New FEMA Flood Maps for Oʻahu: What Hawaiʻi Property Owners Need to Know Before June 10, 2026

Oahu Flood Zone Map. Source FEMA.GOV

New FEMA Flood Maps for Oʻahu: What Hawaiʻi Property Owners Need to Know Before June 10, 2026

FEMA has updated the Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Oʻahu, and the new maps are scheduled to take effect on June 10, 2026. These changes may affect homeowners, condo owners, landlords, business owners, and real estate buyers across Hawaiʻi.

The flood map update could change whether your property is considered to be in a high-risk flood zone. It may also affect whether your mortgage lender requires flood insurance, how much flood insurance may cost, and what building rules may apply if you build, renovate, or repair a property.

At Shane Pope Insurance Services, we want Hawaiʻi property owners to understand what is changing and what steps they should take before the new FEMA flood maps become effective.

What is changing with the Oʻahu flood maps?

FEMA periodically updates flood maps to better reflect current flood risk. These maps are used by lenders, insurance companies, property owners, buyers, and local government agencies.

For Oʻahu, FEMA has completed a major flood map update. According to the City and County of Honolulu, FEMA studied numerous streams across the island, including some areas that had not previously been evaluated. Preliminary maps were released in 2024, followed by a public appeal and comment period in 2025. FEMA then issued its Letter of Final Determination on December 10, 2025.

The new Oʻahu flood maps are scheduled to become effective on June 10, 2026.

Why does the FEMA flood map update matter?

Your flood zone can affect several important things:

1. Whether flood insurance is required by your lender

   If your property is newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone and you have a federally backed mortgage, your lender may require flood insurance.

   
   

2. How much flood insurance may cost

   A change in flood zone can affect how flood insurance is rated. Some properties may qualify for rating options or discounts, while others may see higher costs over time.

   
   

3. Real estate transactions

   Buyers, sellers, lenders, and escrow companies may need to account for flood insurance requirements when a property is purchased or refinanced.

   
   

4. Building and renovation rules

   Flood zone changes may affect construction requirements, especially for major renovations, repairs, or new construction.

   
   

5. Your personal financial risk

   Flood damage can be expensive, and standard homeowners insurance usually does not cover flood damage.

Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage in Hawaiʻi?

In most cases, standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. This is one of the most important things Hawaiʻi property owners should understand.

Flood insurance is usually purchased separately. Coverage may be available through the National Flood Insurance Program, also known as the NFIP, or through a private flood insurance company.

This applies whether you own a single-family home, condo, rental property, or commercial building. Even if you are not required to carry flood insurance, it may still be worth reviewing your options.

What is a high-risk flood zone?

A high-risk flood zone is often called a Special Flood Hazard Area. These areas are identified by FEMA as having a higher chance of flooding.

Common high-risk flood zones include zones that begin with A or V. If your property is newly mapped into one of these zones, your lender may require flood insurance if you have a mortgage.

However, flooding can also happen outside of high-risk flood zones. A property does not need to be in a required flood zone to experience flood damage.

How many Oʻahu properties are affected?

The Hawaiʻi Insurance Division has noted that the updated maps change the flood risk designation for more than 3,500 parcels across Oʻahu. Some properties may be newly added to high-risk flood zones, while others may see a different flood zone designation.

Because each property is different, it is important to check your specific address rather than assuming your flood zone has stayed the same.

How can I check my property’s flood zone in Hawaiʻi?

Property owners can review the updated flood map information through the City and County of Honolulu’s flood map resources and FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.

Here is an interactive map to show the changes - https://bit.ly/4dC7B3I

When reviewing your property, pay attention to:

• Your current flood zone

• Your new flood zone

• Whether your property is being newly mapped into a Special Flood Hazard Area

• Whether your lender may require flood insurance

• Whether your building or renovation plans may be affected

  
  

If you are unsure what the flood zone means, your insurance agent can help you review your flood insurance options.

Are flood insurance discounts available?

Some property owners may qualify for rating options or discounts.

For example, FEMA has a Newly Mapped discount for certain properties that are newly identified as being in a high-risk flood area. This may allow premiums to increase gradually over time instead of moving immediately to the full-risk rate. Continuous coverage is usually required to keep this discount.

Honolulu also participates in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which may provide eligible NFIP policyholders with a flood insurance premium discount because of the City’s floodplain management efforts.

Discounts can depend on the property, policy type, flood zone, and whether coverage is written through the NFIP or a private flood insurance company.

What should Hawaiʻi property owners do before June 10, 2026?

Before the new FEMA flood maps take effect, property owners should consider taking these steps:

1. Check your property’s updated flood zone

   Do not assume your flood zone stayed the same.

   
   

2. Review your mortgage requirements

   If you have a loan, ask whether the new flood map may trigger a flood insurance requirement.

   
   

3. Talk to your insurance agent early

   Waiting until the last minute may limit your options.

   
   

4. Compare NFIP and private flood insurance options

   Depending on the property, one option may be more appropriate than the other.

   
   

5. Do not rely on homeowners insurance for flood coverage

   Flood coverage is usually separate from a standard homeowners policy.

Need help with flood insurance in Hawaiʻi?

The new Oʻahu FEMA flood maps take effect on June 10, 2026. If your property is affected, the change could impact your insurance requirements, your flood insurance options, and your overall financial risk.

At Shane Pope Insurance Services, we help Hawaiʻi property owners review their insurance options and prepare for changes like this. Whether you own a home, condo, rental property, or business property, we can help you understand your flood insurance choices.

Contact Shane Pope Insurance Services today to review your flood insurance options before the new Oʻahu flood maps take effect.