HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY INFORMATION STATEMENT

On Friday, May 5, at 4:26 p.m. HST, a magnitude-3.0 earthquake occurred 22 mi (35 km) east-northeast offshore of Waimānalo Beach, Island of Oʻahu, at a depth of 5 mi (9 km) below sea level. The earthquake was felt on the south and eastern parts of Oʻahu.  Reported shaking intensity on social media was weak to light (II-III on the Modified Mercalli scale) and no damage is expected.  

USGS National Earthquake Information Center Maps and Reports for this Event: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000k9z6/executive

The location suggests a source due to bending of the oceanic plate from the weight of the Hawaiian island chain, a common origin for earthquakes occuring away from the Island of Hawaiʻi . The event is not related to volcanic processes.

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

EARTHQUAKE DESCRIPTION 

• Magnitude: 3.0
• Date and time: May 5, 2023, 4:26 p.m. HST
• Location: 23 mi (35 km) east-northeast of Waimānalo
• Depth: 6 mi (9 km) below sea level
• Aftershocks are possible, but not likely to be felt

EARTHQUAKE INTENSITY AND AFFECTED AREA

• Potential Damage: No damage expected.
• Maximum Modified Mercalli Scale Intensity: II-III—Weak shaking based upon social med (https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards/science/modified-mercalli-intensity-scale)
• Felt Reports: More than 3 in the first hour  (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/dyfi/)
• Felt Area: Island of Oʻahu
• 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/us6000k9z6/executive
• USGS-HVO Interactive Earthquake Map of Hawaiʻi: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hawaiian-volcano-observatory/earthquakes