
When was the last time a hurricane hit Hawaii?
The most recent hurricane to hit any of the major islands of Hawaii was Hurricane Iniki ( see video below ), which hit the island of Kauai in September of 1992, right in the middle of Hawaii hurricane season.
What hurricane hit Kauai in 2014?
October 2014: Hurricane Ana skirted just south of the Hawaiian islands, passing 85 miles (137 km) southwest of Kauai as a category 1 hurricane. Damage was limited to a few downed trees. August 2015: Hurricane Hilda passed within 200 miles (320 km) southeast of Island of Hawaiʻi as a tropical depression.
When did Hurricane Iniki hit Kauai?
HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - At 8 a.m. on Sept. 11, 1992, Hurricane Iniki reached its peak intensity — and was headed straight for Kauai. The warning sirens started blaring early that morning and the hours before impact were chaotic.
What was the worst hurricane to hit Hawaii in 1992?
The destructive force of hurricanes in Hawaii was powerfully demonstrated on 11 September 1992 when Hurricane Inikistruck the island of Kauai with sustained winds of 130 mph and caused over $2.3 billion in property damage (Figure 3).

When was the last big hurricane in Kauai?
After turning north, Iniki struck the island of Kauaʻi on September 11 at peak intensity; it had winds of 145 mph and reached Category 4 status on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale.
Has a hurricane ever hit Kauai?
The destructive force of hurricanes in Hawaii was powerfully demonstrated on 11 September 1992 when Hurricane Iniki struck the island of Kauai with sustained winds of 130 mph and caused over $2.3 billion in property damage (Figure 3).
How often do hurricanes hit Kauai?
Hurricanes don't make landfall in Hawaii or even make it to the Hawaii waters very often. Only two hurricanes in recorded history have made landfall in Hawaii: Hurricane Iniki in 1992 and Hurricane Dot in 1959.
What year was the hurricane in Kauai?
1992On the afternoon of September 11, 1992, a small but intense Hurricane Iniki struck Hawaii across the island of Kauai. With damage estimates of $1.8 billion, this was one of the most destructive hurricanes on record anywhere in the United States.
Why do hurricanes avoid Hawaii?
Hawaii, although potentially in the sights of Tropical Storm Erick, rarely sees hurricanes and tropical storms. While this may seem a bit strange at first, considering the Islands` tropical location. However, a protective shield of colder water and strong upper-level winds keep most storms at bay.
How often do hurricanes hit the Hawaiian Islands?
Hawaii lies in the central Pacific, where about four or five tropical cyclones appear each year, although as many as fifteen have occurred, such as in the 2015 season; rarely do these storms actually affect Hawaii. Tropical cyclone records were not kept before the 1950s.
What was the worst natural disaster in Hawaii?
The worst tsunami in Hawaiian history occurred on April 1, 1946. It was triggered by an underwater earthquake near the Aleutian Islands off the coast of Alaska. It killed 159 people. This remains Hawaii's deadliest natural disaster to date.
What is the most common natural disaster in Hawaii?
Most common are tropical storms and flooding or flash flooding. More severe weather concerns include hurricanes (June to November), tsunamis (tidal waves) or earthquakes.
When was the last tsunami in Hawaii?
The record shows that damaging tsunamis from distant earthquakes reached Hawaii these years: 1837, 1841, 1868, 1869, 1877, 1883, 1906, 1918, 1923, 1933, 1946, 1957, and 1960.
How is Kauai in August?
Daily high temperatures are around 84°F, rarely falling below 83°F or exceeding 86°F. Daily low temperatures are around 76°F, rarely falling below 72°F or exceeding 79°F. The highest daily average low temperature is 76°F on August 10.
What is the strongest hurricane to hit Hawaii?
30 years ago, the most destructive storm in Hawaii's history, Hurricane Iniki, ravaged the island with 145 mph winds catching many residents and tourists off-guard.
Where did the chickens on Kauai come from?
Different theories have hatched over the years, but most locals will tell you that in 1982 Hurricane Iwa hit the Hawaiian Islands, battering Kauai most severely. Fierce winds blew countless chickens out of farms and scattered them across the island. Unattended, the chickens began to multiply like rabbits.
What hotel in Kauai was destroyed by a hurricane?
Coco Palms ResortCoco Palms Resort was a resort hotel in Wailuā, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi, that was noted for its Hollywood connections, Hawaiian-themed weddings, torch lighting ceremonies, destruction by a hurricane, and long-standing land disputes.
When was the last time Hawaii was hit by a hurricane?
Dating to 1950, there is no record of a hurricane landfalling on the Big Island of Hawaii. Tropical Storm Iselle in 2014 became only the second tropical storm, and the strongest, to landfall on the Big Island dating to 1950. The only other storm to do so was in 1958.
What time did Iniki hit Kauai?
Even all these years later, Iniki remains the most powerful hurricane to hit the state in modern history. HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - At 8 a.m. on Sept. 11, 1992, Hurricane Iniki reached its peak intensity — and was headed straight for Kauai.
