Volcano Updates

Volcano observatories issue updates and other types of notifications as activity warrants.

Volcano Notification Service

Volcano Updates Archive

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY INFORMATION STATEMENT
U.S. Geological Survey
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 9:03 PM HST (Friday, September 18, 2026, 07:03 UTC)

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Volcano Observatory

Summary: Magnitude-4.1 earthquake near Pāhala, Island of Hawaiʻi

On Thursday, September 17 at 8:36 p.m. HST, a magnitude-4.1 earthquake occurred 3 mi (5 km) south of Pāhala on the Island of Hawaiʻi at a depth of 8 mi (12 km) below sea level. 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: September 17, 2026, at 8:36 p.m. HST 
Location: 3 mi (5 km) S of Pāhala, Island of Hawaiʻi  
Depth: 8 mi (12 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: Over 80 within first half hour (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/dyfi/)  
Felt Area: 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: PUT NEIC EVENT PAGE LINK HERE
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:

askHVO@usgs.gov

Subscribe to these messages: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/
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