Shallow M6.0 earthquake hits near Honaunau-Napoopoo, Hawaii (Updated)

A M5.96 earthquake was registered at 07:46 UTC on May 23, 2026, approximately 13 km (8 miles) south of Honaunau-Napoopoo, Hawaii. The earthquake’s hypocenter was located at a depth of 22.6 km (14 miles).

The epicenter was pinpointed at coordinates 19.3°N, 155.8°W, placing it on the southern side of the island of Hawaii, not far from small coastal communities and south of the popular heritage site of Honaunau-Napoopoo. The surrounding area is rural, with local towns and villages scattered along the coastline.

Given its proximity to the coast and Hawaii’s well-developed infrastructure, critical assets such as local roads, community centers, and power distribution lines may be located nearby. The regional airport and main highways that link coastal settlements to larger towns could also be affected by ground shaking.

There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its location and available data.

USGS issued a yellow alert for this event, indicating that some casualties or damage are possible.

The maximum estimated intensity was about VII (7), and 2,662 felt reports were submitted by residents and visitors. The significance index is 1,370 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

The island of Hawaii lies atop the Pacific Plate near the Hawaiian hotspot, a region characterized by frequent volcanic and tectonic activity. While the vast majority of tremors in the region are related to volcanic processes, tectonic earthquakes of this size do occasionally occur.

This information was last updated at 08:44 UTC on May 23, 2026.