Hawaii Earthquake: Latest News, Risks, Preparedness & Impacts (2024)

Jul 22, 2025

Hawaii Earthquake: Latest News and Potential Impacts

The Hawaiian Islands, a volcanic archipelago formed by the Pacific Plate moving over a hotspot, are no stranger to seismic activity. Earthquakes in Hawaii are a constant reminder of the dynamic geological processes shaping the islands. This article provides the latest news on Hawaiian earthquakes, explores potential impacts, and offers guidance on preparedness.

Why Hawaii Experiences Earthquakes

Hawaii's location on the Pacific Plate makes it susceptible to earthquakes caused by several factors:

Volcanic Activity: The most common cause of earthquakes in Hawaii is the movement of magma beneath active volcanoes like Kilauea and Mauna Loa. These volcanic earthquakes are usually shallow and relatively small in magnitude, but they can be frequent.
Tectonic Activity: The Pacific Plate is constantly moving and interacting with other plates. This tectonic activity can generate larger, more damaging earthquakes. The bending and flexing of the islands themselves due to their weight and the underlying plate also contribute to seismic activity.
Landslides: Large landslides, particularly submarine landslides, can trigger earthquakes. Hawaii's steep volcanic slopes are prone to landslides, which can generate significant seismic waves.

Latest Earthquake News in Hawaii

Monitoring earthquake activity in Hawaii is crucial for public safety. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) continuously monitors seismic activity throughout the islands. Recent notable events include:

As of October 26, 2023, the USGS reports typical levels of volcanic and seismic activity. There have been no major earthquakes in the past few weeks, however continuous minor seismic activity related to volcanic processes are observed.

Analyzing Recent Seismic Events

Analyzing recent seismic events involves examining the earthquake's magnitude, location, depth, and fault mechanism. This data helps scientists understand the underlying causes of the earthquake and assess the potential for future events.

Magnitude: The magnitude of an earthquake is a measure of the energy released. It is typically reported on the Richter scale or the moment magnitude scale.
Location: The location of an earthquake's epicenter (the point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus) is crucial for determining which areas are most likely to be affected.
Depth: The depth of an earthquake's focus (the point within the Earth where the earthquake originates) influences the intensity of shaking at the surface. Shallow earthquakes tend to cause more damage.
Fault Mechanism: The fault mechanism describes the type of movement that occurred along the fault during the earthquake. This information helps scientists understand the stresses acting on the Earth's crust.

Data from seismic networks is used to create earthquake catalogs, which provide a comprehensive record of seismic activity in Hawaii. These catalogs are essential for assessing earthquake hazards and developing mitigation strategies.

Potential Impacts of Earthquakes in Hawaii

Earthquakes can have a wide range of impacts on Hawaii, affecting infrastructure, the environment, and the economy.

Infrastructure Damage

Earthquakes can cause significant damage to buildings, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. The severity of the damage depends on the earthquake's magnitude, the distance from the epicenter, and the type of construction.

Buildings: Unreinforced masonry buildings are particularly vulnerable to earthquake damage. Modern buildings constructed according to seismic building codes are designed to withstand strong shaking.
Roads and Bridges: Earthquakes can cause cracks, landslides, and collapses of roads and bridges, disrupting transportation and hindering emergency response efforts.
Utilities: Earthquakes can damage water pipes, gas lines, and power lines, leading to disruptions in essential services.

Environmental Impacts

Earthquakes can trigger landslides, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions, leading to significant environmental impacts.

Landslides: Earthquakes can destabilize slopes, causing landslides that can bury homes, damage infrastructure, and alter landscapes.
Tsunamis: Large earthquakes can generate tsunamis, which are powerful ocean waves that can inundate coastal areas, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
Volcanic Eruptions: Earthquakes can trigger volcanic eruptions, releasing lava, ash, and gas into the atmosphere, impacting air quality and potentially causing health problems.

Economic Impacts

Earthquakes can have significant economic impacts on Hawaii, affecting tourism, agriculture, and other industries.

Tourism: Earthquakes can deter tourists from visiting Hawaii, leading to a decline in tourism revenue.
Agriculture: Earthquakes can damage crops, disrupt irrigation systems, and impact agricultural production.
Business Disruptions: Earthquakes can disrupt business operations, leading to lost productivity and revenue.

Preparing for Earthquakes in Hawaii

Preparing for earthquakes is essential for minimizing the potential impacts and protecting lives and property. The following steps can help you prepare for earthquakes in Hawaii:

Earthquake Preparedness Kit

Assemble an earthquake preparedness kit that includes essential supplies such as water, food, first-aid supplies, a flashlight, a radio, and a whistle.

