Magnitude 3.6 earthquake on Friday strikes 4 miles from Laupāhoehoe on Big Island

On Friday at 12:59 p.m., a magnitude 3.6 earthquake occurred 4 miles west-southwest of Laupāhoehoe on the Big Island and at a depth of 19 miles below sea level.

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

Based on the earthquake intensity, no damage to buildings or infrastructure is expected, although residents in the area may have felt light shaking.

The depth, location and recorded seismic waves of the earthquake suggest a source due to bending of the oceanic plate from the weight of the Hawaiian island chain, a common source for earthquakes in this area.

The observatory said the earthquake is likely related to stress from the weight of the island on the underlying ocean crust and was not directly related to volcanic action. 

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said it will continue to monitor Hawaiian volcanoes for any changes.