has its share of natural hazards. But it’s not all doom and gloom. The key is to be prepared. We live in paradise, but we need to respect the power of nature.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Stay informed. Keep an eye on the weather and listen to official alerts.
• Make a plan. Know where to go if you need to evacuate.
• Pack a kit. Food, water, medicine, first-aid – the essentials.
• Know your zones. Find out if you live in a tsunami or hurricane evacuation zone.
• Listen to the experts. If they tell you to evacuate, evacuate.

Living in Hawaii means accepting the risks along with the rewards. We’re surrounded by incredible beauty, but we also need to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws our way. It’s all part of the Hawaii experience.