Water: Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for several days.
Food: Store non-perishable food items such as canned goods, energy bars, and dried fruit.
First-Aid Supplies: Include a first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
Flashlight and Radio: A flashlight and battery-powered radio are essential for communication and visibility during a power outage.
Whistle: A whistle can be used to signal for help if you are trapped.

Earthquake Safety Plan

Develop an earthquake safety plan that outlines what to do before, during, and after an earthquake. Practice the plan with your family or household members.

Before an Earthquake:
- Identify safe spots in your home, such as under sturdy tables or desks, or against interior walls.
- Secure heavy objects that could fall and cause injury.
- Learn how to shut off gas, water, and electricity.
During an Earthquake:
- Drop, cover, and hold on. Get under a sturdy table or desk, or cover your head and neck with your arms.
- Stay away from windows, mirrors, and heavy objects.
- If you are outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
After an Earthquake:
- Check for injuries and provide first aid.
- Check for damage to your home and report any hazards to the authorities.
- Listen to the radio for updates and instructions.
- Be prepared for aftershocks.
Evacuation plan: Establish a meeting point in case family members are separated during an earthquake.

Home Retrofitting

Consider retrofitting your home to make it more resistant to earthquake damage. This may involve reinforcing the foundation, securing the walls to the foundation, and bracing cripple walls.

Foundation Reinforcement: Strengthening the foundation can prevent the house from shifting off its base during an earthquake.
Wall-to-Foundation Connection: Securing the walls to the foundation can prevent the walls from collapsing.
Cripple Wall Bracing: Cripple walls are short walls that support the first floor of a house. Bracing these walls can prevent them from collapsing.

Community Involvement

Get involved in your community's earthquake preparedness efforts. This may involve participating in drills, volunteering with emergency response organizations, or advocating for stronger building codes.

Understanding Earthquake Risks in Hawaii

Understanding the specific earthquake risks in Hawaii is essential for developing effective mitigation strategies. This involves assessing the potential for large earthquakes, identifying vulnerable areas, and evaluating the potential impacts of tsunamis.

Seismic Hazard Maps

Seismic hazard maps show the potential for ground shaking in different areas. These maps are based on historical earthquake data, geological information, and computer simulations.

The USGS develops and maintains seismic hazard maps for the United States, including Hawaii. These maps are used to inform building codes, land-use planning, and emergency preparedness efforts.

Tsunami Risk Assessment

Tsunami risk assessment involves evaluating the potential for tsunamis to inundate coastal areas. This assessment considers the potential for large earthquakes to generate tsunamis, the topography of the coastline, and the vulnerability of coastal communities.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) monitors seismic activity and issues tsunami warnings for the Pacific Ocean, including Hawaii. The PTWC uses a network of seismic sensors and sea-level gauges to detect tsunamis and provide timely warnings to coastal communities.

Volcanic Earthquake Monitoring

Volcanic earthquake monitoring involves tracking seismic activity associated with active volcanoes. This monitoring can help scientists detect changes in volcanic activity and assess the potential for eruptions.

The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) monitors seismic activity at Kilauea, Mauna Loa, and other volcanoes in Hawaii. The HVO uses a network of seismic sensors to track earthquake activity and provide warnings of potential volcanic hazards.

Case Studies of Past Earthquakes in Hawaii

Examining past earthquakes in Hawaii can provide valuable insights into the potential impacts of future events. Several significant earthquakes have affected Hawaii throughout its history.

The 1868 Hawaii Earthquake

The 1868 Hawaii earthquake was one of the largest earthquakes in Hawaiian history. It had an estimated magnitude of 7.9 and caused widespread damage and loss of life.

Impacts: The earthquake triggered landslides, a tsunami, and a volcanic eruption. The tsunami caused widespread destruction along the coast, and the volcanic eruption released lava and gas into the atmosphere.
Lessons Learned: The 1868 Hawaii earthquake highlighted the vulnerability of Hawaii to large earthquakes and the importance of tsunami preparedness.

The 1975 Kalapana Earthquake

The 1975 Kalapana earthquake had a magnitude of 7.2 and caused significant damage along the southeast coast of the Big Island.

Impacts: The earthquake triggered a tsunami that inundated coastal areas, causing damage to homes and infrastructure. The earthquake also caused landslides and ground cracks.
Lessons Learned: The 1975 Kalapana earthquake reinforced the importance of building codes that consider seismic hazards and the need for effective tsunami warning systems.

