Magnitude-6.0 shaker shocks Big Island and beyond

This story was updated at 11:12 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2026.

U.S. Geological Survey reports a magnitude-6.0 earthquake rattled low and slow for at least a minute at 9:46 p.m. Friday, May 22, striking about 7.5 miles south of Hōnaunau-Nāpōʻopoʻo at a depth of just greater than 15 miles on the west side of the Big Island.

There were already more than 2,600 “Felt Reports” just more than 30 minutes after the quake, the farthest reported by that time from Wahiawā, Oʻahu — about 206 miles from where the quake struck on the Big Island.

At least one person not among the “Felt Reports” reported feeling the temblor from farther away.

“Yo! I felt that earthquake here on Kauaʻi!!! Has to be bigger than 5.9!” said a Kauaʻi resident, speaking about the preliminary magnitude measurement provided by officials. “Crazy! … Scary!!!!”

Most by that time were from the nearby Kailua-Kona area, with reports of very strong shaking and possible moderate damage based on the intensity report from U.S. Geological Survey.

Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense reported the quake happened on the west flank of Mauna Loa volcano, mauka of Hōnaunau.

Hawaiʻi Island Radio Scanner Community on Facebook reported there were no changes in activity at Mauna Loa. Further assessment is underway.

National Weather Service reported there is no tsunami threat from the strong shaker, which Hawaiʻi Island Radio Scanner Community reported had an epicenter in the area of Pāhoehoe/Honokua Nui Ahupuaʻa in South Kona.

The group also said damage assessments are underway around Hawaiʻi Island.

“As in all earthquakes, be aware of the possibility of after-shocks,” said Civil Defense. “If the earthquake was strongly felt in your area, check for any damages, including but not limited to structural and gas, water and electrical utilities.”

A second, weaker magnitude-3.2 temblor struck about 6 minutes after the initial quake at about 6 miles south of Hōnaunau-Nāpōʻopoʻo at a depth of about 13 miles.

More than 40 “Felt Reports” were made within the first hour after that quake.

Another magnitude-2.6 quake hit just before 11 p.m. about in about the same location, this time at a depth of about 10.5 miles.

Additional information will be provided when available.