Magnitude-4.5 Earthquake Information Statement
On Wednesday, June 17, 2:14 a.m. HST, a magnitude-4.5 earthquake occurred 11 mi (17 km) southeast of Pāhala on the Island of Hawaiʻi at a depth of 21 mi (33 km) below sea level. The earthquake had no apparent impact on either Mauna Loa or Kīlauea volcanoes.
HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY INFORMATION STATEMENT
U.S. Geological Survey
Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 2:50 AM HST (Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 12:50 UTC)
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Volcano Observatory
Summary: Magnitude-4.5 earthquake near Pahala, Island of Hawaiʻi
HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY INFORMATION STATEMENT
On Wednesday, June 17, 2:14 a.m. HST, a magnitude-4.5 earthquake occurred 11 mi (17 km) southeast of Pāhala on the Island of Hawaiʻi at a depth of 21 mi (33 km) below sea level. The earthquake had no apparent impact on either Mauna Loa or Kīlauea volcanoes.
This earthquake is part of the seismic swarm under the Pāhala area, which has been going on since 2019. Earthquakes in this region have been observed at least as far back as the 1960s. See https://www.usgs.gov/news/volcano-watch-why-do-so-many-deep-earthquakes-happen-around-pahala for more information.
The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor Hawaiian volcanoes for any changes.
EARTHQUAKE DESCRIPTION
- Magnitude: 4.5
- Date and Time: June 17, 2026, at 2:14 a.m. HST
- Location: 11 mi (17 km) SE of Pāhala
- Depth: 21 mi (33 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/modifie…)
- Community-reported: IV - light shaking
- Instrument-derived: IV - light shaking
- Felt Reports: More than 169 within the first hour (https://earthquake.usgs.gov/dyfi/)
- Felt Area: Widely across the Island of Hawaiʻi
- 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/hv74984492
- USGS-HVO Interactive Earthquake Map of Hawaiʻi: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hawaiian-volcano-observatory/earthquakes
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is one of five volcano observatories within the U.S. Geological Survey and is responsible for monitoring volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawaiʻi and American Samoa.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
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Summary of volcanic hazards from eruptions: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/hazards
Recent earthquakes in Hawaiʻi (map and list): https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo
Explanation of Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/volcanic-alert-levels-characterize-conditions-us-volcanoes