Powerful 6.0 Earthquake Strikes Hawaii’s Big Island, Kilauea Volcano Eruption Imminent

Late Friday night, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Hawaii’s Big Island, as confirmed by the U.S. Geological Survey. The tremor was felt just before 10 p.m. local time, adding to the island’s ongoing geological activity.

The earthquake occurred approximately seven miles south of Hōnaunau-Nāpōʻopoʻo, a coastal town on the island’s southwest. This region has been under close observation due to the looming threat from Kilauea, an active volcano that experts anticipate will erupt again soon, following a series of eruptions earlier in May.

In their statement, the USGS explained that the seismic activity was likely the result of stress induced by the bending of the oceanic plate. This phenomenon is attributed to the immense weight of the Hawaiian island chain pressing down on the plate.

The island’s residents and authorities remain vigilant as they brace for potential volcanic activity, while the recent earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the dynamic forces shaping the Hawaiian landscape.

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People watch as Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano erupts for the 21st time on May 11, 2025, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. (Gary Miller/Getty Images)

Strong to very strong shaking was reported on the west side of the Island of Hawaii and the earthquake resulted in several aftershocks. Over 2,500 residents submitted felt reports to USGS indicating they felt the strong shaking from the event.

A USGS map shows where Hawaii residents felt the May 22, 2026, earthquake. (United States Geological Survey)

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While the USGS said the earthquake was unrelated to Kilauea’s eruptions, the agency continues to monitor the volcano, which it expects to erupt again between May 24 and May 27.

People watched as Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupted for the 21st time on May 11, 2025. (Gary Miller/Unknown)

No tsunami warning has been issued in connection with the earthquake, according to the USGS.

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