M 3.2 Minor Earthquake Strikes Near Pāhala, Hawaii

What Happened

A minor earthquake with a magnitude of 3.2 (md) was recorded near Pāhala, Hawaii. The seismic event occurred at 06:52:45 UTC on March 18, 2026 (20:52:45 local time on March 17). The earthquake was centered at a depth of -0.18 km, which is classified as a very shallow event.

Location Details

The epicenter was located at coordinates 19.180°N, 155.575°W, approximately 10 km west-southwest of Pāhala. Shallow earthquakes, typically defined as those occurring at depths less than 20 km, are often felt more distinctly by those near the epicenter compared to deeper seismic events of the same magnitude.

Impact Assessment

According to the USGS, there were 3 felt reports recorded shortly after the event. There is no tsunami advisory, watch, or threat associated with this earthquake. No specific alert level color was assigned to this event, and there are no reports of damage or injuries.

What You Should Know

Earthquakes with magnitudes between 2.5 and 3.9 are classified as “minor.” While they are frequently felt by people in the immediate vicinity, they rarely cause structural damage. Residents in the area may experience light shaking. As with any seismic activity, minor aftershocks remain a possibility.

Source

Information and data provided by the USGS.