Your Big Island Real Estate

The 7 Flood Zones Every Homebuyer and Seller in Hawaiʻi Should Know A 2026 Guide to Flood Risk, Insurance, and Property Due Diligence on Hawaiʻi Island Last reviewed: October 2026 Is Your Property in a Flood Zone? Hawaiʻi Island, commonly known as the Big Island, offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes, from the coastal communities of Kailua-Kona and Hilo to the lush windward districts, mountain slopes, agricultural land, and volcanic terrain of the island’s interior. But these landscapes also create different flood risks. Heavy rainfall, overflowing streams, surface runoff, inadequate drainage, and coastal flooding can affect properties in different ways. A home located on a hillside may face different hazards from one situated near a stream, in a low-lying area, or along the coast. For homebuyers, sellers, investors, and homeowners, understanding a property's flood zone is an important part of making informed real estate decisions. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (F...

Big Island Lava Zones Explained: Risks, Safety, and What Property Buyers Should Know Understanding volcanic hazards is an essential part of making an informed real estate decision on Hawaiʻi Island. Buying Property on the Big Island: Understanding the Risks Hawaiʻi Island offers an extraordinary combination of landscapes, from lush tropical forests and black sand beaches to dramatic volcanic terrain. For many people, owning property here is an opportunity to enjoy a lifestyle that is difficult to find anywhere else. However, buying real estate on the Big Island involves considerations that may not apply in other parts of the country. One of the most important is the potential impact of volcanic activity. A property's location, surrounding terrain, and designated lava hazard zone can all influence the risks a buyer should consider before making a purchase. For example, imagine investing in a beautiful home with expansive ocean views, thoughtfully designed interiors, and plenty of la...