A small offshore earthquake gave the Kona coast a quick shake on Tuesday evening, rattling communities near Kailua‑Kona and Kahaluu‑Keauhou, but officials said it did not pose a tsunami threat to Hawaiʻi. Residents along the Big Island’s west side reported brief shaking as emergency centers monitored the situation.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a Local Tsunami Information Statement noting the quake struck at 5:59 p.m. HST and was centered near 19.6°N, 156.0°W. The bulletin listed the magnitude at 4.3 and stated, “No tsunami is expected; however, some areas may have experienced shaking,” according to Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.
USGS Location And Magnitude Updates
The U.S. Geological Survey placed the epicenter off the Kona coast and reported a depth of about 21 miles, with nearby populated places including Kahaluu‑Keauhou roughly 6 kilometers east of the epicenter, according to Maui Now summarizing USGS data. Early magnitude estimates varied as seismologists refined their measurements, a routine part of rapid seismic analysis.
Seismic Context
The June 2 temblor comes 10 days after a magnitude 6.0 quake on May 22 in the Hōnaunau‑Nāpōʻopoʻo area that was felt across the islands. USGS scientists with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said that earlier event was likely related to flexing of the Pacific Plate. Officials noted that the larger quake also did not generate a damaging tsunami, though it produced widespread felt reports across Hawaiʻi, according to the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
What Residents Should Know
The PTWC emphasized that its statement was for information only and that no immediate action was required, while advising residents to stay tuned to county civil defense and other official channels for any updates. Officials also encourage anyone who felt shaking to submit a felt report to the U.S. Geological Survey and to follow standard earthquake safety guidance: Drop, Cover and Hold On.
