A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck off the southern coast of Hawaii’s Big Island on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, according to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The earthquake was recorded at 03:48 UTC, with its epicenter located approximately 45 kilometers east-southeast of Naalehu, Hawaii. The USGS calculated a relatively shallow focal depth of just 7.2 kilometers.
Initial USGS data placed the epicenter at coordinates 18.852° N, 155.215° W.
M5.1 earthquake recorded near Naalehu, Hawaii
The earthquake occurred offshore, south of Hawaii’s Big Island, in a region where seismic activity is closely monitored.
With a magnitude of 5.1 and a shallow depth of only 7.2 km, the earthquake was strong enough to be noticed by some residents.
At the time the event was checked, the USGS had received 19 felt reports. That number may increase as additional residents submit reports to the agency.
The earthquake was initially listed by the USGS with a magnitude type of ML (local magnitude), while its status remained automatic. This means some of the preliminary parameters could still be revised after seismologists review additional seismic data.
Where was the earthquake located?
According to the initial USGS solution, the epicenter was located approximately 45 km east-southeast of Naalehu, a community on the southern part of Hawaii Island.
The coordinates supplied for the earthquake were:
18.852° N, 155.215° W
Its calculated depth was:
7.2 kilometers
Because the epicenter was offshore, the strongest shaking would not necessarily correspond directly with the nearest populated location. Felt intensity depends on several factors, including distance from the epicenter, local geology and the characteristics of the earthquake itself.
Was the Hawaii earthquake felt?
The USGS had registered 19 submitted felt reports when the earthquake data were checked.
Felt-report totals are not fixed immediately after an earthquake. They often rise as people visit the USGS reporting system and describe where they were and how strongly they experienced the shaking.
At this stage, the available information does not provide a verified basis for reporting significant damage, injuries or casualties.
Meteo24News will update the report if authorities or the USGS release significant new information.
Hawaii is a seismically active region
Earthquakes are not unusual around Hawaii Island.
The island has a long history of seismic activity associated with its active volcanic and geological environment. Historical records maintained by Hawaii authorities include numerous earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 or greater around the islands, while significantly stronger events have also occurred.
One of the most notable historical earthquakes affecting Hawaii Island occurred in November 1975, when a magnitude 7-class earthquake struck the region. Other strong earthquakes have occurred around the island during the modern instrumental period.
The historical record demonstrates why even moderate earthquakes around the Big Island are monitored carefully, particularly when they occur at shallow depths.
Earthquake details
- Magnitude: M5.1
- Location: 45 km ESE of Naalehu, Hawaii
- Date: August 12, 2026
- Time: 03:48 UTC
- Depth: 7.2 km
- Coordinates: 18.852° N, 155.215° W
- Magnitude type: ML
- USGS status: Automatic
- Initial felt reports: 19
Because the USGS status was still listed as automatic, the magnitude, depth and precise epicentral location should be considered preliminary until the event is reviewed.
Monitoring continues after the M5.1 earthquake
Seismologists continue to monitor earthquake activity around Hawaii Island.
Additional smaller earthquakes or aftershocks can occur following a magnitude 5.1 event, although their occurrence, magnitude and timing cannot be predicted precisely.
Residents should rely on official information from the USGS and local Hawaiian authorities if further seismic activity develops.
