4.2 magnitude earthquake shakes Big Island, light damage reported

At about 2:24 p.m. on April 22, a magnitude 4.2 earthquake occurred about 1.25 miles south southeast of Volcano on the Big Island.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said the earthquake was at a depth of .7 miles below sea level and about 1.25 miles north northeast of Kīlauea caldera, just within the boundaries of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. 

Moderate shaking occurred during the earthquake, with 42 “felt reports” in the first half hour. Light damage also was reported from several residents. The earthquake had no apparent impact on either Mauna Loa or Kīlauea volcanoes. Aftershocks are possible in the coming days to weeks     

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

Earthquake intensity and affected area:

• Maximum Modified Mercalli Scale Intensity: VI—Moderate shaking (https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards/science/modified-mercalli-intensity-scale)     
• Felt Reports: 42 within the first half hour (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/dyfi/)  
• Felt Area: East-central portion of the Island of Hawaiʻi between Hilo and Volcano 
• 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: 
•  M 4.2 – 2 km SSE of Volcano, Hawaii (usgs.gov) 
• USGS-HVO Interactive Earthquake Map of Hawaiʻi: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hawaiian-volcano-observatory/earthquakes