The 2006 Kiholo Bay Earthquake

The 2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake had a magnitude of 6.7 and caused moderate damage on the Big Island and Oahu.

Impacts: The earthquake caused power outages, building damage, and landslides. It also triggered a small tsunami that did not cause significant damage.
Lessons Learned: The 2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake demonstrated the importance of earthquake preparedness and the need for ongoing monitoring of seismic activity.

The Role of Technology in Earthquake Monitoring and Prediction

Advancements in technology have significantly improved earthquake monitoring and prediction capabilities. These technologies include:

Seismic Networks

Seismic networks consist of a network of seismic sensors that record ground motion. These sensors are used to detect and locate earthquakes, measure their magnitude, and analyze their fault mechanisms.

The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) operates a seismic network throughout Hawaii. This network provides real-time data on earthquake activity, which is used to assess earthquake hazards and issue warnings.

GPS Technology

Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is used to measure ground deformation. This technology can detect subtle movements of the Earth's crust, which can indicate the buildup of stress that could lead to an earthquake.

GPS data is used to monitor volcanic activity in Hawaii. By tracking ground deformation, scientists can detect changes in magma pressure and assess the potential for eruptions.

InSAR Technology

Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technology uses satellite radar images to measure ground deformation. This technology can detect subtle changes in the Earth's surface over large areas.

InSAR data is used to monitor volcanic activity in Hawaii. By tracking ground deformation, scientists can detect changes in magma pressure and assess the potential for eruptions.

Government and Community Initiatives for Earthquake Safety

Several government and community initiatives are in place to promote earthquake safety in Hawaii. These initiatives include:

Building Codes

Building codes are regulations that specify the minimum standards for the design and construction of buildings. These codes are designed to ensure that buildings can withstand earthquakes and other natural hazards.

Hawaii has adopted building codes that incorporate seismic design requirements. These codes are based on the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC), which are developed by the International Code Council (ICC).

Emergency Management Agencies

Emergency management agencies are responsible for coordinating disaster preparedness and response efforts. These agencies work to develop emergency plans, conduct drills, and provide training to the public.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) is responsible for coordinating disaster preparedness and response efforts in Hawaii. HI-EMA works with local governments, community organizations, and private sector partners to ensure that Hawaii is prepared for earthquakes and other natural hazards.

Community Education Programs

Community education programs provide information to the public about earthquake hazards and preparedness. These programs can help people understand the risks they face and take steps to protect themselves and their families.

Several organizations offer community education programs on earthquake preparedness in Hawaii. These organizations include the American Red Cross, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.

Living with Earthquakes: Long-Term Adaptation Strategies

Living with earthquakes requires long-term adaptation strategies that focus on reducing vulnerability and building resilience. These strategies include:

Sustainable Land-Use Planning

Sustainable land-use planning involves making decisions about how land is used in a way that minimizes risks and promotes long-term sustainability. This can involve avoiding construction in areas that are prone to earthquakes, landslides, or tsunamis.

Hawaii has adopted land-use planning policies that consider earthquake hazards. These policies aim to reduce vulnerability by restricting development in high-risk areas.

Resilient Infrastructure Design

Resilient infrastructure design involves designing infrastructure that can withstand earthquakes and other natural hazards. This can involve using stronger materials, incorporating seismic isolation techniques, and designing redundant systems.

Hawaii is investing in resilient infrastructure design to protect critical infrastructure from earthquakes. This includes retrofitting existing buildings and designing new buildings to withstand strong shaking.

Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction

Community-based disaster risk reduction involves empowering communities to take ownership of their own safety. This can involve training community members in first aid, search and rescue, and other disaster response skills.

Several organizations are working to promote community-based disaster risk reduction in Hawaii. These organizations provide training and resources to help communities prepare for and respond to earthquakes and other natural hazards.

Conclusion: Staying Informed and Prepared in Earthquake-Prone Hawaii

Earthquakes are a natural part of life in Hawaii. By staying informed about the latest earthquake news, understanding the potential impacts, and taking steps to prepare, residents and visitors alike can minimize the risks and protect themselves and their communities.

Continuous monitoring by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, combined with proactive preparedness measures at the individual, community, and government levels, are crucial for ensuring the safety and resilience of Hawaii in the face of seismic activity. Staying vigilant and informed is the best way to live safely in this dynamic volcanic environment.