Is there Tsunami in Hawaii?
Since 1960 no major destructive tsunami has struck the islands from distant earthquakes. The 1964 Alaskan tsunami resulted in relatively minor damage in Hawaii.
What was the most destructive hurricane in Hawaii?
November 1982: Hurricane Iwa was one of Hawaii's most damaging hurricanes. Although it was only a category 1 storm, it passed just miles west of Kauai, moving at a speed of nearly 50 miles per hour (80 km/h). Severe property damage was inflicted on the island; up to $250 million (a record for that time).
What hurricane hit Hawaii in 1992?
Iniki brought winds of 140 miles per hour (230 km/h). September 1992: Hurricane Orlene struck Hawaii as a tropical depression causing heavy rainfall, washing out roads, shortly after Iniki ravaged the island. July 1993: Hurricane Eugene dropped valuable rain on the state as it dissipated.
When was the first cyclone in Hawaii?
September 1843: The earliest report of a tropical cyclone that could have affected Hawaiʻi was made in 1843. On September 23, a German ship recorded a cyclone (known later as the "Cyclone of the Lark") near 17°N and 141°W.
How many hurricanes are there in Hawaii?
Hawaii lies in the central Pacific, where about four or five tropical cyclones appear each year, although as many as fifteen have occurred, such as in the 2015 season; rarely do these storms actually affect Hawaii. Tropical cyclone records were not kept before the 1950s. Earlier windstorms that struck Hawaii were not labeled as hurricanes. Extratropical cyclones are also very common, causing a lot of damage, and known as a Kona storm, but are not included as hurricanes.
What year was Hurricane Dot?
August 1959 : Hurricane Dot was another powerful August arrival. Dot entered the Central Pacific as a Category 4 hurricane just south of Hawaiʻi. On August 5, Dot seemed to turn more northwest, aiming it directly at Kauai. On the 6th, Dot began weakening, and at its landfall in Kauai, Dot was only a Category 1 hurricane. Despite being greatly weakened, the hurricane brought gusts of over 100 miles per hour (160 km/h). In some areas of the island, palm trees snapped in half, suggesting winds were locally over 125 miles per hour (201 km/h). Damages from Dot cost no more than a few million dollars, and rainfall was relatively light; around 4 inches (100 mm). No Dot-related deaths were recorded.
Where did Hurricane Kilo hit?
August 2015: Hurricane Kilo passed well south of Island of Hawaiʻi as a tropical depression, it brought enhanced moisture into Hawaii, leading to locally heavy rainfall in that state.
How many tropical cyclones have hit Hawaii?
In total, 67 tropical cyclones have affected Hawaiʻi since official record-keeping began in 1949.
What was the last hurricane in Hawaii?
The last major hurricane to hit Hawaii caused $3 billion in damage and knocked out power for weeks. The Category 4 storm Hurricane Lane currently approaching Hawaii is the biggest weather threat the islands have faced in years. Twenty-six years, to be precise. On September 11, 1992, Hurricane Iniki – also a Category 4 storm – passed north directly ...
What was the name of the hurricane that hit Kauai in 1992?
On September 11, 1992, Hurricane Iniki – also a Category 4 storm – passed north directly through Kauai, causing about $3 billion in damage, killing several people and knocking out power for weeks there. A NOAA summary of the storm lays out the devastation Iniki caused, particularly for Kauai but also for nearby Oahu.
How many people were evacuated after Hurricane Iniki?
Local officials reported that 12,000 people were accommodated in public shelters after the storm, according to a 1993 government report. On Oahu, officials estimated that a third of the population evacuated. Storm waves from Hurricane Iniki crashed into banks near hotels in Honolulu on the island of Oahu in Hawaii in 1992.
How many people died in the Iniki storm?
Storm waves from Hurricane Iniki crashed into banks near hotels in Honolulu on the island of Oahu in Hawaii in 1992. Six people died in incidents connected to the storm, including a National Guardsman who was killed when his truck overturned trying to avoid live wires during storm cleanup. More than 100 people were injured.
When did Hurricane Lane hit Maui?
The most recent was in August 2018 when Hurricane Lane did not directly hit Maui, but passed close enough to cause damage from strong winds and heavy rain. Tropical Storm Olivia directly hit Maui in September 2018, but it was a tropical storm and not a hurricane at that time, and mostly caused a lot of rain and some downed trees.
How to avoid a hurricane in Hawaii?
The only way to avoid a hurricane in Hawaii is to not be here when it happens. If there’s a threat, you might consider leaving. Even if it doesn’t hit, there’s a good chance it’ll dissipate to a nasty storm, making a Maui vacation not all that fun. If you stay, know where the closest shelters are.
What about Typhoons and Cyclones?
A typhoon is a hurricane in the western half of the Pacific Ocean. Hawaii is not in the western half, so it does not get typhoons. A cyclone is a hurricane or typho on, or a lesser storm that may develop into a hurricane or typhoon.
Why do hurricanes come to Hawaii?
