Aloha, friends! If you read Aloha Friday, you know that 2026 has been a season! From the Kona Low storm in March, to back-to-back-to-back hurricanes: Lala, Moke, Lowell and Nolo all spun up since mid-August. Lowell hit Kauaʻi hard, Maui had huge surf on west facing shores, flooding and road closures. But thankfully all our boats at Maʻalaea Harbor have been double-tied more weeks than not.
Hurricane season officially ends November 30. Now that the skies are clearing, it's the perfect time to talk about something I think about on a lot of showings: how a house holds up when the wind picks up.
This isn't meant to scare anyone off. Most Maui homes come through storms just fine. But if you're buying here, especially from the mainland, these are the things I'd want you to know before you fall in love with the view.
1. The roof, and what's holding it on
Ask how old the roof is and what it's made of. Then ask about hurricane clips or straps, the metal connectors that tie the roof to the walls. Many newer homes have them, and some older homes have been retrofitted. Your home inspector can usually confirm it from the attic.
2. Windows, doors and lanai openings
Big sliders and open lanais are why we live here. They're also the first thing wind tests. During hurricane Lala, our sunroom windows really got the test! Look for impact-rated glass, storm shutters, or at least a plan, like pre-cut panels stored in the garage. Ask the sellers what they do when a storm is coming. Their answer tells you a lot.
3. Where the water goes
Wind gets the headlines, but water does most of the damage. Walk the lot and look at how it slopes. Check gutters and drains, and look for water stains on ceilings and under sinks. Before you write an offer, look up the flood zone. The State of Hawaiʻi's Flood Hazard Assessment Tool lets you search any address.
4. Power and water when the grid goes down
After a storm, the homes that feel like home are the ones that keep running. Solar with battery backup, a generator hookup, and water storage or filtration all make a real difference. Upcountry homes on catchment have their own checklist, so ask how the system is maintained.
5. Insurance, before you write the offer
This is the one you should push the hardest. In Hawaiʻi, hurricane coverage often comes with its own deductible, and premiums vary a lot from one house to the next. Get a quote during your search, not after you're in escrow, so there are no surprises at the closing table.
My quick storm checklist
Roof age and hurricane clips or straps
Impact windows, shutters or a panel plan
Lot drainage, gutters and any signs of past water
Flood zone checked by address
Backup power and water plan
Insurance quote in hand before the offer
What I'm telling my buyers
You don’t have to buy a brand new home to have the ‘latest and greatest’ against weather. But taking the time to know if the home is ‘storm-ready’ is worth paying a little more for, especially for a little extra piece of mind.
If you're looking at a home and want a second set of eyes through this lens, hit me up or send me a note. And if you want the full picture of buying here, grab my free Maui Home Buyer's Guide.
A hui hou, Kelly
This post is general information, not insurance or engineering advice. Talk to a licensed inspector and insurance agent about any specific home.
