Is Honolulu, HI Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 85/100
Score 85/100 · Risk: low · Water Grade A · Updated 2026-05-03
Honolulu has low overall risk for homebuyers. Most safety indicators are within acceptable ranges.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS, EPA Radon Zones Last verified: 2026-05-03
While every safety upgrade carries a real price tag, the estimated remediation range for Honolulu reflects a proportionally modest share of local home values — a baseline that leaves substantial room for financial planning and does not signal equity stress for most owners.
What is a home safety score?
The home safety score (0-100) combines multiple environmental risk factors into a single number: water quality grade, lead contamination levels, flood zone exposure, radon risk, and air quality. A higher score means lower overall risk. The score helps homebuyers compare neighborhoods at a glance. Honolulu scores 85/100 with a "low" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Honolulu:
Cost ranges are estimates based on national averages. Actual costs vary by property. Get 3 quotes before proceeding.
Per-ZIP Home Safety Scores
Safety scores vary across Honolulu's 41 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96821 | 72 | B | View report → |
| 96815 | 77 | B | View report → |
| 96816 | 77 | B | View report → |
| 96819 | 77 | B | View report → |
| 96822 | 77 | B | View report → |
| 96825 | 77 | B | View report → |
| 96826 | 77 | B | View report → |
| 96813 | 82 | B | View report → |
| 96817 | 82 | B | View report → |
| 96801 | 87 | A | View report → |
| 96803 | 87 | A | View report → |
| 96804 | 87 | A | View report → |
| 96810 | 87 | A | View report → |
| 96811 | 87 | A | View report → |
| 96814 | 87 | A | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Honolulu, Hawaii has low overall risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 85/100 across 41 ZIP codes. While no area is risk-free, Honolulu performs well across water quality, lead exposure, flood risk, and environmental factors.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Honolulu's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade A (85/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | Testing pending | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 39% in flood zones | Elevated risk |
| Radon | Zone 3 (Low) | Low risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 31 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Honolulu:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Flood Insurance | $1K |
| Pfas | $306 |
| Total (low estimate) | $1K |
| Total (mid estimate) | $2K |
| Total (high estimate) | $3K |
Cost ranges are estimates based on national averages and local data. Actual costs vary by property condition, contractor, and scope of work. Get 3 quotes before proceeding.
Per-ZIP Home Safety Scores
Home safety varies across Honolulu's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 96821 | 72 | B |
| 96815 | 77 | B |
| 96816 | 77 | B |
| 96819 | 77 | B |
| 96822 | 77 | B |
| 96825 | 77 | B |
| 96826 | 77 | B |
| 96813 | 82 | B |
| 96817 | 82 | B |
| 96801 | 87 | A |
| 96803 | 87 | A |
| 96804 | 87 | A |
| 96810 | 87 | A |
| 96811 | 87 | A |
| 96814 | 87 | A |
Safety scores range from 72 (96821) to 88 (96850) — a spread of 16 points.
Honolulu vs. Nearby Hawaii Cities
How Honolulu's overall risk compares to similar cities in Hawaii:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | A | 0 | 1,127 | 934,305 |
| J B P H H | C | 0 | 0 | 631,833 |
| Fort Shafter | C | 0 | 0 | 631,389 |
| Waimanalo | C | 0 | 35 | 631,389 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Honolulu
Before purchasing a home in Honolulu, Hawaii, complete these checks:
Water Quality
- Request the latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from the water utility
- Test tap water for lead, bacteria, and nitrates ($20-$50 for DIY kit)
Radon
- Conduct a radon test ($15-$30 for short-term kit, $150-$300 for professional)
Flood Risk
- Check the property's FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov
- Ask about flood history and past insurance claims
- 39% of Honolulu is in flood zones — verify insurance requirements
Lead Paint & Pipes
- For homes built before 1978: request lead paint disclosure
- For homes built before 1986: inspect plumbing for lead solder and pipes
- 75% of Honolulu homes built before 1986 — pipe inspection recommended
General
- Check for carbon monoxide detectors on every level
- Inspect for visible mold, water stains, or musty odors
- Verify the home's connection to a regulated public water system
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA SDWIS
- Lead: EPA Lead and Copper Rule
- Flood: FEMA NFIP
- Radon: EPA Radon Zones
- Air quality: EPA AirNow
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25077
- Remediation costs: National cost model (EPA, Census, FEMA data)
Updated daily.
Water Quality Map: Honolulu, HI
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
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