Kauai County, Hawaii

1 Cities with a Population of 71,183, and 23,240 Households

Kauai, Hawaii, has a relatively low overall natural disaster and climate risk score of 74.42, with a specific risk rating of relatively low. The risks are spread across various hazards, including flooding, hurricanes, and tsunamis. The county has experienced a total of 140 drought events, 142 flooding events, 3 hurricanes, and 74 tsunami events historically. The area is also prone to landslides, with a risk rating of relatively moderate and a risk score of 79.86.

Geologically, Kauai is characterized by its rugged coastline, numerous fault lines, and mountainous terrain. The island's topography, with peaks such as Mount Waiʻaleʻale, can exacerbate the impact of natural disasters like flooding and landslides. The presence of water bodies like the Pacific Ocean also increases the risk of hurricanes and tsunamis. These geological features contribute to the county's overall risk profile, with specific hazards like flooding and hurricanes posing significant threats to the population and infrastructure.

Given the specific hazard risk indexes and geological features of Kauai, it is crucial for residents and authorities to be prepared for a range of natural disasters. The county's high resilience score of 84.85 indicates a strong capacity to recover from adverse events. However, the presence of fault lines and the potential for tsunamis highlight the need for robust disaster mitigation and response strategies. By understanding the unique climate factors and geological features of the region, stakeholders can work towards minimizing the impact of natural disasters and ensuring the safety and well-being of the population.