Hawaii Earthquake Today: Powerful 6.0 Quake Shakes Big Island, Tremors Felt Across State

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck Hawaii’s Big Island late Friday night, shaking homes across South Kona and sending tremors across several islands, including Maui, Oahu and Kauai.

The earthquake was recorded at about 9:46 p.m. Hawaii time near Honaunau-Napoopoo on the western side of Hawaii Island. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake was centered about 13 km south of Honaunau-Napoopoo at a depth of roughly 22.6 km.

Although the shaking was strong, emergency officials said the quake did not generate a tsunami. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported that no tsunami warning, watch or advisory was issued for Hawaii after the event.

The quake was widely felt across the state, with reports coming from Hawaii Island, Maui, Oahu and as far as Kauai. Residents in places such as Kailua, Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Wailuku, Makawao, Omao and Hanalei reported feeling the ground move. Near the epicenter, the shaking was much stronger, with some residents reporting broken glass, open cabinets and overturned furniture.

One South Kona family described the quake as frightening and unusually long. Former Hawaii News Now reporter Lacy Deniz said her home shook violently from side to side as dishes and glass fell from cabinets. Her mother shielded a young child from falling debris while the family rushed to safety. Inside the home, cabinets had opened, shelves collapsed, drawers spilled out, furniture tipped over and a toilet cracked.

Officials said minor to moderate damage is possible in communities closest to the epicenter. No catastrophic statewide damage had been reported early Saturday, but residents were advised to inspect homes carefully, especially around gas lines, water pipes, electrical fixtures, walls and heavy furniture.

A second, smaller magnitude 3.2 earthquake was recorded about six minutes after the main quake, northwest of the first event. The USGS also detected several smaller aftershocks below magnitude 3. More aftershocks may occur over the next few days, though experts said most are unlikely to be strong enough to cause serious damage.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said the earthquake was not directly linked to volcanic activity. Despite occurring on the western flank of Mauna Loa, scientists said the depth, location and seismic signals suggested the quake was more likely caused by stress from the oceanic plate bending under the weight of the Hawaiian island chain.

That distinction matters because earthquakes in Hawaii can come from different sources. Some are tied to volcanic movement, while others are caused by the island chain pressing down on the Pacific plate. In this case, early analysis points to plate stress rather than an eruption-related event.

More than 2,500 residents and visitors submitted felt reports to the USGS after the quake. These public reports help scientists map how strongly different communities experienced the shaking and where damage may be more likely.

For people in Hawaii, officials recommend staying alert for aftershocks, moving away from damaged buildings, checking emergency supplies and avoiding broken glass or unstable furniture. Residents near the epicenter should photograph damage for insurance purposes and follow updates from county and state emergency agencies.

The latest Hawaii earthquake comes as Pacific island communities remain highly alert to seismic risks. Swikblog recently reported on a powerful Tonga earthquake and tsunami alert, another reminder of how quickly major quakes can raise concern across ocean communities.

As of Saturday, Hawaii officials had confirmed no tsunami threat and no reports of widespread severe injuries. Still, the magnitude 6.0 quake left many residents shaken and served as a clear reminder that Hawaii’s earthquake risk is not limited to volcanic eruptions.

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