A seismic event with a magnitude of 6.0 struck Hawaii’s Big Island just before 10 p.m. local time on Friday night, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey.
This tremor coincides with ongoing surveillance by the USGS of Kilauea, a highly active volcano on the island. Experts predict another eruption in the near future following multiple eruptions earlier in May.
The epicenter of Friday night’s quake was located approximately seven miles south of Hōnaunau-Nāpōʻopoʻo, a coastal town on the island’s southwest shoreline, according to information from the USGS.
According to a statement from the USGS, “The characteristics of the earthquake, including its depth, location, and seismic wave patterns, indicate it resulted from stress caused by the bending of the oceanic plate under the weight of the Hawaiian island chain.”
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On May 11, 2025, spectators observed the 21st eruption of Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by 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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