When buying property in O‘ahu, it’s important to understand all the local disclosure requirements and potential hazards. Here’s a simple guide to help you check everything before making a purchase.
1️⃣ Tax Map Key (TMK)
Every property has a unique identifier called a TMK. You can usually find it in MLS listings or the City & County of Honolulu tax records.
2️⃣ Project Name / Association Name
If the property is part of a project or HOA, this information is usually available in MLS or escrow documents.
3️⃣ County Zoning
Check a property’s zoning on the Honolulu GIS map:
🔗 Honolulu Zoning Map
Simply search by address to see whether the property is residential, commercial, or otherwise restricted.
4️⃣ Flood Zone & Sea Level Rise
O‘ahu is exposed to flooding and rising sea levels in certain areas. You can check flood and sea level risk here:
🔗 PACIOOS Flood & Sea Level Rise Map
5️⃣ Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs)
CC&Rs are legal rules and restrictions on the property. The most reliable source is the title report, which lists:
- HOA/association rules
- Easements
- Restrictions on use, building, or leasing
6️⃣ Tsunami / Evacuation Zone
Check if the property is in a tsunami zone:
🔗 Hawaii Tsunami Evacuation Zones
7️⃣ Volcanic Hazard Zone
Good news: O‘ahu has no volcanic hazard zones like the Big Island.
8️⃣ Geothermal Subzone / Facility
O‘ahu does not have active geothermal zones. The nearest geothermal activity is on Hawai‘i Island.
9️⃣ Aircraft Flight Path
Some properties may be under aircraft paths near the airport. To check noise exposure:
- DOT National Transportation Noise Map: https://maps.dot.gov/BTS/NationalTransportationNoiseMap/
- FAA Noise Exposure Maps: https://www.faa.gov/airports/environmental/airport_noise/noise_exposure_maps
High likelihood of flights: Salt Lake, Moanalua, Kalihi, Mapunapuna, Pearl City, Ewa/Kapolei
Moderate: Waikīkī, Downtown, Kaka‘ako
Low: Windward side, North Shore, Hawaii Kai
🔟 Pre-FIRM Properties (Flood Insurance)
“Pre-FIRM” means the property was built before FEMA’s official flood map for the area.
How to check:
- Find the Year Built (MLS / tax record)
- Check the FEMA Map Effective Date (FEMA MSC)
- Compare: Built before the map date → Pre-FIRM
Example: Built in 1975, FEMA map 1983 → ✅ Pre-FIRM
✅ Quick Summary
- TMK / Project / Association: MLS / Title
- Zoning: Honolulu GIS
- Flood / Sea Level: PACIOOS
- Tsunami: HIEMA
- Volcano / Geothermal: Not on O‘ahu
- Aircraft: DOT / FAA maps
- CC&Rs: Title Report
- Pre-FIRM: Compare Year Built vs FEMA Map Date
💡 Tip for Buyers: Always verify with official maps or title documents. This will protect you and ensure there are no surprises after purchase.