š Did you know? The KÄ«lauea volcano produces thousands of small earthquakes each year, most below M3.
š Local earthquakes (past 24h)
About Earthquake Activity in Hawaii
Hawaii experiences regular seismic activity driven by volcanic hotspot activity beneath the Pacific plate. Learn more about seismic activity in Hawaii below.
The largest earthquake recorded in Hawaii in the past 100 years was M7.7 in 1975 (17 km SSW of Leilani Estates, Hawaii). The region is defined by KÄ«lauea South Flank Fault, Mauna Loa rift zones, and the risk level is classified as Moderate.
With a population of 1.4 million, understanding local seismic hazards is crucial. This page provides realātime USGS data and historical context for Hawaii.
Why does Hawaii experience earthquakes?
Hawaii lies on Intraplate hotspot (Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain). The movement of these plates builds up stress, which is released as earthquakes. In subduction zones, one plate dives beneath another, generating some of the largest quakes on Earth. In strikeāslip regions like the San Andreas, plates slide past horizontally.
Key facts about Hawaii seismicity
- š Seismic risk: Moderate
- šļø Major faults: KÄ«lauea South Flank Fault, Mauna Loa rift zones
- š
Notable historical quakes: 1975 Kalapana (M7.7), 2018 KÄ«lauea eruption swarm (M6.9)
- š„ Population exposed: 1.4 million
- š§© Tectonic setting: Intraplate hotspot (Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain)
Frequently Asked Questions about Hawaii Earthquakes
ā What was the strongest earthquake in Hawaii?
The largest earthquake recorded in Hawaii in the past 100 years was M7.7 in 1975 (17 km SSW of Leilani Estates, Hawaii).
ā Is Hawaii on a fault line?
Yes, Hawaii is crossed by KÄ«lauea South Flank Fault, Mauna Loa rift zones, making it prone to seismic activity.
ā How often do earthquakes occur in Hawaii?
Due to its tectonic setting (Intraplate hotspot (Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain)), Hawaii experiences hundreds to thousands of earthquakes each year, though most are too small to feel.
ā What should I do during an earthquake in Hawaii?
Drop, cover, and hold on. Stay away from windows, and if outdoors, move to an open area. After the shaking stops, check for injuries and be ready for aftershocks.
Other seismically active regions
Data sources: USGS realātime feed, USGS historical archive (last 100 years), and Wikipedia. Page refreshes live earthquake data every 60 seconds.
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