Hawaii County, HI – A minor earthquake was recorded near Pahala on the Big Island overnight, registering a magnitude 3.1 and occurring at a depth of nearly 31 kilometers.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake struck approximately 2 kilometers northwest of Pahala at 12:45 a.m. UTC on Friday, April 25 (Thursday evening local Hawaii time). The event originated at a depth of 30.9 kilometers, which can reduce the likelihood of strong surface shaking.
Initial data shows limited reports of shaking from residents, and no injuries or damage have been reported as of early Friday. Earthquakes of this magnitude are typically considered minor and are often not felt by most people, though some nearby residents may experience light vibrations.
The Big Island, particularly areas near Pahala, sits along an active volcanic and seismic zone associated with Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Small earthquakes are relatively common in this region and are closely monitored by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
Seismologists note that deeper earthquakes like this one tend to be less disruptive compared to shallow quakes, though they still provide important data on underground activity. Officials have not issued any alerts or advisories following this event.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and report any shaking experiences to the USGS “Did You Feel It?” program, which helps scientists track earthquake intensity.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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