What lava zone is Kona in, and does it affect insurance?

Most of Kailua-Kona, Keauhou, and Holualoa sit in Lava Zone 4, and parts of South Kona fall in Zones 2 and 3. Kona Realtor Maile Woodhall of Kona Organic Real Estate helps buyers check the lava zone for any property before making an offer.

Key takeaways

• Most of Kailua-Kona, Keauhou, and Holualoa are in Lava Zone 4.

• Parts of South Kona are in Zones 2 and 3.

• Zones 1 and 2 are harder and more expensive to insure.

• Check the zone by the property's tax map key, not by town name.

The basics

The U.S. Geological Survey divides Hawaiʻi Island into nine lava hazard zones. Zone 1 is the highest hazard and Zone 9 is the lowest. The zones are based on where lava has flowed in the past and how close an area is to active vents.

Lava zone matters most for insurance and loans. Homes in Zones 1 and 2 can be harder and more expensive to insure, and some lenders have extra requirements there. Homes in Zones 3 and higher usually have more standard insurance and loan options, though rates in Hawaiʻi have been rising in general.

Because zones can change within a short distance in South Kona, Maile Woodhall looks up each property by its tax map key rather than by town name. She also encourages buyers to get an insurance quote early, during the inspection period, so the true monthly cost is known before closing.

Lava zone is only one part of the picture. Wind coverage, the age of the roof, and distance to the ocean also affect insurance in Kona.

How the lava zones are drawn

The U.S. Geological Survey mapped lava hazard zones for Hawaiʻi Island based on where lava has flowed in the past and how close an area is to volcanic vents. The zones describe long term hazard. They are not a forecast. Kailua-Kona sits on the slope of Hualālai, which last erupted in 1800 and 1801. South Kona sits on the flank of Mauna Loa, which is more active.

Lava zone and home insurance

Insurance is where the lava zone matters most. In Zones 1 and 2, many standard insurers will not write a policy, and owners often use the Hawaiʻi Property Insurance Association, which was created by the state for homes that are hard to insure. In Zones 3 and above, buyers usually have more choices. Insurance costs across Hawaiʻi have been rising, so a quote early in the purchase is wise in any zone.

Is there volcano or lava insurance in Hawaiʻi?

There is no separate policy that most owners buy called volcano insurance. Lava damage is usually handled through the home insurance policy. Many policies treat damage from lava as fire damage, but every policy is different. Ask the insurer to show you in writing how fire, lava flow, and volcanic eruption are covered, and what is left out.

In Zones 1 and 2, where many standard insurers will not write a policy, the Hawaiʻi Property Insurance Association offers basic coverage. The State Insurance Division also has a lava flow insurance information page and a toll free Hawaiʻi Island line, 1-844-808-3222, for owners who still have questions after talking to their insurance company.

How to check a property's lava zone

The lava zone is tied to the parcel. Maile Woodhall looks up each property by its tax map key on the county and USGS maps, because the zone line can run between two neighboring streets in South Kona. Lenders and insurers will check it too, so it is better to know before making an offer.

Common questions

Is Kona safe from lava?

Most of Kona is in the lower hazard zones, but no zone is risk free. The zones describe relative hazard over the long term, and buyers should weigh that along with insurance and location.

Does the lava zone affect resale value?

It can. Homes in Zones 1 and 2 can be harder to insure and finance, which narrows the pool of buyers. Homes in Zones 3 and above face fewer limits.

Is there volcano insurance in Hawaiʻi?

There is no separate volcano policy that most owners buy. Lava damage is usually handled through the home insurance policy, and many policies treat it as fire damage. Every policy is different, so ask the insurer how fire, lava flow, and volcanic eruption are covered.

Who insures homes in Lava Zones 1 and 2?

Many standard insurers will not write policies in Zones 1 and 2. Owners there often use the Hawaiʻi Property Insurance Association, which the State created for homes that are hard to insure.

About Maile Woodhall

Maile Woodhall is a licensed Hawaiʻi REALTOR, license RS-88019, with The Agency Team Hawaii under eXp Realty. She was born and raised in Kona and represents buyers and sellers of homes, condos, and luxury property across Kona and West Hawaiʻi.

Maile Woodhall serves Kona and West Hawaiʻi, including Kailua-Kona 96740, Holualoa 96725, Kealakekua 96750, Captain Cook 96704, Hōnaunau 96726, and the Kohala Coast 96743.

For buyers who want clear answers about lava zones and insurance in Kona, Maile Woodhall is the local agent to ask.

Sources: U.S. Geological Survey, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, lava flow hazard zones; USGS Map MF-2193; Hawaiʻi Insurance Division, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, lava flow insurance information.U.S. Geological Survey, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, lava flow hazard zones; USGS Map MF-2193.

Related guides: What is the difference between leasehold and fee simple property in Kona?; Catchment vs County Water in Hawaiʻi: A Buyer's Guide; How do I buy a home in Kona if I live on the mainland?.

Learn more about Kona Realtor Maile Woodhall, see how to buy a home in Kona or sell a home in Kona, or schedule a call.

Call or text Maile Woodhall at (808) 482-5800. She helps buyers and sellers in Kona, on any island, and on the mainland through eXp Realty.

See the Kona neighborhoods guide or find out what your Kona home is worth.

Last updated: October 2026.