In addition, hurricanes in this area tend to come from the east, moving toward the west, so a hurricane has to pass the Big Island of Hawaii in order to get to Maui. When it passes the Big Island, the large volcanic mountains there (Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa) help to break up the winds somewhat.
Is Hawaii a typhoon?
A typhoon is a hurricane in the western half of the Pacific Ocean. Hawaii is not in the western half, so it does not get typhoons. A cyclone is a hurricane or typhoon, or a lesser storm that may develop into a hurricane or typhoon.
Do you have to worry about the Hawaii hurricane season when you plan your trip to Maui?
Considering the fact that it has been over 100 years since Maui has been hit directly by a hurricane, the chances are very slim of one occurring during your Maui vacation. There are other weather factors that require more thought. The most rain is from November through March, though you can usually avoid most of it by choosing the best area to stay in Maui. The hottest months are June through October, so you’ll want to be sure to choose an air-conditioned hotel or condo, at least during that time of year.
When did the San Diego hurricane hit?
The 1858 San Diego hurricane is the only Pacific tropical cyclone known to have produced hurricane-force winds in California; it affected San Diego on October 2, 1858, though its center remained just offshore. In the 20th century, only four tropical cyclones produced tropical storm force winds in the southwestern United States: a tropical storm in September 1939 in California, Hurricane Joanne in October 1972 in Arizona, Hurricane Kathleen in September 1976 in Arizona and California, and Hurricane Nora in September 1997 in Arizona.
When was the first hurricane?
The earliest time in the year for a hurricane to strike the nation was June 9, which was set by Alma in 1966. The earliest major hurricane (category 3 or greater) to strike the nation occurred in 1957, when Hurricane Audrey made landfall at category 3 intensity on June 27.
What is the only tropical cyclone in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania. For a more comprehensive list, see List of Pennsylvania hurricanes. Though not directly bordering the Atlantic Ocean, the Gale of 1878 produced hurricane-force winds in the state, the only tropical cyclone on record to do so. Furthermore, Hurricane Agnes (1972) had a severe impact on the state.
What was the pressure of a hurricane in 1935?
The 1935 Labor Day hurricane was the most intense hurricane to make landfall on the country, having struck the Florida Keys with a pressure of 892 mbar. It was one of only seven hurricanes to move ashore as a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale; the others were "Okeechobee" in 1928, Karen in 1962, Camille in 1969, Andrew in 1992, Michael in 2018, and Yutu in 2018, which had a landfalling pressure of 931 mbar, 932 mbar, 900 mbar, 922 mbar, 919 mbar, and 900 mbar, respectively. Hurricane Michael in 2018 was the fourth most intense hurricane to strike the country with a pressure of 919 mbar, while hurricanes Katrina in 2005 and Maria in 2017 are tied as the fifth most intense hurricanes to strike the country, each with a pressure of 920 mbar.
How many people died in the 1900 Hurricane?
The 1900 Galveston hurricane was the deadliest hurricane in the history of the United States, killing between 6,000 and 12,000 people. 2017s Hurricane Maria resulted in at least 2,982 fatalities. The 1928 Okeechobee hurricane caused at least 2,500 fatalities, and in 2005, Hurricane Katrina killed approximately 1,800 people.
When did Hurricane Sandy hit?
Although Hurricane Sandy struck the state in October 2012 and produced hurricane-force winds, it became an extratropical cyclone before landfall or producing any hurricane-strength winds.
When did Hurricane Sandy hit New Jersey?
For a more comprehensive list, see List of New Jersey hurricanes. Although Hurricane Sandy struck the state in October 2012 and produced hurricane-force winds, it became an extratropical cyclone before landfall or producing any hurricane-strength winds. Name.

Overview
List of tropical cyclones
This list contains every tropical cyclone that had a somewhat notable effect on the State of Hawaiʻi.
• September 1843: The earliest report of a tropical cyclone that could have affected Hawaiʻi was made in 1843. On September 23, a German ship recorded a cyclone (known later as the "Cyclone of the Lark") near 17°N and 141°W. No f…
Hawaii's apparent immunity to most hurricanes
The islands of Hawaii, with Kauai as the notable exception, appear to be remarkably immune from direct hurricane hits. The USGS states that "more commonly, near-misses that generate large swell and moderately high winds causing varying degrees of damage are the hallmark of hurricanes passing close to the islands." This has also drawn media attention. One notion is that Hawaii's volcanic peaks slow down or divert storms.
Effect on homeowner's insurance
Before Hurricane Iniki in 1992, a standard homeowner's insurance policy with extended coverage provided hurricane coverage. Since Iniki, many insurance policies exclude hurricane and a separate hurricane policy is required to obtain hurricane coverage.
See also
• Central Pacific Hurricane Center
• List of Pacific hurricanes
• Pacific hurricane season
• List of wettest tropical cyclones to affect Hawaii
External links
• Eastern Pacific hurricane tracks
• Central Pacific hurricane climatology
• Central Pacific Hurricane Center archive
• History of Hurricanes in Hawaii, University of Hawaii