Natural Hazards Big Island

Hurricane Hazards Gallery

Hurricanes cause widespread and extensive damage from high winds, dangerous surf, and flooding. In 1992, Hurricane Iniki hit Kauaʻi, causing 2.4 billion dollars in damage.

storm surge covers the Punaluʻu black sand beachStorm surge from Hurricane Flossie in 2007 ran up Punaluʻu black sand beach. Central Pacific Hurricane Center satellite image showing hurricanes Kilo, Ignacio, and Jimena all near HawaiiIn 2015, Hawaiʻi faced three Category 4 hurricanes at the same time—Kilo, Ignacio, and Jimena.

Watch video of Hurricane Estelle damage to Puna in 1986.

Hurricane Iniki Photos, Kauaʻi, 1992

The photos below are courtesy of the NOAA National Weather Service. Also see other NOAA images including hurricanes .

Iniki's high winds stripped foliage from trees and branchesIniki's high winds stripped foliage from trees and branches. (Photo copyright NOAA NWS) High surf along the shoreline washed cars on top of one anotherHigh surf along the shoreline washed cars on top of one another. (Photo copyright NOAA NWS) Storm surge ripped asphalt into pieces and knocked over palm trees.Storm surge ripped asphalt into pieces and knocked over palm trees. (Photo copyright NOAA NWS) Storm surge produced widespread flooding along the coastlineStorm surge produced widespread flooding along the coastline. (Photo copyright NOAA NWS)

This is a false-color satellite image of the Poʻipū area, showing the ocean, coastline, and agricultural fields. Halfway down the photo, a white line of debris indicates how far inland the storm waves traveled.This is a false-color satellite image of the Poʻipū area, showing the ocean, coastline, and agricultural fields. Halfway down the photo, a white line of debris indicates how far inland the storm waves traveled. (Photo copyright NOAA)

Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Active Alerts

Visit the Civil Defense website for up-to-date information.