M 4.2 Light Earthquake Recorded Near Naalehu, Hawaii

What Happened

A light earthquake with a magnitude of 4.2 (md) was recorded on March 2, 2026, at 08:39:47 UTC. The event occurred approximately 22 kilometers (13.7 miles) east-southeast of Naalehu, Hawaii. For local residents, the tremor took place at 10:39 PM Hawaii Standard Time on Sunday, March 1.

Location Details

The seismic event was centered at coordinates 19.017°N and 155.371°W. The earthquake originated at a depth of 16.38 kilometers (10.2 miles). This is considered a shallow earthquake; shallow seismic events (those occurring at depths less than 20km) are typically felt more distinctly at the surface than deeper events of the same magnitude.

Impact Assessment

Based on the current data from the USGS, there is no tsunami advisory, watch, or warning in effect for this event. No specific alert level color has been issued, and there are no immediate reports of damage or injuries associated with this magnitude 4.2 event.

What You Should Know

Earthquakes of this magnitude are classified as “light.” While they are often felt by people near the epicenter and can cause noticeable shaking, they rarely result in significant structural damage. Residents in the southern region of the Big Island may experience minor aftershocks, which are common following an event of this size.

Source

Information for this report was provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.