3.8 magnitude earthquake strikes Sunday night near Pāhala on Big Island

On Sunday at 11:58 p.m. a 3.8 magnitude earthquake occurred 7 miles east-northeast of Pāhala on the Island of Hawaiʻi at a depth of 20 miles below sea level.

Light shaking from the earthquake was reported across the Big Island, but no damage is expected. There were 29 felt reports through 6 a.m. Monday morning.

The earthquake had no apparent impact on either Mauna Loa or Kīlauea volcanoes, according to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

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 observatory is continuing to monitor Hawaiian volcanoes for any changes.