UPDATE: Quake that rattled off Kaʻū Coast of Big Island upped to magnitude 4.4

Update at 9:36 p.m. Thursday, March 12, 2026: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that a magnitude-4.4 earthquake struck at 5:16 p.m. today (March 12) in an area 8 miles east-southeast of Pāhala at a depth of 18 miles.

The quake had no apparent impact on either Mauna Loa or Kīlauea volcanoes and is part of the seismic swarm under the Pāhala area, which has been ongoing since 2019.

Earthquakes in this region have been observed as far back as at least the 1960s.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor Hawaiian volcanoes for any changes.

EARTHQUAKE DESCRIPTION

• Magnitude: 4.4
• Time and date: 5:16 p.m. March 12
• Location: 8 miles east-southeast of Pāhala in Kaʻū on the Big Island
• Depth: 18 miles 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:

• Community-reported: IV, light shaking
• Instrument-derived: IV, light shaking
• Felt Reports: More than 155 within the first half-hour after the quake struck
• Felt Area: Around Hawaiʻi Island

Story originally posted at 6:02 p.m. Thursday, March 12, 2026: Hawai‘i County Civil Defense reports that a magnitude-4.2 earthquake struck shortly after 5 p.m. today (March 12) off the Kaʻū Coast of the Big Island.

Be sure to check for structural as well as gas, water and electrical utility damages, among others, if the quake was strongly felt in your area. Aftershocks are possible.

Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reports the temblor was not large enough to cause a tsunami for the Big Island.

Visit the Hawai‘i County Hazard Impact Map for additional information.