HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY INFORMATION STATEMENT
U.S. Geological Survey
Monday, December 4, 2023, 6:50 PM HST (Tuesday, December 5, 2023, 04:50 UTC)

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY INFORMATION STATEMENT  

On Monday, December 4, at 5:54 p.m. HST, a magnitude-5.1 earthquake occurred at Kīlauea volcano, at a depth of 1 mi (2 km) below sea level.  The size and location of this earthquake indicate it is related to shallow movement on the pali system of Kīlauea volcano’s south flank and is not directly related to volcanic activity. One magnitude-3 aftershock has occurred. Aftershocks will likely continue, some large enough to be felt locally.  We see no detectable changes in activity at Kīlauea as a result of these earthquakes. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor for any changes.   

EARTHQUAKE DESCRIPTION    

• Magnitude: 5.1 

• Date and time: December 4, 2023, 5:54 p.m. HST      

• Location: 9 mi (14 km) south southeast of Volcano, Island of Hawaiʻi   

• Depth: 1 mi (2 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 Modified Mercalli Scale Intensity: IV-V—Light to moderate shaking, no significant damage expected and none reported at this time (https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards/science/modified-mercalli-intensity-scale)      

• Felt Reports:  Over 200 within first half hour (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/dyfi/)   

• Felt Area: Widely over 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/hv73673302/executive   

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