Magnitude 6.0 Earthquake Strikes Hawaii's Big Island Near Mauna Loa
A powerful earthquake shakes the Big Island of Hawaii, with over 2,500 residents reporting strong shaking. No tsunami expected.
A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck Hawaii’s Big Island late Friday night, sending shockwaves across the state and prompting concerns about seismic activity near the active Mauna Loa volcano. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center quickly confirmed that no tsunami was expected from the event.
Earthquake Details
The earthquake occurred at 9:46 p.m. local time and was centered about 3.7 miles east-southeast of Honaunau-Napoopoo in the South Kona area, along the western flank of Mauna Loa, at a depth of approximately 14 miles. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), this shallow crustal earthquake was felt by more than 2,500 residents and visitors across the Hawaiian islands.
A second, weaker magnitude 3.2 earthquake occurred just six minutes later, located northwest of the initial epicenter at a depth of about 13 miles beneath the surface.
Scientific Analysis
The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) released a statement explaining the earthquake’s origin. “The depth, location, and recorded seismic waves of the earthquake suggest that it was caused by stress due to bending of the oceanic plate from the weight of the Hawaiian island chain,” the statement read. Scientists emphasized that the earthquakes were not directly related to volcanic activity.
The HVO noted that while more aftershocks are expected in the coming days, they are unlikely to be large enough to cause significant damage or be widely felt.
Local Impact
Residents near the epicenter reported violent shaking that lasted for an extended period. Former Hawaii News Now reporter Lacy Deniz, who lives in Honaunau, described the experience as “like something out of a movie.”
“It was quite terrifying. It was very violent,” Deniz said. “Our house was literally shaking from side to side, and I think the scary part was the duration too. It lasted for quite a long time.”
She recounted how her mother had to shield her young son as glassware flew out of cabinets and shattered on the floor. “Thank goodness my mom was here. My son was crawling on the floor, so my mom had to stand over my son and shield him because all the glass was coming out of the cabinets and falling on the floor.”
Deniz and her family fled the home with minor cuts but no serious injuries. However, the damage inside was significant: “Everything is on the floor. Glass is broken, all of our cabinets are open, our toilet cracked, armoire with our clothes, shelves, drawers, it just, it’s on its side and just toppled over.”
Widespread Shaking Reported
The earthquake was felt across multiple islands. Hawaii News Now received reports of strong shaking from Omao and Hanalei on Kauai, as well as from Kailua, Ewa Beach, and Kapolei on Oahu. Residents in Makawao and Wailuku on Maui also reported feeling the tremor.
The USGS interactive map shows the distribution of felt reports, with some residents near the epicenter reporting very strong shaking at intensity level 7.5 on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale.
No Tsunami Threat
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center immediately assessed the situation and confirmed that no tsunami was generated by the earthquake. This was welcome news for coastal residents who remember the devastating tsunami that struck Hawaii in 2011 following a magnitude 9.0 earthquake in Japan.
Hawaii’s Seismic History
Hawaii is no stranger to earthquakes, particularly on the Big Island where the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea, is located. The island sits atop a geological hotspot where the Pacific Plate moves over the Earth’s mantle, creating intense volcanic and seismic activity.
Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, has erupted 33 times since 1843. While this earthquake occurred on its western flank, scientists were quick to clarify that it was not volcanic in origin but rather caused by tectonic stress in the oceanic crust.
Looking Ahead
Authorities are advising residents to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks, though the likelihood of damaging quakes in the coming days is considered low. Emergency management officials remind residents to have earthquake preparedness plans in place, including securing heavy furniture and knowing how to drop, cover, and hold on during shaking.
For now, Hawaii residents can breathe a sigh of relief that this seismic event passed without the devastating consequences that could have accompanied a more severe quake or tsunami.