Water Damage Restoration in Honolulu, HI
Honolulu by the numbers: 50 flood report days from 2016 to 2025, 9 federal disaster declarations since 2016. Below: first steps, the records, Hawaii insurance help and costs.
Updated November 2, 2026
First Steps for Water in a Home in Honolulu
- Storm flooding: wait until the water stops rising and officials allow re-entry; wear boots and gloves (flooding steps).
- Stay clear of wet outlets and cords.
- Photograph the damage, then call your insurer.
How Often Honolulu Floods
Honolulu County logged flooding on 50 days from 2016 to 2025 (60 NOAA reports), March most often.
At the Punchbowl Crater 709 gauge, March is the wettest month with 4 inches on average.
Hurricanes, tropical storms or storm surge added 3 report days.
| Month | Flood report days | Normal precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4 | 3 |
| February | 7 | 2.8 |
| March | 9 | 4 |
| April | 3 | 2.4 |
| May | 5 | 1.7 |
| June | 1 | 1.6 |
| July | 1 | 1.7 |
| August | 2 | 1.7 |
| September | 3 | 2.2 |
| October | 4 | 2.8 |
| November | 4 | 3.7 |
| December | 7 | 3.8 |
Storms and Disasters in Honolulu
Honolulu County was named in 9 federal weather or fire declarations since 2016 (OpenFEMA).
Notable NOAA storm reports
- March 20, 2026: Flash flood (Honolulu County)At approximately 800 pm HST, a mesoscale convective system was observed moving over the Kauai Channel towards Oahu.
- March 23, 2023: Hail, 1.25 inch hail (Honolulu County)Broadcast media supplied photos of hail, which fell near Nanakuli, that appeared to be slightly larger than a quarter (between 1 and 1 1/4). Time of occurrence was estimated based on radar imagery.
- December 19, 2022: Thunderstorm wind, 61 mph gust (Honolulu County)Video surfaced of trees down in the Ka Makana Alii Shopping Center parking lot, after thunderstorms had moved through the area.
- August 24, 2018: Hurricane (Honolulu County)On Oahu, road crews responded to debris on Likelike Highway just before Kahekili Highway.
Federal disaster declarations
- October 7, 2026: Hurricane LalaHurricane, FEMA DR-4951
- September 25, 2026: Tropical Storm NoloTropical Storm, FEMA EM-3654
- April 7, 2026: Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, And MudslidesFlood, FEMA DR-4909
- August 19, 2025: Kunia Road FireFire, FEMA FM-5609
- February 15, 2022: Severe Storms, Flooding, And LandslidesSevere Storm, FEMA DR-4639
- July 25, 2020: Hurricane DouglasHurricane, FEMA EM-3529
Honolulu Housing at a Glance
Census figures for the city of Honolulu (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024): 157,303 housing units, a median build year of 1974, 65% built before 1980, 39% before 1970, 49% owner occupied.
Hawaii Insurance Help for Water Claims
Claim problems in Hawaii go to the Hawaii Insurance Division.
Flood damage needs a separate flood policy, which typically starts 30 days after purchase (FloodSmart). Look up Honolulu flood zones on FEMA's flood maps.
Restoration Cost Guide for Honolulu
| Typical range (national) | Cost |
|---|---|
| Most jobs | $1,305 to $5,707 |
| Sewage, per sq ft | $7 to $7.50 |
| Average insurer payout, water or freeze claim | $15,400 |
Sources: Bob Vila, May 2023; III, 2019 to 2023.
Questions
How fast does mold start?
Dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours (EPA).
Sources: NOAA Storm Events, NOAA normals, OpenFEMA, Census ACS, EPA mold guide.