Not all roofing materials perform equally in Hawaii's intense sun, salt air, and high winds. Learn how asphalt, metal, tile, and other options hold up in island conditions, and find out which materials deliver the best value for your home.
Choosing roofing materials for Hawaii requires different thinking than the mainland. The same sunshine and ocean air that make these islands paradise also create harsh conditions that can cut roof life in half. A material that lasts 30 years in Oregon might only make it 15 here.
Whether you're building new, replacing a failing roof, or researching future options, this guide breaks down how each major roofing material performs in Hawaii. We'll cover six options - from budget-friendly to premium - so you can match the right material to your home, budget, and specific conditions on Oahu or the neighbor islands.
You already know the climate. Here's what it means for your roof:
UV and Heat: Closer to the equator means more intense UV that breaks down materials faster. Roof surfaces regularly hit 150°F, causing constant expansion and contraction that fatigues materials over time.
Consistent Wind: Trade winds of 10-25 mph work on roofing materials daily - lifting shingle edges, loosening fasteners. When Kona storms bring 50-60+ mph gusts, fatigued materials fail.
Salt Air: Coastal exposure corrodes metal components fast. Standard galvanized fasteners can rust within a few years, losing holding strength.
Moisture: High humidity promotes mold, mildew, and algae growth. Windward sides can see 100+ inches of rain annually.
Asphalt shingles are the most popular choice in Hawaii, offering an attractive combination of affordability and availability. Every roofing supplier stocks them, every contractor installs them regularly.
Plan on 15-20 years for quality architectural shingles. Basic three-tab may only last 10-15 years. Premium shingles from GAF, CertainTeed, or Owens Corning outperform economy options.
Metal roofing has grown significantly in popularity across Hawaii over the past two decades. It offers exceptional durability, excellent wind resistance, and a lifespan that often exceeds the life of the home itself.
For oceanfront homes: Aluminum is naturally corrosion-resistant. If choosing steel, look for Galvalume coatings and PVDF (Kynar) paint finishes. Stainless steel fasteners are essential.
Tile roofing has a long history in Hawaii, dating back to early Asian and Mediterranean architectural influences. Both concrete and clay tile remain popular for traditional, Spanish, or tropical styles.
Before considering tile, have your structure evaluated by a qualified professional. For existing homes, you may need reinforced rafters or other modifications. Concrete tiles are generally lighter than clay but still significantly heavier than alternatives.
Many Hawaii homes feature flat or low-slope roof sections - lanais, additions, carports. These require different materials because they don't shed water as readily.
Flat roofs are common in Hawaii residential architecture for covered lanais, room additions, and contemporary styles. The key challenge is water management - flat roofs hold water longer, increasing leak risk.
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) - Most popular choice. White/light-colored for heat reflection. Heat-welded seams create strong bonds. 15-25 year lifespan.
EPDM (Synthetic Rubber) - Typically black (more heat absorption). Very flexible, handles building movement well. Glued seams are more susceptible to failure. 15-20 year lifespan.
Modified Bitumen - Asphalt reinforced with plastic or rubber. Good waterproofing, handles foot traffic well. 10-20 year lifespan.
For Hawaii's climate, white TPO often makes the most sense - heat reflection reduces cooling costs and welded seams provide reliability.
These engineered products combine the best properties of various materials while minimizing drawbacks.
Synthetic slate and shake - Made from rubber, plastic, or fiber cement. Mimic natural appearance with better durability and lower weight. Resist fire, impact, and UV better than natural materials.
Stone-coated steel - Steel panels coated with stone granules bonded in acrylic. Metal's wind resistance and longevity with traditional tile or shake appearance.
Limited track record. While lab testing is promising, we don't have 50 years of Hawaii installations to evaluate. Some products that tested well have disappointed in real-world applications. Research specific products carefully and look for installations at least 10-15 years old.
Wood shakes and shingles are common in some mainland markets but rarely used in Hawaii - for good reasons.
Fire risk - Wood is combustible; many jurisdictions restrict or prohibit it due to brush fire concerns.
Moisture and rot - Hawaii's consistent humidity accelerates deterioration even in naturally rot-resistant cedar.
Termite exposure - Hawaii has severe termite pressure. Using wood for roofing increases risk significantly.
Short lifespan - A cedar roof lasting 30 years in a drier climate may only last 10-15 years here.
If you love the wood look, consider synthetic alternatives that mimic the appearance without the drawbacks.
If budget is tight, quality asphalt properly installed beats cheap alternatives in any material. Also consider long-term economics - metal costing twice as much but lasting three times as long delivers better lifetime value.
What is the best roofing material for Hawaii?No single best for every situation. Metal offers the best durability and wind resistance for those who can afford it. Quality asphalt remains solid for budget-conscious homeowners. Tile works well for certain styles when structural support exists.
How long do roofs last in Hawaii?Asphalt: 15-20 years. Metal: 40-70 years. Tile: 50+ years. Hawaii's UV and wind shorten all lifespans compared to mainland.
Is metal roofing worth the extra cost?For many homeowners, yes. Better lifetime value if you plan to stay long-term, plus wind resistance, energy efficiency, and low maintenance.
What materials resist hurricanes best?Metal with proper fastening (140+ mph). Quality architectural shingles (110-130 mph). All materials require proper installation to achieve rated resistance.
Should I get a lighter or darker colored roof?Lighter colors perform better - they reflect solar radiation and reduce cooling costs significantly over the roof's lifespan.
Do I need special materials for a coastal home?Yes. Aluminum or marine-grade coated steel for metal roofing. Stainless steel fasteners throughout. Standard galvanized products rust quickly.
For most Hawaii homeowners, the practical choice comes down to asphalt or metal. Asphalt offers lower upfront cost and easy availability - 15-20 years of solid performance at a price most budgets can handle. Metal costs more initially but delivers superior long-term value through exceptional durability, wind resistance, and energy efficiency.
Tile remains excellent for homes with appropriate style and structural support. Its longevity and aesthetic appeal justify the premium for homeowners who value these qualities.
Whatever material you choose, installation quality matters as much as material selection. Work with experienced contractors who understand Hawaii's specific challenges.
Oahu Roof Support helps homeowners navigate material selection and find qualified contractors. Whether you're replacing storm-damaged roofing or researching future options, we provide honest guidance based on what actually works in Hawaii conditions.
Questions about materials for your home? Contact Oahu Roof Support today.
