HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY INFORMATION STATEMENT

On Sunday, May 7, 11:58 p.m. HST, a magnitude-3.8 earthquake occurred 7 mi (11 km) east-northeast of Pāhala on the Island of Hawaiʻi at a depth of 20 mi (32 km) below sea level. Light shaking from the earthquake was reported across the Island of Hawaiʻi, but no damage is expected. The earthquake had no apparent impact on either Mauna Loa or Kīlauea volcanoes. 

This deep earthquake is part of the swarm of earthquakes that has been occurring beneath the Pāhala region since 2019. These quakes may be related to deep transport of magma in the hotspot beneath the Island of Hawaiʻi, but pose no volcanic threat to residents. 

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

EARTHQUAKE DESCRIPTION 

• Magnitude: 3.8
• Date and time: May 7, 2023, at 11:58 p.m. HST
• Location: 7 mi (11 km) ENE of Pāhala 
• Depth: 20 mi (32 km) below sea level 
• Aftershocks are possible.

EARTHQUAKE INTENSITY AND AFFECTED AREA

• Potential Damage: No damage expected.
• Maximum Modified Mercalli Scale Intensity: IV—Light shaking (https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards/science/modified-mercalli-intensity-scale)
• Felt Reports: More than 27 in the first hour  (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/dyfi/)
• Felt Area: The earthquake was widely felt on most of the Island of Hawaiʻi with no reports from the Kohāla region or other islands.
• 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: M 3.8 - 11 km ENE of Pāhala, Hawaii (usgs.gov)
• USGS-HVO Interactive Earthquake Map of Hawaiʻi: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hawaiian-volcano-observatory/earthquakes