USGS Volcano Notice - DOI-USGS-HVO-2026-08-17T19:52:49+00:00

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY INFORMATION STATEMENT

On Monday, August 17, 9:24 a.m. HST, a magnitude-4.1 earthquake occurred 10 mi (16 km) south-southeast of Hōnaunau-Nāpōʻopoʻo on the Island of Hawaiʻi at a depth of 14 mi (23 km) below sea level. This event is likely an aftershock of the magnitude-6.0 that occurred on May 23, 2026. The earthquake had no apparent impact on either Mauna Loa or Kīlauea volcanoes.

The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor Hawaiian volcanoes for any changes.

EARTHQUAKE DESCRIPTION

·       Magnitude: 4.1

·       Date and Time: August 17, 2026, at 9:24 a.m. HST

·       Location: 10 mi (16 km) SSE of Hōnaunau-Nāpōʻopoʻo

·       Depth: 14 mi (23 km) below sea level

·       Aftershocks are possible in the coming days to weeks

EARTHQUAKE INTENSITY AND AFFECTED AREA

·       Potential Damage: No damage to buildings or infrastructure expected based on earthquake intensity

·       Maximum Intensity, Modified Mercalli Scale (https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards/science/modified-mercalli-intensity-scale)

·       Community-reported: IV - light shaking

·       Instrument-derived: IV - light shaking

·       Felt Reports: More than 93 within the first hour (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/dyfi/)

·       Felt Area: Mostly across the west of Island of Hawaiʻi with a few reports from Maui and O‘ahu

·       Visit NOAA’s Tsunami Warning Center website for updated information: https://www.tsunami.gov/

EARTHQUAKE MAPS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

·       USGS National Earthquake Information Center Maps and Reports for this Event: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/hv75019812

·       USGS-HVO Interactive Earthquake Map of Hawaiʻi: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hawaiian-volcano-observatory/earthquakes