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Hurricane Risk for Hilo, HI

No tropical storms currently threaten Hawaiʻi Island. The next one could form quickly though — get alerts before they make the news.

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On this page
  1. By the numbers
  2. Most recent hurricane
  3. Strongest ever
  4. Closest approach
  5. When hurricanes hit
  6. Recent notable storms
  7. Preparedness

Since 1950, 43 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 200 miles of Hilo. Here's what you should know.

Local note: Hilo sits on the windward east coast of the Big Island — exposed to easterly storm approaches, with the Mauna Loa / Mauna Kea masses sometimes deflecting the worst of the wind.

By the numbers

Total storms
43
since 1950
Major (Cat 3+)
22
at closest approach
Hurricanes (Cat 1+)
34
all categories
County
Hawaii County
Hawaii

Most recent hurricane

Kiko (2025)

Passed within 198 miles of Hilo on September 09, 2025. Peak intensity: Cat 4 (144 mph).

The full risk breakdown for Hilo

See the strongest and closest hurricanes ever to pass nearby, the month-by-month climatology of when storms hit Hilo, the notable storms of the last 20 years, and any active-storm threat — plus free location-based alerts.

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Preparedness

  1. Know your zone. Hilo is in Hawaii County — look up your evacuation zone here.
  2. Get alerts early. Sign up below — we'll notify you when storms first form in the basin, not just when they're at your doorstep.
  3. Have 3+ days of supplies. Water (1 gal/person/day), non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, cash.
  4. Have an evacuation plan. Know where you'll go, how you'll get there, what you'll bring.
  5. Follow official orders. If your zone is told to evacuate, leave. Don't wait.