Evacuation Guide

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Evacuation Routes

Plan your escape with optimized routes and safe zones

Threat Assessment

Volcanic Eruption

Hualalai volcano (last eruption 1801) and Mauna Loa southwest rift both threaten the Kona coast. Lava flows can reach the coast.

Tsunami

West coast of Big Island exposed to Pacific basin tsunami events. Ali'i Drive waterfront highly vulnerable to wave inundation.

Vog

Volcanic smog from Kilauea blown to Kona coast by trade winds. SO2, particulate matter, and acid rain damage. Health risk for respiratory conditions.

Lava Flow

Both Hualalai and Mauna Loa can produce flows toward Kona. 1801 Hualalai flow built land where Kona Airport now sits.

Hurricane

Central Pacific hurricanes and tropical storms threaten Hawaii June-November. West coast exposed to storm surge.

Evacuation Routes

HI-19 North (Queen Kaahumanu Hwy) to Waimea

primary

Primary northbound route via Queen Kaahumanu Highway along the Kohala Coast to Waimea. Access to resort areas and ranching community.

40 miles to Waimea50 min (normal), 1.5-3 hours (evacuation)

Queen K Highway is leeward coast - hot and dry, carry water

Lava fields along highway with no shade for miles

Tsunami

Volcanic Eruption

Lava Flow

HI-11 South to Captain Cook / South Kona

primary

Southern route via HI-11 (Hawaii Belt Road) through Kealakekua to Captain Cook and South Kona. Gains elevation as it moves south.

15 miles to Captain Cook25 min (normal), 45 min-1.5 hours (evacuation)

HI-11 climbs through coffee country - winding hillside road

Gains significant elevation - cooler and rainier

Tsunami

Hurricane

Coastal Flooding

HI-190 (Hawaii Belt Road Upper) to Waimea

secondary

Inland route via HI-190 climbing through the uplands from Kona to Waimea. Higher elevation alternate to the coastal Queen K.

42 miles to Waimea55 min (normal), 1.5-3 hours (evacuation)

Mountain road with steep grades and curves

Higher elevation means cooler temperatures - bring layers

Tsunami

Coastal Emergency

Queen K Blocked

Saddle Road (HI-200) to Hilo via Waimea

tertiary

Cross-island route via Waimea to Saddle Road. Access to Hilo side when Kona coast is threatened.

95 miles to Hilo (via Waimea + Saddle Road)2.5 hours (normal), 5-7 hours (evacuation)

Long route through Waimea then Saddle Road

Saddle Road summit at 6,600 ft - cold and foggy

Lava Flow Blocking South Route

Major West Coast Emergency

Ali'i Drive Coastal Walk to High Ground

foot

On-foot escape from the Kona waterfront up Ali'i Drive and then inland to higher elevation via Hualalai Road.

2 miles to 200+ ft elevation30-50 minutes on foot

TSUNAMI: Move uphill immediately - Ali'i Drive waterfront will flood

Head MAUKA (toward the mountain) not along the coast

Tsunami Warning

Storm Surge

Coastal Flood

Old Kona Airport to Kekuaokalani Heights

foot

Foot route from Old Kona Airport Beach Park uphill through neighborhoods to higher ground north of town.

1.5 miles to high ground25-40 minutes on foot

Move UPHILL immediately when siren sounds

Old Airport area is at sea level - extremely vulnerable to tsunami

Tsunami Warning

Storm Surge

Coastal Flood

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Safe Zones & Rally Points

Kona Community Hospital

hospital • Capacity: 94

West Hawaii Civic Center

shelter • Capacity: 500

Kona Fire Station

fire station

Kona International Airport at Keahole

resource

Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area

rally point

Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park

rally point

Waimea Community Center (North)

shelter • Capacity: 400

Kohala Coast Resort Area

rally point

Captain Cook / Kona Heights (High Ground)

rally point

Holualoa Village (Upland)

rally point

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