Reviewed by Mario Garcia, General Manager at Windows Hawaii
Every Oahu homeowner eventually asks the same question once hurricane season gets close: should I buy hurricane shutters, or go with impact windows? Both protect your openings. They just do it in very different ways, at very different prices.
The Short Answer
Shutters cost less upfront but have to be put up before each storm. Impact windows cost more but protect your home all the time with nothing to install, and they improve your home every other day of the year too. Which one is right depends on your budget, how often you are home during the season, and how long you plan to stay.
Hurricane Shutter Costs
| Shutter type | Typical cost per sq ft (national) | How they work |
|---|---|---|
| Storm panels | $10 to $20 | Metal or polycarbonate panels you bolt or slide into tracks before a storm |
| Accordion | $15 to $30 | Fold out from the side of the window and lock in place |
| Roll-down | $25 to $60 | Roll down from a box above the window, manual or motorized |
| Bahama | $20 to $35 | Hinged at the top and propped open for shade |
| Colonial | $25 to $35 | Hinged on the sides and closed over the window |
| Plywood | $2 to $6 | Cut, drilled, and screwed on by hand before each storm |
Source: Angi. For a typical 7 square foot window, storm panels run about $115 to $240 and roll-down shutters about $220 to $520 installed.
Impact Window Costs
Impact windows average about $1,800 per window installed, with a typical range of $700 to $2,875, according to Angi. That is about 25% to 35% more than a regular replacement window. Our impact window cost guide goes deeper on what changes the price.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Hurricane shutters | Impact windows |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher |
| Protection | Only when closed or installed | Always on |
| Work before a storm | Install or close every time | None |
| Daily benefits | Shade (Bahama, roll-down) | Noise reduction, UV filtering, security, energy savings |
| Looks | Visible hardware or tracks | Look like regular windows |
| Upkeep in salt air | Tracks and hinges need cleaning and lubrication | Rinse frames and clean tracks |
When Shutters Make Sense
- You need protection this season on a tight budget.
- Your existing windows are in good shape and you do not want to replace them yet.
- Someone is reliably home to close or install them before a storm.
When Impact Windows Make Sense
- Your windows are old, leaky, or single-pane and need replacing anyway.
- You travel or are away during hurricane season, which runs June 1 to November 30 in Hawaii.
- You want quieter rooms, less heat and UV, and better security year-round.
- You do not want to wrestle with panels or plywood when a storm is already on the way.
If you are replacing windows anyway, the cost gap shrinks a lot. You are paying the premium over a regular window, not the full price of protection on top of new windows.
What We Install
We install Ali’i impact windows, tested to take a 9 lb 2×4 hitting at 40 feet per second and rated for winds up to 120 mph. See the full details on our impact windows page, or compare everyday window prices in our window replacement cost guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hurricane shutters cheaper than impact windows?
Yes, usually by a wide margin upfront. Plywood is the cheapest at $2 to $6 per square foot, and most permanent shutters run $10 to $60 per square foot, according to Angi.
Do I need shutters if I have impact windows?
No. Impact windows are designed to stay intact on their own, so you do not need shutters over them.
Which adds more value to a home?
Impact windows are part of the house and improve comfort every day, so buyers tend to see them as an upgrade. Shutters are useful but mainly matter during a storm.
How do I decide?
Get a free in-home estimate. We look at your windows, talk through your budget, and give you a written price.
