Hawaii’s Big Island rocked by 6.0 magnitude earthquake as forecasts suggest volcano could erupt in coming days

A 6.0 magnitude earthquake rocked Hawaii’s Big Island late Friday night, startling residents across the islands and putting scientists on alert as they closely monitor nearby volcanic activity.

The quake struck near Honaunau-Napoopoo on the western side of Hawaii’s Big Island, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It originated about 23 kilometers, about 14 miles, below the surface, giving it enough depth for the shaking to be felt across a wide area.

Over 2,500 residents reported feeling light to strong shaking not just on the Big Island, but also on Maui and Oahu, where the tremors briefly rattled homes and buildings, according to USGS.

The earthquake caused minor damage and some rockslides, but the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed it did not pose a tsunami threat. Officials also reported no immediate injuries, deaths, or significant structural damage in the aftermath of the shaking.

The USGS said that the earthquake was not related to volcanic activity, however.

"The depth, location, and recorded seismic waves of the earthquake suggest that it was caused by stress due to bending of the oceanic plate from the weight of the Hawaiian island chain," USGS wrote in a statement.

Earlier Friday, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said its forecast models suggest the next eruptive episode at Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanos, could happen sometime between Sunday May 24 and Wednesday May 27. Officials stressed, however, that volcanic eruptions are difficult to predict precisely and conditions can change quickly underground.

Kilauea, located on Hawaii’s Big Island, has been erupting intermittently since December 23, 2024, making it one of the most closely watched volcanoes in the Pacific region. Its frequent activity has kept scientists on alert for any changes in behavior that could signal shifts in eruption patterns.

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